There are so many great things to take advantage of when you visit Brazil.
Being able to take advantage of the natural wildlife and marine life that is essential to the economy is a great way to spend one or more afternoons, especially if you are traveling with kids.
Brazil is home to several great options that are interactive and provide a variety of different activities for guests to enjoy.
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Best Zoos and Aquariums in Brazil
Below are some of the best aquariums and zoos that are located in Brazil.
If you are planning a trip in the near future, you check out a few of these locations.
1. Projeto Tamar
If you or your loved ones are interested in sea turtles, then Projeto Tamar is the right place for you to visit.
They have one of the largest selections of sea turtles in their aquarium.
They include the Loggerhead sea turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Leatherback turtle, Green sea turtle, and Olive turtle exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
These exhibits are also used for research purposes, so you will notice that they have their own large environments and also interact with other sea animals.
Because three is a threat to extinction for many of these species, they are protected in Projeto Tamar as a way to help rebuild the species.
When families visit this location, they gain a true understanding and education about sea turtles.
They are open year-round, and families should expect to spend several hours at the aquarium when they visit.
2. Parque das Aves
Open daily to visitors, Parque das Aves is available for everyone to explore and take in all the different tropical birds and wildlife that call this location home.
The tours are scheduled throughout the day each day.
If you have a large group, you should plan to purchase tickets in advance and explore the different immersion nurseries that are located around the park.
At any given time, you could have more than 50 different macaws surrounding you throughout the habitat.
In addition to fostering and having a haven for these birds, there is also an extensive amount of research and conservation efforts that go into protecting the species that are a part of the Atlantic Forest.
There are over 200 different types of wildlife found throughout the park to enjoy on the tour such as boa constrictors and flamingos among others.
3. Aquario Natural
When it comes to finding a newly renovated and large aquarium, the Aquario Natural allows visitors to have more than just viewing opportunities.
Experiences such as scuba diving and getting into the aquarium allow opportunities that are not available in other aquariums.
It is important to secure tickets early so that you can do the snorkeling or scuba diving and not have to worry about waiting.
Once your excursion with the aquarium is over, you can enjoy the rest of the exhibits that include river guides.
Plan to spend the day at the Aquario Natural, where you have a few dining choices to enjoy so you do not have to rush your experience.
4. Gramado Zoo
One of the most renowned zoos in South America is Gramado Zoo.
There are over 1500 animals inhabited throughout the zoo.
Each section throughout the zoo is connected through easy walkways that are convenient for everyone who is visiting to enjoy.
Throughout the year, visitors can get a different view of the park and enjoy the night view that is offered.
Those animals that are nocturnal are much easier to see.
Some of the animals found throughout the zoo include emus and crocodiles from Australia, as well as Asian and African animals in large, spacious enclosures.
It is important to note that this zoo is open every day, but depending on the time of year, the hours could be shorter than others.
If you have a large group that is seeking a fun trip, call ahead and secure tickets to maximize your experience.
This location is also very accessible in regard to private and public transportation. It is only 115 km from Porto Alegre.
5. Recanto Ecologico Rio da Prata
Make sure to pack a day bag, and expect to spend the majority of your day at Recanto Ecologico Rio da Prata.
This tour that guests experience in the park lasts for several hours, so it is essential that you leave a better part of your day planning.
Since 1995, this zoo has been growing significantly to showcase different experiences for visitors who may be local when visiting Brazil for the first time.
The tour begins with a beautiful walk through the forest between Prata and Olha d’Agua rivers.
Once the group makes it to the riverbank, you will begin your floating experience with the appropriate equipment and led by a guide.
After this experience, the tour heads back to the farmhouse on the property to enjoy a healthy Brazilian lunch and siesta for an hour or two.
If you choose, there are horseback excursions available after lunch that will give you a full-day experience and allow you to see more of the property.
6. Zoologico de Sao Paulo
One of the oldest zoos in Brazil is Zoologico de Sao Paulo, opening in 1957 and gradually grew over the years to be the great zoo that it is today.
This zoo is open daily, with a variety of different exhibits to enjoy.
Live animal exhibits include serpents, frogs, and other wildlife that is native to South America.
Small lizards like geckos and bearded dragons are also plentiful at the zoo.
Visitors get to experience the importance these small animals have on the ecosystem.
Suava ants are also a large attraction to this zoo, as they are essential to the ecosystem and Zoologico de Sao Paula has a large colony that visitors can view and enjoy.
This location is great for outdoor weddings, birthday parties, and large events for organizations and companies.
