Amaru Zoológico Bioparque: A Sanctuary of Ecuadorian Biodiversity

4.6 (1881)

Discover Ecuador's wildlife at Amaru Zoológico Bioparque, a conservation center showcasing native animals in natural habitats near Cuenca.

Home
Ecuador
Southeast Oriente
Amaru Zoológico Bioparque

Amaru Zoológico Bioparque, near Cuenca, Ecuador, is more than just a zoo; it's a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to rescuing and protecting Ecuadorian wildlife. Nestled in the Andes, the bioparque offers an immersive experience with native animals in naturalistic habitats, promoting conservation and education.

A brief summary to Amaru Zoológico Bioparque

Hospital del Río, Azogues - Cuenca km 10, Cuenca, EC
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Amaru Zoológico Bioparque.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the bioparque is located on a mountainside with steep trails.
Visit during the week to avoid larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and unique animals.
Check the feeding times of certain animals for a more engaging experience.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Lugares

Discover the Serenity of Cuenca's Lush City Park

El Paraíso Park

El Paraíso Park: Cuenca's Urban Oasis

Pumapungo Museum

Discover the Rich Heritage at Pumapungo Museum

Getting There

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient way to reach Amaru Zoológico Bioparque from Cuenca's city center. A taxi ride typically costs between $4 and $5. From the Cuenca airport, a taxi to the bioparque will also cost around $7 - $9. Be aware that finding a taxi for the return trip, especially later in the day, can be challenging. You might need to wait for a taxi dropping off other visitors or consider asking a local family for a ride.
Public Transport

You can take a bus from Cuenca city center towards Hospital del Río. Several bus lines stop near Zoologico Amaru, including L1, L3 and L8. From the bus stop, you'll need to walk a short distance down the highway and then up a steep dirt road to reach the entrance. Check local bus schedules and routes for the most up-to-date information.

Discover more about Amaru Zoológico Bioparque

Amaru Zoológico Bioparque offers a unique opportunity to experience Ecuador's rich biodiversity. Unlike typical zoos, Amaru is a non-profit organization committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting wildlife. The bioparque's name, Amaru, means serpent in Quichua, connecting it to an ancient deity.Founded in 2002 by Ecuador's Ministry of Environment, Amaru has evolved into a leading conservation organization. The bioparque spans a large area across a mountainside, creating natural habitats for its inhabitants. Visitors can observe a wide array of animals, including Andean bears, jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Many of the animals have been rescued from circuses or donated from other zoos. Amaru also actively participates in programs aimed at protecting endangered species and promoting awareness about biodiversity.The design of Amaru allows for closer encounters with the animals in natural-seeming habitats. The bioparque also supports conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest and Andean forests. Amaru's mission extends to educating the community and promoting the knowledge, protection, and conservation of the country's natural and cultural resources.