Experience only the best of São Paulo Zoo

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Quick overview

Access included: Zoo entry covers 230+ species across 47 Atlantic Forest hectares, self-guided, full day. Big cats, elephants, primates, and tropical birds are all on the main circuit.

Simba Safari: Separate ticket. Guided vehicles through open wildlife areas on fixed-time departures. First session 9am weekends, 9:30am weekdays. Last session 5pm daily.

Botanical Garden: 12-month pass for unlimited visits. Trails and lakes open daily. Museum and greenhouses weekends and holidays only, 10am to 4pm.

Timing: Animals are most active before 11am. Online tickets skip the ticket desk, not security.

Booking: Zoo-only visits work at the last minute on weekdays. Book an early slot at Simba Safari and Botanical Garden on weekends for a complete visit.

Best option: Zoo entry for the core wildlife day. Add Simba Safari separately for open-area animal encounters, while you can enjoy another complete day at the Botanical Garden to trek and explore the hidden trails.

Which São Paulo Zoo ticket is best for you

Ticket typeEntrance usedLines skippedSecurityIncludesWhy pick thisCancellation policyPrice from

Ticket to São Paulo Zoo

São Paulo Zoo main entrance

Ticket desk

Mandatory checks at entrance

Zoo entry only

• Covers main exhibits in ~3–4 hrs • E-ticket skips ticket office queue

See ticket details

Simba Safari Tickets

Simba Safari main entrance

Ticket desk

Mandatory checks at entrance

Drive-through Safari with guide

• 40-min safari ride experience • See roaming animals up close

See ticket details

Jardim Botânico Tickets

Jardim Botânico main entrance

Ticket desk

Mandatory checks at entrance

Access to botanical garden exhibits and trails

• Explore the garden• Adjacent attraction to zoo

See ticket details

What to expect at São Paulo Zoo

Entrance of São Paulo Zoo with animal images on the sign.
Lions resting on rocks at São Paulo Zoo.
Group of chimpanzees sitting together at São Paulo Zoo.
Flamingos gathered at São Paulo Zoo.
Safari vehicles lined up at São Paulo Zoo for Simba Safari tour.
Entrance of Jardim Botânico de São Paulo with greenery and ticket booth.
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Arrive under Atlantic Forest shade

Enter through the main gate into the Atlantic Forest canopy. Paved paths loop a central lake with clear signs. Pick up a map at the gate. Most visits run 4 to 6 hours with shaded rest points and snack kiosks along the way.

Big cats and large mammals

Lions, jaguars, spectacled bears, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes along the lakeside loop. Arrive before 11am for active animals and clearer sightlines. The jaguar enclosure draws the longest crowds, so visit early.

Seek out Brazilian icons

Maned wolves, golden lion tamarins, giant anteaters, chimpanzees, and axolotls in Atlantic Forest habitats. Zoo São Paulo runs active conservation programs for several of these species. Quieter than the big cat section and worth the slower pace.

Tropical birds and reptiles

Macaws, toucans, and flamingos in open-air aviaries with thick tropical planting. Reptile and amphibian houses shelter caimans, snakes, and South American species indoors. Both work well mid-morning, with the reptile houses doubling as a cool-down in the afternoon heat.

Simba Safari

Guided vehicles through open wildlife areas on fixed timed departures at a separate site on Av. do Cursino. Not a walking experience. Requires its own ticket. Morning sessions have shorter queues and more active animals.

São Paulo Botanical Garden

Atlantic Forest trails, orchid collections, and lily pad lakes open daily. Museum and greenhouses open weekends and holidays only. Rewards a standalone visit more than a rushed add-on after the zoo.

Things to Know Before Booking

Booking window

Zoo-only visits on weekdays rarely sell out. For Simba Safari and weekend visits, book a few days ahead. July and December to January are the busiest periods. Safari sessions have a fixed capacity and fill faster than zoo entry.

Three separate tickets, three separate sites

São Paulo Zoo, Simba Safari, and the Botanical Garden each require their own ticket and have separate entrances. Simba Safari is at Av. do Cursino, 6338, a different address from the zoo. Build in travel time if visiting more than one in a day.

What zoo entry includes

Full-day self-guided access to all 230+ species across 47 hectares. Does not include Simba Safari or the Botanical Garden. The ticket office closes one hour before the zoo, so do not arrive late expecting to buy at the gate.

