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Petencito Zoo: A Glimpse into Petén's Biodiversity

Discover diverse Central American wildlife in natural-like habitats at Petencito Zoo, just a short trip from Flores, Guatemala.

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Petencito Zoo, located near Flores, Guatemala, offers a close-up look at the diverse wildlife of Central America. This ecological park, owned by the University of San Carlos de Guatemala, focuses on conservation and education, showcasing regional species in natural-like habitats.

A brief summary to Petencito Zoo

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially during the rainy season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the zoo's grounds.
  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main square of Flores, Parque Central, walk northwest towards Calle 30 de junio. Continue straight until the intersection with Avenida 5 de febrero. Turn left onto Avenida 5 de febrero and walk until the bridge connecting Flores to the mainland. Cross the bridge and continue onto Carr. a San Miguel. Look for signs for Petencito Zoo on the right after approximately 1.5 km.

  • Public Transport

    From Flores, go to the bus terminal near the bridge. Take a bus or 'pick-up' heading to San Miguel. The fare is around 5-10 quetzales. Tell the driver you want to go to Petencito Zoo. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes. Walk a short distance to the zoo entrance from where the bus drops you off.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in Flores. A taxi to Petencito Zoo from Flores will cost approximately 52.5 GTQ. Ensure the driver knows the location of Petencito Zoo. The journey should take around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Unlock the Best of Petencito Zoo

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Discover more about Petencito Zoo

Located a short distance from the island town of Flores, Petencito Zoo (also known as Centro de Educación Ambiental y Vida Silvestre) provides a convenient opportunity to encounter the wildlife of the Petén region. The zoo was established in 1979 to house rescued regional wildlife. Today, Petencito is owned and operated by the University of San Carlos de Guatemala, with a mission to conserve, rehabilitate, and promote responsible stewardship of the area's natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring a variety of animals native to Central America, including colorful birds, playful monkeys, and majestic felines. Habitats are designed to mimic the animals' natural environments, promoting animal welfare. In addition to animal exhibits, Petencito also contains some Mayan archeological monuments. The zoo also has picnic areas. While some reviews mention that the zoo could use some improvements , others praise it as an ecological park where children can have fun.

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