Auto Safari Chapin, Animal park in Guanagazapa, Santa Rosa, Guatemala
Auto Safari Chapín is an animal park at kilometre 87.5 of the CA-2 highway, between Escuintla and Taxisco, in the department of Santa Rosa. It has three parts: a drive-through reserve with lions, giraffes and hippopotamuses, a walk-through zoo near the recreation area entrance, and a recreation area with a restaurant, lagoon boat rides and a swimming pool.
Auto Safari Chapín was founded in 1980 as a natural reserve area. It grew into the largest animal park and zoo in Guatemala, with a drive-through reserve, a walk-through zoo and a recreation area. It lies at kilometre 87.5 of the CA-2 highway, between Escuintla and Taxisco, in the department of Santa Rosa.
The park draws families from across Guatemala who come to see animals in open spaces from inside their cars, which feels different from a traditional zoo visit. Many visitors treat the outing as a full day trip, bringing food and spending hours on the grounds.
Morning is generally the best time to visit, as animals tend to be more active and the heat is more manageable in the southern lowlands. Plan for a full day since the car route and the boat section each take considerable time to complete.
Auto Safari Chapín lies at kilometre 87.5 of the CA-2 highway, between Escuintla and Taxisco, in the department of Santa Rosa. It was founded in 1980 as a natural reserve area and is the largest animal park in Guatemala. A snack bar stands midway along the drive-through route, selling drinks and a small selection of snacks.
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