Description

This attraction was designed with families in mind, but it doesn’t feel watered down. Kids as young as three can ride (with an adult, of course), and adults who thought they were just there to babysit often end up grinning ear to ear after their turn. Safety is clearly a priority, with proper gear and staff who double-check everything before you take off. It feels adventurous but not reckless, which is a sweet spot for travelers who want a memory that’s exciting without being terrifying.

What also stands out is how accessible it is. The entrance is wheelchair-friendly, and payments are easy with both debit and credit cards accepted. It’s the kind of detail that doesn’t sound glamorous, but when you’re traveling and juggling logistics, it makes a difference. And while the tirolesa is a relatively new feature, it already feels like a staple of the zoo experience. It’s not just an add-on—it’s one of those attractions that gives the whole place a fresh energy.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re planning to try the tirolesa, weekends and holidays are when it’s open, generally from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. That said, I’d recommend aiming for the late morning or early afternoon. By then, the sun is high enough to light up the lake beautifully, but it’s not yet the hottest part of the day. Afternoons can get a little crowded, especially when families finish exploring the animal exhibits and head toward the lake area. Personally, I went around 11:30 am, and it was perfect—just enough people around to feel lively but not so many that you’re stuck waiting in line forever.

The dry season, roughly November through April, is also a sweet spot for weather. The skies are usually clear, and you don’t have to worry about sudden rain showers putting a damper on your plans. But if you don’t mind a little unpredictability, the rainy season has its charm too—the view of the lush greenery after a fresh rain is honestly stunning from above.

How to Get There

Reaching the Zoológico de Morelia is straightforward if you’re already in the city. Most visitors either grab a taxi or use a rideshare app, which is convenient and affordable by international standards. If you’re the type who likes to blend in with locals, buses also run nearby, though they can be a bit tricky if you don’t speak Spanish. Driving yourself is possible too, with parking available, but I’ll admit I prefer leaving the car behind so I can fully relax and not stress about traffic or directions.

For those staying in the historic center of Morelia, the ride is short—just a few minutes really. And that’s one of the perks of this attraction: you don’t have to carve out an entire day. You can explore the cathedral in the morning, enjoy some authentic carnitas for lunch, and still have time to zipline over the zoo lake before dinner.

Tips for Visiting

Here are a few things I wish I’d known before my first visit. First, wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking through the zoo before and after riding, and let’s face it, flip-flops aren’t the best choice when you’re climbing up to a launch platform. Second, bring a little extra cash just in case. While cards are accepted, sometimes it’s quicker to pay in pesos, especially if the line is moving fast and you don’t want to hold things up.

If you’re visiting with kids, prepare them for the experience by letting them watch a few people go first. I saw a little girl who was nervous at first, but after watching her older brother zip across with a big grin, she was all in. And honestly, sometimes the anticipation is half the fun.

Another tip: don’t rush. The tirolesa is exciting, yes, but part of the magic is soaking in the view while you’re up there. I made the mistake of focusing too much on the “ride” aspect the first time, and I almost missed how gorgeous the lake looked from above. The second time, I let myself just look around and enjoy it—it made all the difference.

Lastly, keep in mind that weekends can be busy. If you’re not a fan of crowds, try to arrive early in the day. And for the photographers out there, bring a strap for your camera or phone. You’ll want to capture the moment, but you’ll also want both hands free to feel the breeze and maybe even wave at the people below.

The tirolesa at the Zoológico de Morelia is more than just a quick thrill. It’s a memory-maker, a perspective-changer, and honestly, one of those little surprises that makes travel worthwhile. Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple looking for something fun, or even a solo traveler like me who just wanted to spice up the day, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.