For those seeking a natural oasis in the heart of Buenos Aires, Ecoparque Buenos Aires is the perfect destination. What once served as a zoo for over a century is now a center for conservation and ecosystem care.
Visiting the Ecoparque is a free activity where you can connect with nature, escaping the noise of Buenos Aires for a while. Additionally, the park offers various interactive activities that teach visitors about environmental conservation and the species living within Ecoparque Buenos Aires.
Ecoparque Buenos Aires: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is the Ecoparque Buenos Aires?
Ecoparque Buenos Aires is located on the grounds that once housed the Buenos Aires Zoo from 1888 to 2016. Spanning approximately 16.7 hectares, it is now dedicated to conserving endangered native species, aiding in ecosystem recovery, and enriching Argentina’s biodiversity.
Besides promoting environmental education through interactive exhibits, the Ecoparque is an ideal place to spend a day or an afternoon in Buenos Aires, surrounded by plants, animals, and lush green spaces.
Historic Buildings
As you explore Ecoparque Buenos Aires, you’ll encounter several historic buildings. Some of these structures were once used to house various animal species. These buildings, totaling 42, are declared National Historic Monuments and feature diverse architectural styles, representing the countries of origin of the animals they once housed.
In addition to these buildings, you’ll find bridges, lakes, monuments, sculptures, and decorative works, all part of the park’s historical significance.
Animals of Ecoparque Buenos Aires
During your visit, you’ll learn why the traditional zoo model was abandoned and why certain animal species are still kept within the Ecoparque. Generally, these are animals that require a dedicated space within the park due to age, endangered status, or upbringing.
Some of the animals you might see include:
- Mammals: Capybara, Tapir, Guanaco, Yungas Caí, Mara, Coypu.
- Birds: Rhea, Southern Flamingo, Chajá, Variable Hawk, Common Cardinal, Green Hummingbird, Andean Condor, Coscoroba Swan, Rufous-Bellied Thrush, Cattle Tyrant, Neotropic Cormorant.
- Reptiles: Pond Turtle, Black-and-white Tegu.
Additionally, various species of butterflies and native plants are preserved within the park.
Activities in Ecoparque Buenos Aires
Ecoparque is a family-friendly, free-entry space where simply walking through the various paths and natural spaces is an activity in itself.
Throughout your visit, you can admire historic buildings, monuments, artwork, bridges, lakes, streams, and informative displays that provide insights into the park.
Ecoparque also offers special tours, the interactive Mundo GEA experience (featuring 4D cinema and virtual reality), interactive stations, food shops, and more.
Where is the Ecoparque Buenos Aires?
Ecoparque Buenos Aires is located in the Palermo neighborhood, bordered by Sarmiento, Las Heras, and Libertador Avenues, as well as República de la India Street.
Nearby, you’ll find other significant green spaces like the Botanical Garden, Parque Las Heras, and the iconic Parque 3 de Febrero. This makes the area a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking to enjoy the outdoors.
Directly across from the Ecoparque is La Rural in Palermo, Argentina’s most important convention and events center, which hosts various significant fairs and activities throughout the year.
The Ecoparque area is a hub of commercial and tourist activity, with many nearby art and history museums, shopping centers, restaurants, and bars, making it easy to include in a day of exploring Buenos Aires.
To the south and west of the Ecoparque lies the Palermo neighborhood, with Palermo Chico and Recoleta to the east. To the north, you’ll find the Japanese Garden, Galileo Galilei Planetarium, Parque 3 de Febrero, and eventually the beautiful Costanera Norte along the Río de la Plata.
How to Get to Ecoparque Buenos Aires
Ecoparque Buenos Aires is open from Tuesday to Sunday and on holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It remains closed on rainy days.
Admission is free, with entrances located on Av. Sarmiento, Av. Libertador, and Plaza Italia (from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.).
Given its central location in Palermo, the park is easily accessible from various parts of the city.
- Subway: The D line has a station at Plaza Italia, right across from the Ecoparque, making it the most convenient option. You can connect to the D line from other subway lines like the H and C lines.
- Buses: Numerous bus lines serve the area, including 10, 37, 41, 57, 60, 67, 93, 111, 128, 130, 145, 160, and 188.
- Train: The closest train line is the San Martín line, which stops at the corner of Avenida Santa Fe and Avenida Int. Bullrich, just five blocks from the Ecoparque.
Why Visit Ecoparque Buenos Aires?
A Walk in Nature
Visitors appreciate the peace they feel when visiting Ecoparque. It’s the perfect place to spend a day in the city while surrounded by plants, animals, and greenery.
With 16.7 hectares of bridges, lakes, streams, and animal species living in greater freedom than in a traditional zoo, Ecoparque offers a unique natural escape.
The park is well-signposted, ensuring you won’t get lost and can easily find your way around.
Observing Animals
As you walk along the paths, you’ll be surrounded by native plants and butterflies. You’ll also encounter native mammals—such as capybaras, tapirs, guanacos, Yungas Caí monkeys, brockets, maras, and coypus—and native birds—like rheas, southern flamingos, chajás, variable hawks, common cardinals, green hummingbirds, Andean condors, coscoroba swans, thrushes, cattle tyrants, and cormorants.
In some cases, you may see animals (not all) moving freely within the space, even crossing the paths used by tourists. However, it’s important to remember not to touch or disturb the animals.
Learning About the Park’s History
From 1888 to 2016, this space was occupied by the Buenos Aires Zoo, where various animal species were displayed, and buildings were used to house them. Each of these structures reflected the classical architecture of the animals’ countries of origin. Today, they are declared National Historic Monuments.
Although the “zoo” concept is a thing of the past, these buildings still stand, along with other architectural highlights of the Ecoparque, such as bridges, sculptures, monuments, and decorative works.
Visiting Ecoparque Buenos Aires allows you to reflect on what this place used to be not so long ago.
Enjoying Interactive Activities
The Ecoparque offers a wide range of interactive activities, from guided tours and renewable energy dome talks to exploring the Río de la Plata, a water plaza, a carousel, interactive animatronics, and the 4D Ecoevolución experience.
These activities allow you to learn not only about natural sciences but also about how the former zoo evolved into what it is today. You’ll also gain insight into why some animal species cannot be released into the wild and are instead cared for within the Ecoparque.
One of the highlights is the Mundo GEA experience, the first technological entertainment park in Argentina dedicated to understanding ecosystems and biodiversity through the virtual world. This immersive experience uses state-of-the-art simulators, including virtual reality modules, 4D cinema, and various interactive content.
Mundo GEA offers three distinct modules: aerial, marine, and terrestrial, allowing visitors to explore the different “universes” of nature, flora, and fauna.
Food and Refreshments
If you find yourself hungry or in need of a break while exploring the Ecoparque, don’t worry—there are food stalls located throughout the park. These vendors offer a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack, so you don’t have to leave the park to find something to eat.
With food stalls conveniently positioned at various points in the Ecoparque, you can easily take a break and enjoy a meal during your visit.
