Amaru Zoo Save
Description
Amaru Zoo (Amaru Bioparque) is a wildlife conservation park located just outside Cuenca. Unlike traditional zoos, Amaru focuses on providing a naturalistic environment for rescued and rehabilitated animals. As a visitor you will get an immersive experience as you walk through the park’s rugged trails.
What Makes Amaru Special?
- Rescue and Rehabilitation: Many of the animals at Amaru Zoo have been rescued from illegal trafficking, poaching, or habitat destruction. The park works to rehabilitate them and, when possible, reintroduce them to the wild.
- Natural Habitats: Instead of small enclosures, the animals live in spacious, naturalistic settings that mimic their wild environments.
- Interactive Experience: Unlike a typical zoo, as a visitor you hike hike through the park on a winding trail, encountering animals in a way that feels more like a nature reserve than a zoo.
Animals You Can See
Amaru is home to a wide variety of animals native to Ecuador, including:
- Andean bears (also known as spectacled bears)
- Jaguars and pumas
- Monkeys and sloths
- Birds of prey such as eagles and condors
- Reptiles including boas and caimans
Visiting Amaru Zoo
Getting Here
Address
Highway Cuenca - Azogues, Cuenca
Amaru Zoo is located just outside Cuenca on a hill right next to the highway to Azogues. From the highway, a short but steep road leads up to the park entrance. This road is only accessible from the highway in the Cuenca - Azogues direction.
Taxis: Taxis typically charge a fixed fare of $5 from Cuenca's historic center. If you don’t find any taxis at the park exit after your visit, you can use the AzuTaxi app.
Buses: Regional buses departing from the Cuenca Bus Terminal will stop along the highway if you request it. From there, you will need to walk up the steep road to the entrance. City buses do not stop at the park, but an alternative is to take city bus 16 to Hospital del Río and then take a taxi from there to the park entrance for around $2.
Tips for Your Visit
- Wear comfortable shoes – the park is on a hillside, and the trails can be steep.
- Bring water and sunscreen – Cuenca’s altitude and sun exposure can be intense.
- Allow at least 3-4 hours – the walk through the park takes time, and you’ll want to stop to observe the animals.