amaru zoologica

This is a zoo that does not feel like a zoo. It is totally outdoors and you can even walk among some of the harmless animals such as peacocks and small monkeys. The paths are not paved and are on uneven terrain, however, so this is not for people with walking problems.

The trails are mostly mud, or wobbly wood so they recommend not going on or after rainy days. Apart from that, it was brilliant. The animals were mostly visible. To be just feet away from some of these animals was a thrill.

The hike through the zoo area is well organized, with up close experiences of a wide range of Andean species. Particularly interesting is the Andean condor, which we were lucky enough to see up close.

Amaru is a place not to miss. I wouldn't even call it a zoo. It is the most natural environment for the animals I have ever experienced. It's more like a nature walk through their home. Warning: you should be in good physical shape. There is a lot of climbing up and down some tough terrain. There are paths throughout but they have various degrees of difficulty.There are areas to stop, rest, and grab a snack or drink. The rest rooms are a trip but in a good way. Taxi ride from Centro was $4. Depends where your coming from. It was a $1 more on the way back, probably because you have to drive down the highway in the opposite direction before you can turn around.Make sure your taxi driver knows how to get there as you can miss the sign and drive right past it as our drive almost did.

Read the KarenfromChicago review. She is spot on. We heard it was 'challenging', but we were not prepared for what we encountered.Okay, so if you don't take the advice to read the other review, here is the story. We are living in Gringolandia, so we took a bus to near Museo Todos Santos and then walked down the hill to cross the river before hailing a taxi. The driver knew exactly where we needed to go. Expecting to pay upwards of $8 for the taxi, it was $2.80. The bus ride was .50 for two of us. So far so good. We were warned that some taxis would let you off at the bottom off the highway, but insist they take you to the top. It is a 600-meter climb.Once you reach the parking lot, as far as a car can go, you start the ascent to the ticket office. Tickets are $4. per person. Along with your ticket, you get a map. What they should rent are respirators and a pickaxe. Joking, but only partly. As others have stated, the zoo is built on the side of a mountain. Before you leave the ticket area, look at the vista of the city. Cuenca is 2,560 m (8,400 ft) in altitude. You have just gained significantly in altitude when you are still at the ticket office. But the fun has yet to begin.All of the paths you have to follow are dirt, rock and pebble. There is no concrete, but nature at its most complete. Do not even dare coming here if it is raining or slightly moist out. The paths lead you over overgrown tree roots, tree stumps and tree branches that need to be ducked under or pushed back to pass. Handrails are created by old tree branches and are significantly comforting so that you don't slip and slide breaking an ankle or foot. Speaking of which if you try this without good sneakers or hiking boots, you are in serious trouble. Just when I thought we would not have to climb any more over halved tree trunks, some rotting and others missing their mission by covering the path altogether, there we were climbing again. Descents are illusions of false hope. Each time, I thought, "Great, we are finally descending" around the corner was another staircase to heaven that needed mastering. Bless me Mother Nature, I have sinned by smoking for over 40 years, but I quit about 10 years ago, but you are still punishing me. Granted we had to stop more often than restful spots were provided. Thankfully, the trails were not inundated with people, so we could stand still, heaving and gasping for air before moving on again.We never did see the local bears, alpacas or a number of other animals where signs led us to believe they would be. No one home at the forest. What we did find fascinating was the monkey area. There are wire circular cages for monkeys to run rampant around an area in safety. There is an underground tunnel for them to run over to monkey island. In one area, a tiny monkey was running free and was within arm’s length, totally oblivious to our existence. The ticket seller mentioned that it would take us about 2 1/2 hours to get through the zoo. Taking into consideration false stops to regard the vista when we were really sucking in oxygen or trying to keep our heart from exploding, or sitting in places where there were real benches, it took us more like 3 3/4 hours. We did take full advantage of large rocks for resting besides. At the end, the ticket office was very pleasant about calling for a taxi and he arrived within 12 minutes. Going back, the traffic was extremely heavy so the fare was $8. To be fair, we had him drop us off closer the city center so this added to it. It was a great experience now that it is over. Been there, done that, it is wiped clean from my bucket list.