How Simba Safari works

Guided vehicle departures run throughout the day. Arrive 20 minutes before your session. First departure weekdays 9:30am, weekends 9am. Last departure 5pm daily. Pre-booking secures your preferred session time, which is not guaranteed on-site.

São Paulo Botanical Garden

Gives unlimited entry for 12 months from purchase. Trails and lakes open daily 9am to 5pm, last entry 4pm. The Botanical Museum and greenhouses open on weekends and holidays only, 10am to 4pm. The Cerrado greenhouse is currently closed. The Atlantic Forest greenhouse is open.

Zones at São Paulo Zoo

Boat tour at São Paulo Zoo's aqua zoo with black swans in the water.
Jaguar at São Paulo Zoo surrounded by lush greenery.
Wooden bridge through lush greenery at Jardim Botânico, São Paulo.
Young couple feeding flamingos by a pond in a lush garden setting.
Crocodile resting on sand at São Paulo Zoo during Simba Safari.
Children sliding down a yellow slide in a garden play area.
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Lakeside Circuit

The Lakeside Circuit surrounds the zoo’s central lake amid natural Atlantic Forest fragments. Visitors follow a spacious, paved loop with clear directional cues that link major exhibits. Several view points provide ideal photo opportunities.

Big Cat Area

The Big Cat Area is located along the main loop and features enclosures for lions, tigers, and jaguars. Clear, well-marked paths guide visitors through spacious viewing areas.

Primate Enclosures

The Primate Enclosures offer a vibrant space with various monkey species. Lush boardwalks and natural foliage create an interactive environment.

Aviaries & Bird Section

The Aviaries and Bird Section features spacious, shaded enclosures for tropical birds. Elevated views and quiet paths offer a peaceful contrast.

Reptile & Amphibian Houses

The Reptile and Amphibian Houses provide an indoor refuge with temperature-controlled conditions, offering a cooler, immersive experience.

Children’s Play Area

The Children’s Play Area near the main entrance features playground equipment and picnic spots, giving young visitors a relaxing rest point.

Must-see animals at São Paulo Zoo

Lion

Location: Big Cat Area.

These majestic lions are a key draw at São Paulo Zoo. Notice the rich mane and calm behavior during feeding sessions.

Tiger

Location: Big Cat Area.

These powerful tigers navigate their enclosure with grace. Look for their distinctive stripes near rock features.

Jaguar

Location: Big Cat Area.

This native apex predator displays striking rosettes and stealthy movements. Its focused gaze is captivating.

Elephant

Location: Large Herbivore Enclosure.

These gentle giants showcase dexterous trunks during feeding. They interact calmly in spacious, naturalistic settings.

Giraffe

Location: Large Herbivore Area.

Tall and graceful, giraffes offer close-up views of their unique coat patterns. They nibble on treetops in open spaces.

Hippopotamus

Location: Lakeside Enclosure.

These semi-aquatic hippos captivate with powerful yet relaxed movements. Watch them submerge and resurface with a splash.

Maned Wolf

Location: Native Species Exhibit.

This rare Brazilian canid stands out with long legs and a reddish coat. Observe its cautious gait along the enclosure edge.

Macaws & Parrots

Location: Aviary.

These tropical birds dazzle with brilliant plumage and playful chatter. Their dynamic flight adds a burst of color.

Toucans

Location: Aviary.

Easily identified by oversized, colorful bills, toucans add a tropical flair. Their quick, playful movements are charming.

Capuchin & Spider Monkeys

Location: Primate Enclosure.

Agile and social, these primates leap and interact energetically. They navigate rope bridges with ease.

Caimans

Location: Reptile House.

These crocodilians display stealth and power. They bask on sunlit rocks with a measured grace.

Native Birds of Prey

Location: Aviary / Bird Section.

These raptors boast sharp vision and elegant flight. Their precise wing movements are impressive.

Species to look for at São Paulo Zoo

Flamingos gathered at São Paulo Zoo.

Flamingo

A large resident flock in open water habitats. One of the easiest species to photograph clearly given their size, colour, and open positioning in the aviary section.

Lions resting on rocks at São Paulo Zoo.
Jaguar resting on a rock at sau paulo Zoo, surrounded by lush greenery.
Elephants in their habitat at Wroclaw Zoo, Poland.
Spectacled bear sitting on wooden platform with green foliage background.

Visiting São Paulo Zoo with Kids?

