World by City

Zoos & aquariums

Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar

Open in Maps
Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar

About the Zoo and Botanical Garden

Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar is Costa Rica's oldest botanical garden and zoo, situated in downtown San José. It serves as a central green space that cares for injured and abandoned animals, displaying native plant species alongside wildlife exhibits.

Getting There

Located in downtown San José, the grounds can be reached on foot or by road. Walking from central city points takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, while a taxi or rideshare takes about 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic.

Time to Allow

Plan to spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the walking trails, animal enclosures, and botanical collections.

When to Visit

Morning hours are ideal, as animals are generally more active and you avoid afternoon rain showers common in the region. Weekends often draw larger crowds, whereas weekday mornings offer a calmer visit.

Nearby Attractions

You can easily pair a visit with several nearby destinations within walking distance:

  • Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (0.4km)
  • Morazán Park (0.5km)
  • Plaza de la Democracia (0.7km)
  • National Museum of Costa Rica (0.7km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip Official site

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search San José hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

3 nights, 4 days

San José 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through San José grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

Museums & galleries

Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

Located in San José, this museum focuses on contemporary Central American art and design. Since opening in 1994, it has also featured works by international artists, making it a favorite among art lovers.

0.4 km away
Morazán Park

Parks & gardens

Morazán Park

A popular and landmark attraction with rich history and picturesque surroundings, highly recommended for visitors.

0.5 km away
Plaza de la Democracia

Parks & gardens

Plaza de la Democracia

A plaza in front of Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly building in San José. It's flanked by the National Museum of Costa Rica and the Jade Museum, making it easy to visit both together.

0.7 km away
National Museum of Costa Rica

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Costa Rica

Costa Rica's National Museum, located in downtown San José, is housed in a former military barracks from the civil war era. After the army was abolished, the building became a space dedicated to the country's history and culture.

0.7 km away
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Museums & galleries

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Located beneath the Plaza de la Cultura in San José, this museum is owned and operated by the Central Bank of Costa Rica. It houses thousands of pre-Columbian artifacts, including gold work and pottery.

0.8 km away
National Theatre of Costa Rica

Culture & venues

National Theatre of Costa Rica

Costa Rica's National Theatre, located in downtown San José. With seating for 1,140, it's a great place to enjoy a performance.

0.8 km away