This zoo is built into the side of a mountain. "Visiting the zoo" means hiking up and down the mountain on dirt trails, over tree roots, on rotting boards, with no hand rails or hand rails that can help with balance but are too weak to hold much weight. It's probably a 2 hour hike if you don't stop to see the animals but, then, what's the point of it all? It took us (3 60-somethings) 3 1/2 hours, including some rest stops. Once you're in, you either have to finish the trail or backtrack to get out.Do NOT visit this zoo if you have mobility problems or if there have been recent rains and the ground is muddy.So, if you're ready for an active day, this zoo is a great place to go. It's a rescue for animals. Most are native to Ecuador but there are a few exceptions, including a group of African lions who were taken from a circus. The animal areas are carved out of the side of the mountain. We saw the lions gnawing on big chunks of dead cow, macaws sitting on open tree branches, and different primates running through tunnels of wire suspended above.No backpacks or food is allowed though no said anything about my water bottle. There is a small refreshment stand about 1/2 way through with restrooms there and near the entrance.We took a cab from Cuenca and the driver was not familiar with the zoo. $11 later and after getting directions from 4 different people, we finally arrived. Tell your taxi driver the zoo is near Hospital del Rio. The staff at the entrance will call a return cab for you that comes up, up, up to the parking lot. Another reviewer quoted an taxi fare of $3.50 from Cuenca but our return drop-off on the east side of Cuenca was $4.50. I'd guess a trip to the center of town to be around $6.50. There is a discount for seniors.

A really recommendable Zoo (which is rare in South America). Situated on the hillside at the boundary of Cuenca. A walk through the zoo takes about 2 hours. The Zoo is best reached by taxi.

We visited the Amaru Zoo with our two very young children ages 1 and 3.5. It is true that the zoo path is steep at times but don't let this intimidate you! The trip is well worth it and is a rare chance to see some extremely endangered Andean animals such as the Andean bear. The animals are well cared for and many of the exhibits are quite creative-- for example the monkeys have access to wire tunnels that lead through the forests such that while you are hiking through the zoo you may find them overhead! Most important advice is to come prepared: appropriate shoes, walking sticks if you need them, water, sunscreen, hat, umbrella or rain jacket. Allow yourself plenty of time. If you are coming with children under the age of 4 bring a hiking backpack or similar. Our 3.5 year old hiked the whole zoo and had a wonderful time while I carried the 1 year old in an ergo baby carrier. The staff at the ticket office can help you call a taxi to get a ride back into town. They ask you not to bring food into the zoo although there is a small snack shop for chips and at times it appears also food. The monkeys will try to steal your snacks!

My hubby has been trying to get me to go for 3 years, but I dislike zoo's. This is NOT a zoo, it is an animal rescue refuge. It was a beautiful hike through the refuge, the animals were interactive and looked happy. The terrain is very rugged, and you get a pretty good workout.

great animals, good representation of Ecuadorian regions. This is such a unique location for a zoo and the city views are well worth it.

I always feel bad for the animals kept in zoos, especially in an environment that does not suit them. As far as zoos go, Amaru does a great job in providing as much of a natural environment and as much free range as possible while keeping animals and humans safe. I wish more zoos were designed like Amaru. As others have mentioned, this is an intense uphill hiking tour more than a zoo. I would not go during or after heavy rains. Be sure to provide at least 3-4 hours (maybe more with kids or elderly visitors) to view the entire zoo.

This is less a zoo and more a nature hike which happens to have zoo displays along it. The trail winds around the side of the mountain so that you can see everything without backtracking anywhere. Just follow the arrows. It is a bit steep in a few places. Probably best not to go just after a heavy rain. The trails are dirt and would be muddy and slippery.Many of the other reviews cover the animals. They are well-cared for and generally have good natural habitats. The other thing the zoo has is great views of the valley below. It's really better than the Mirador Turi, except that instead of the downtown the views center on the northern end of the city.Along the main highway the turn-off to the zoo is just after the Hospital del Rio. Look for the brown zoo signs along the side of the highway. From the turn-off it is 600 meters uphill. Do not even think of walking up it. Come by taxi or car. Closed on Mondays.

Put this on your list! Easy $3.50 taxi ride to this unbelievable Preserve. It's about a two to three hour hike on vined, natural trails. The exhibits are natural and huge. Obvious care for the animals. Signed guided thru this amazing Andean forest. Don't miss!

Animals here are not in typical cages, but instead are in open hillside enclosures. You might not always see the animals you hoped for, but that is because the animals have the freedom to hide if they wish. Do NOT go if you are physically handicapped in any way, or right after a heavy rain. The path through the zoo is a very hilly, steep dirt path.

wonderful zoo, but not for the infirm. Built onto the side of a mountain, the habitats are very natural, but there is a LOT of climbing over rough terrain