São Paulo Zoo works well for families. Paths are mostly paved and stroller-friendly, with stroller rental available at the entrance. Children respond strongly to the big cat enclosures, elephant habitat, and aviaries with colourful tropical birds at close range.

The zoo covers 47 hectares and involves significant walking, so building in regular rest stops matters more here than at a compact city zoo. Start with the big mammal section in the cooler morning, use the reptile houses as a mid-afternoon cool-down, and finish at the play area near the entrance when energy runs low.

Kid-friendly features:

  • Play area: Playground equipment and picnic space near the main entrance.
  • Facilities: Restrooms, drinking fountains, and shaded seating along the main circuit.
  • Food: Snack kiosks and cafés at regular intervals without long detours from the route.

Plan your visit to São Paulo Zoo

  • Zoo: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, last entry 4pm. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 8:30am to 6pm, last entry 5pm. Ticket office closes one hour before closing.
  • Simba Safari: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, entry until 5pm. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 8:30am to 6pm, entry until 5pm.
  • Botanical Garden: Daily 9am to 5pm, last entry 4pm. Museum and greenhouses weekends and holidays only, 10am to 4pm. Weekday mornings before 11am are the quietest and coolest period across all three.
  • Zoo: Av. Miguel Estefano, 4241, Água Funda, São Paulo, SP, 04301-905. | Find on Google Maps
  • Simba Safari: Av. do Cursino, 6338, Vila Moraes, São Paulo, SP, 04195-020. | Find on Google Maps
  • Botanical Garden: Av. Miguel Estefano, 3031, Água Funda, São Paulo, SP. | Find on Google Maps

Getting there:

  • Bus: SPTrans lines 279, 446, and 4491-10 stop on Av. Miguel Estefano. Fare R$5.00 with Bilhete Único.
  • Metro + bus: Line 1-Blue to Jabaquara, then local SPTrans bus. Integrated fare R$8.90.
  • Car or ride-hail: 20 to 60 minutes from central São Paulo. Uber and 99 serve all three sites. Parking at Rua Etruscos, 52, open 8:30am to 4pm.

Scan e-ticket at turnstile. While online tickets bypass ticket desk, bag check applies to all.

  • Restrooms: Near the main entrance, along the lakeside circuit, and in the aviary section.
  • Food and drink: Snack kiosks and cafés at multiple points along the main circuit.
  • Gift shop: Near the main entrance.
  • First aid: On-site. Ask staff on arrival for the nearest point.
  • Main paths are paved and manageable for wheelchairs and strollers across most of the circuit.
  • Some gradients and long distances may be tiring for visitors with limited mobility.
  • Accessible parking bays are available near the entrance with a step-free path to the main gate.
  • Do not feed animals or cross enclosure barriers.
  • Flash photography and drones are not permitted near any enclosures.
  • While pets not allowed, guide dogs with documentation are permitted.
  • Skates, scooters, and bicycles not allowed on zoo paths. No smoking inside the complex.

Visitor tips

  • Arrive early: Animals are most active at opening, and temperatures are cooler. Big cats, elephants, and primates are worth prioritising before crowds build along the main loop.
  • Beat crowds and queues: Go on a weekday if you can, or be at the gate right at opening on Sundays and school holidays.
  • Use shade smartly: Do the open big-mammal enclosures in the cool morning, then escape midday heat in the aviaries and reptile house.
  • Respect the animals: Don’t tap on glass, feed animals, or shout near enclosures—quiet visitors see more natural behavior.
  • Head to large mammals first: Most visitors drift to this section after 11am. Going earlier gives clearer sightlines and less waiting at viewing rails.
  • Use the reptile houses in the afternoon: Indoor exhibits stay cool when outdoor paths get hot between 1pm and 3pm. A practical temperature break mid-visit.
  • Book Simba Safari in advance: Fixed departure capacity means popular slots fill quickly on weekends. Morning sessions consistently offer more active animals and shorter boarding queues.
  • Find the Hidrofitotério at the Botanical Garden: Most visitors never reach this 1947 aquatic garden with 80 plant compartments because it sits furthest into the grounds. Push through to it before doubling back.

Frequently asked questions about São Paulo Zoo tickets

Weekday zoo visits rarely sell out. For Simba Safari, weekends, and school holidays in July and December to January, book a few days ahead to avoid sold-out sessions and ticket desk queues.