El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden - Panama
The road that approaches the zoo may be one of the worst roads in Panama but don't let that back you out. It is definitely worth it. Its recommended to use a 4x4 or park 1km from the zoo and walk.
El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden is Best For
Directions to El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden
El Nispero Zoo is set in a beautiful backdrop deep in the heart of nature. Visiting this zoo is worth it alone just for the magnificent scenery. When driving to the zoo in the center of El Valle town, you will drive up a bumpy road to the entrance where you can park. The zoo costs $3 for foreigners, $2 for locals to enter.
Walking around the zoo you will find many different animals native to Panama and Latin America. From birds to tapirs, monkeys to horses, Nispero offers a wide variety of interesting animals for you to see up close. The most popular attraction of this zoo is the golden frog. The golden frog is an endangered toad that is not just native to Panama but specifically to the region of El Valle. The golden frogs are in a large tank in the center of a room, which houses many different types of frogs and toads. The tiny golden frog is difficult to spot so patience is a must.
Although the cages are small, the animals are well looked after and each animal within the zoo has been rescued. You can purchase food at the entrance and feed the animals.
There are also many walking trails around the zoo where you can try your hand at spotting non-captive animals.
They sell some food in the zoo,mainly candies and snacks, and picnics are permitted making it a great place to spend the day.
During rainy season it can be very wet in the zoo due to the location and the falling mist, but nothing that an umbrella and appropriate shoes can’t improve.
There is also a botanical garden in this place where you can purchase ornamental and fruit plants.
