How to Beat the Crowds at Chapultepec Zoo
Chapultepec Zoo is free (a few areas like the reptile house cost a little), so weekends get very busy with families. Go at the 9 am opening on a weekday and head to the giant panda first, when the animals are most active. The zoo is closed on Mondays.
- Entry
- Free. Small fees for some areas
- Closed
- Mondays
- Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday, about 9 am to 4-5 pm
- Star animal
- Xin Xin, the giant panda
- Best time
- 9 am on a weekday
- Busiest
- Weekends, holidays and school holidays
- Time to allow
- 2-3 hours
How busy is Chapultepec Zoo?
Chapultepec Zoo, in the middle of Chapultepec Park, is free, so it's a favourite weekend outing for Mexico City families. On weekends, the paths and the panda enclosure get crowded. On weekday mornings, it's much calmer, and the animals are more active before the midday heat.
Before you go, check how busy Chapultepec Zoo is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for Mexican holidays, school breaks and weather.
Check today’s crowds at Chapultepec Zoo →Best (and worst) times to go
- 9 am on a weekday: calm paths and active animals.
- Late morning on weekdays: school groups, but manageable.
- Worst: weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
- Mondays: closed.
Our hourly forecast for Chapultepec Zoo shows how busy each hour is expected to be on your date.
Check today’s crowds at Chapultepec Zoo →