10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Argentina

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In order to gain a real appreciation for the wildlife and ecosystems in Argentina, you should make sure to stop in at one of the many zoos and aquariums located throughout the country.

These different spots offer lots of excursions and events for those visiting to enjoy throughout the year.

Tours, outdoor activities, and shows make for great day trips if you are visiting the area and want to get the full experience. 

Best Zoos & Aquariums in Argentina

When you are planning your trip to Argentina, make sure you add a few of the zoos and aquariums below to your itinerary. 

1. Zoo Lujan

Before you pull up to Zoo Lujan on your visit, make sure you download the zoo app on your phone so you do not miss out on any exhibits and activities that may be happening at the museum on site.

With the zoo being open daily in Buenos Aires, it is easily accessible for those who are traveling internationally.

You can take public transportation to this zoo and experience the different animals housed on the 37-acre property.

With Asian elephants, lions, llamas, and brown bears, there is a variety of animals to enjoy on one of the guided tours.

If you plan to make a day out of this trip, there are several dining options available onsite so that you do not have to feel rushed during your experience.

For those true enthusiasts, there is RV camping available, as well. 

2. Arca de Noe

More than a zoo, Arca de Noe gives your family a true outdoor experience.

The zoo onsite has over 300 animals in its care, with many being farm-raised animals and some of the milder wildlife from the area.

There aren’t a lot of exotic animals in this location, but a more educational experience and a true representation of living in Argentina.

Visitors are able to interact with the animals in the zoo and even participate in regular feedings throughout the day.

After your family has finished exploring the zoo, there is an airpark where they can be adventurous and take on the obstacle course.

A water park is also available where they can cool off and play with other visitors to the zoo.

Lots of games and events happen throughout the year to keep guests engaged while they are visiting. 

3. Aquarium Mar del Plata

Located on the other side of the Punta Mogotes Lighthouse is the Aquarium Mar del Plata where visitors and tourists can explore the ocean life in a safe and educational setting.

Penguins, dolphins, and sea lions are just a few of the animals that call this aquarium home.

While there are numerous exhibits to visit and explore, the aquarium also serves as a rehabilitation center for animals who needed assistance and are working to get themselves back out into the ocean.

When you visit the aquarium, you can either meet the dolphins or sea lions so that your party can have that full experience.

There are other experiences available, such as being a zookeeper for a day where you can assist with chores and help with some of the rehabilitation services that are available for these animals. 

4. Safaris de la Selva

For a full safari experience, you can visit the location and take in the views either by bus or by boat.

This experience is one of the top-rated experiences in Argentina for visitors who want an experience that shows the countryside and the true natural beauty of the country.

For an additional fee, your party can also secure a motorboat under the Iguazu Waterfall, getting up close and personal with nature and the wildlife in this area.

Because it is on the border with Brazil, you will see a variety of natural wildlife that call this property home and live out in the wild.

You get to experience this with a trained guide while out on your tour so that you are not left alone in an unknown area. 

5. Mundo Marino

Another large aquarium in Argentina is Mundo Marino.

One of the biggest attractions of this aquarium is the dolphin and killer whale shows that happen throughout the day.

Many compare their design to a large outdoor aquarium that offers amphitheaters and lots of pool areas where these ocean animals are residing.

If you are looking to experience a blend of zoo and aquarium in one place, there is a small petting zoo on the premises where you can take your time interacting with these animals, feeding them, and even doing a safari tour into the backcountry where the wildlife is viewable.

For many visitors, Mundo Marino is a great place when you are limited on time and want to get all the experiences in one location. 

6. Temaiken Biopark

When you visit Temaiken Biopark, it is not your typical zoo and has a different design to it, so be prepared.

Also, allow yourself at least 3 hours for your experience while you are here.

The mission of this location is first research, education, and preservation.

While the animals are viewable as they would be in a zoo, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with the staff to ensure that the environment and ecosystems are in good standing.

All experiences and activities that happen on the property are meant to educate visitors.

The property has a large aviary for some of the most tropical birds in the area, as well as an aquarium and exotic animals that give visitors all something to enjoy.

You can purchase your tickets in advance if you would like and make sure to see what events will be happening at the time of your visit. 

7. Tatu Carreta Zoologico

The Tatu Carreta Zoo is a smaller zoo in Argentina, but it is a great location for those who are traveling and want to enjoy the Argentina countryside.

This property is more of a farm-style zoo, with most of the animals being domesticated.

It is a very hands-on zoo, however, allowing you to interact with the animals and feed them throughout the day.

You can take a safari safely in your vehicle and experience the wildlife as you make your way across the large property. 

8. Ecas

If you want an experience that is going to take up the majority of your day, make sure you set aside one whole day for Ecas if it is on your list of stops.

Ecas is designed as a foundational property that works to improve the overall growth and development of Buenos Aires nearby.

What you experience on this property is more than just a zoo, it is a working property that is building and supplying the local community.

You will find lots of animals wandering openly on the property and staff working to make sure that you enjoy them while being safe.

There isn’t a lot of dangerous wildlife that wanders aimlessly through the zoo, but it is important to keep in mind they can be out there so you need to be mindful as you navigate through the Ecas zoo.

There are lots of birds living on the property that are native to the area. 

9. Zoo de Cordoba

When you visit the Zoo de Cordoba, you will find a variety of animals that call this location home, and they range from all types of areas.

While some are native to Argentina and even South America, you will find Asian and African favorites within the zoo for you to enjoy.

Zoo de Cordoba not only offers large enclosures for their animals but there is also diverse plant life found throughout the zoo.

The greenery growing in these exhibits and along the pathways is reflective of the different environments for these animals.

They do offer birthday parties and celebrations for those who are out on holiday and want a wildlife experience.

On the weekends, you can find several educational classes that are available for all the different families and visitors that are coming to the area to experience different parts of the world. 

10. Zoologico Serpentario Mendoza

Located in Mendoza is the Zoologica Serpentario or Serpent Zoo where you can find an array of reptiles that are secured in their own enclosures.

This zoo specializes in reptiles that are native to South America and also some of the more famous snakes found around the world.

With over 50 different snake varieties on the premises, you will be able to get a real experience and appreciation for these animals if you have an appreciation for them.

This is a smaller zoo, so you do not have to allot yourself more than one hour for this visit.

Many families enjoy this as a quick stop to entertain children who may need to stretch their legs or have gotten bored and need something to entertain them for a little while. 

10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Argentina – Summary Table

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