7. Sao Paulo Aquarium
If you are planning to be in Sao Paulo for a day or two, make sure you visit one of the best aquariums available in the country and maybe even the continent of South America.
A great spot for kids and large groups, there are over 300 different species available to view and experience in the aquarium.
There is marine life from all over the world, and a schedule of events and feedings to be enjoyed throughout the day.
You can purchase tickets online or at the door depending on age and some discounts are available for different occupations.
You will want to come early so that you have enough time to visit the entire aquarium.
8. AquaRio
If you are staying in Rio during your trip to Brazil, AquaRio is a great stop to take the family.
The largest aquarium in the country is open daily.
The aquarium exhibits house thousands of animals who have native homes around the world.
Due to the size and diversity of marine life in AquaRio, there is extensive research happening behind the scenes of this aquarium that has helped with rehabilitating different species.
Because of the work and steps taken to protect the animals in the care of AquaRio, conservation efforts are encouraged and taught to visitors as they visit about keeping the oceans healthy for these animals.
There are several international sponsors that donate to the conservation and research efforts of the aquarium annually to ensure that their work continues while they provide an exciting place for families and visitors to enjoy.
9. Projeto Jiboia
At the Projeto Jiboia, education and teaching visitors how to handle the boa constrictors and other snakes on the property are essential.
Understanding their importance to the environment and encouraging a more positive approach to these animals is important to the mission of Projeto Jiboia.
After your presentation is over, you have the opportunity to pose and take pictures with the boas.
This serpentarium currently carries 13 different boas and pythons.
10. Zooparque
If you want to experience the animals found in a traditional zoo, but want a different experience, Zooparque may be right for you.
Please keep in mind that the trails at this zoo are not adaptable for those who cannot handle long walks or strollers.
If you plan to carry small children, you need to be prepared to carry them or have them walk.
This tour lasts between two and three hours. Over 150,000 visitors come to Zooparque annually to experience 3 kilometers of large animal exhibits.
You will find a dinosaur exhibit along your way, with animals from Africa, Australia, and Asia living in ecosystems designed specifically for them.
10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Brazil – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Projeto Tamar | Av. do Farol, S/N - Zona Rural, Mata de São João - BA, 48280-000, Brazil |
| Parque das Aves | Av. das Cataratas, 12450 - KM 17,1 - Vila Yolanda, Foz do Iguaçu - PR, 85859-899, Brazil |
| Aquario Natural | Rodovia Bonito - Guia Lopes da Laguna, Km 7 S/n - Zona Rural, Bonito - MS, 79290-000, Brazil |
| Gramado Zoo | RS-115, 35 - Várzea Grande, Gramado - RS, 95670-000, Brazil |
| Recanto Ecologico Rio da Prata | km 512 Rodovia BR-267 Zona Rural Zona Rural, Bonito - MS, 79240-000, Brazil |
| Zoologico de Sao Paulo | Av. Miguel Estefno, 4241 - Água Funda, São Paulo - SP, 04301-905, Brazil |
| Sao Paulo Aquarium | R. Huet Bacelar, 407 - Vila São José, São Paulo - SP, 04275-000, Brazil |
| AquaRio | Praça Muhammad Ali - Via Binário do Porto, s/n - Gamboa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20220-360, Brazil |
| Projeto Jiboia | R. Nestor Fernandes, 610 - Formoso, Bonito - MS, 79290-000, Brazil |
| Zooparque | Paraíso das Aves - Av. ZooParque Itatiba, Rod. Dom Pedro I, KM 95.5, Itatiba - SP, 13254-762, Brazil |
Brazil Safety Overview
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is conservation a part of all the zoos and aquariums in Brazil?
The larger zoos and aquariums that you have access to in Brazil do have a conservation mission to help protect the animals in their care and their species as a whole.
The majority of them have conservation efforts listed on their website with ways you can help.
How many zoos and aquariums are in Brazil?
Currently, there are over 24 different zoos and aquariums in Brazil that are open to the public.
These zoos and aquariums do range in size and location.
Many of these even have some of the same species of animals, but their exhibits may differ.
Is there a benefit to having this many zoos and aquariums in Brazil?
Because animal protection and conservation are a big part of Brazil, many of these locations offer a benefit for these animals.
There is space for rehabilitation for animals who may be hurt and otherwise could not have survived without the help of the park.
Do I need to purchase my tickets before I visit these zoos or aquariums?
Some of the locations do require a ticket reservation before you arrive.
It is a good idea to purchase your tickets ahead of it if they are available online so you are able to enjoy your visit to the park when you arrive and avoid any issues.
