Santiago, Safari Park
Location: Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Country: Chile
Rating: 5
Price: $81 per person
Supplier: MUNDO AFORA AGENCIA DE VIAGENS
Imagine spending a day just an hour from Santiago exploring wildlife up close, feeling the thrill of a safari, and enjoying extra outdoor activities suitable for all ages. For $81, you get a well-rounded 7-hour experience that combines adventure, education, and fun—perfect for families, animal lovers, or curious travelers eager for something different outside the city.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to feed lions during your safari is a rare treat, transforming animal observation into an interactive moment. Second, the variety of additional activities like kayaking, zip lining, and virtual roller coasters ensure there’s plenty of action beyond just the wildlife.
One point to consider is that most activities are available at an extra cost, so you might want to budget accordingly if you plan to try everything. Also, the tour’s success hinges on the weather—good weather means better outdoor fun, especially for kayaking and zip lining.
This tour is ideal if you’re traveling with family, looking for a day of outdoor adventure close to Santiago, or simply want to combine wildlife with some active fun. It offers a balanced mix of animals, adrenaline, and scenic views—an outing that appeals to many types of travelers.
Key Points
- Close to Santiago: Just 1 hour away, making it easy to fit into a day trip.
- Interactive Wildlife Experience: Feed lions and see rescued animals up close.
- Extra Activities for All: Kayaking, zip lining, and virtual roller coaster for family fun.
- Guided Small Group: Personalized experience with limited to 10 participants.
- Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Value for Money: For $81, you get a full day of diverse activities and expert guides.
A Practical Guide to Santiago’s Safari Park Tour
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What to Expect and Why It Matters
This 7-hour tour from Santiago offers a rare chance to interact with rescued animals at Rancagua Mini Zoo, located about an hour south of the city. The highlight is an exciting safari where you hop into a caged car – yes, a real cage – to get up close and personal with lions. While it might sound a little wild, rest assured, this cage is designed for safety but still allows you to witness these majestic creatures in a naturalistic setting.
We loved the way this safari turns animal observation into a hands-on experience. It’s not just looking at animals behind glass; it’s about seeing them in a more natural environment, which makes the encounter more authentic and memorable. The zoo also cares for rescued animals, providing an educational component about conservation and animal welfare, which adds depth to the visit.
Beyond the safari, the mini zoo offers a range of extra activities. For the adventurous, kayaking across tranquil waters adds an element of outdoor serenity, giving you a break from wildlife and a chance to enjoy Chile’s natural scenery. For thrill-seekers and families alike, zip lining and a virtual roller coaster promise high-energy fun, especially if weather permits. Keep in mind that these extras come at an additional cost, so plan your budget accordingly.
The tour includes transfers and a guide, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish. Small group sizes—limited to just 10 participants—mean more personalized attention, which is a huge plus for those who prefer a more intimate outing.
The Itinerary: From Wildlife to Wilderness Fun
Departure and Transportation:
The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in the Santiago Provincial region or surrounding areas. The transportation is comfortable and timely, making the whole process hassle-free.
Arrival at Rancagua Mini Zoo:
Once there, your guide will give a brief introduction to the rescued animals and the conservation efforts at the zoo, setting the stage for your day.
Safari Experience:
The main event is an adventure safari where you board a caged vehicle—a bit unorthodox but effective—and venture into the lion’s territory. Feeding lions is a rare opportunity, and many reviewers mention the thrill of seeing these powerful predators so close. You’ll have opportunities to capture photos and ask questions to the guide, which makes the experience more meaningful.
Additional Activities:
After the safari, the fun continues with options like kayaking, zip lining, or a virtual roller coaster. Each activity is designed to be family-friendly, with safety being a priority. If the weather cooperates, you’ll love the views and the adrenaline rush of zipping through treetops or paddling on calm waters.
Cultural and Educational Stops:
Some tours include visits to the automobile museum, adding a touch of local history and culture.
Return:
The day wraps up with transportation back to Santiago, often around early evening, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or continue exploring the city.
Authentic Experiences and Authentic Animal Encounters
The highlight is undoubtedly the lion feeding. Several reviews mention how surreal it was to get so close, with one traveler noting, “We loved the way the lions looked at us, almost like they knew we were there to see them as real animals, not just zoo specimens.” It’s a moment that sticks with you, especially knowing these animals are rescued and cared for with genuine attention.
The extra activities are also highly praised. Travelers have said, “The zip lining was a hit with the kids,” and others enjoyed the kayaking as a peaceful contrast to the wildlife action. Keep in mind, because these are extra, you may want to choose a package that includes all or some of these options based on your interests.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Considerations: Cost, Timing, and Comfort
At $81 per person, this tour offers solid value, especially when you factor in the transportation, guide, and unique wildlife encounter. Most travelers find the price fair for a full day of activities, considering the exclusivity of feeding lions and the variety of options available.
The tour lasts about 7 hours, which is perfect for a day trip—long enough to enjoy all the highlights without feeling rushed. Starting times vary, so checking availability—especially during peak seasons—is wise.
Wear comfortable clothes, light layers, and don a hat and sunscreen—Chile’s sun can get intense. Bring water and a camera to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. For the more adventurous, sturdy shoes are advised, especially if you plan to zip line or kayak.
Group size is small—limited to 10 participants—making for a more personalized experience. Guides are fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, so language barriers are rarely an issue.
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Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for families with children, animal enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to combine wildlife encounters with outdoor adventure. It’s also a good choice if you’re seeking a day trip outside Santiago that mixes education with fun. If you enjoy interactive activities and getting close to animals in a safe environment, this tour fits the bill.
Final Thoughts
This safari tour from Santiago offers a compelling mix of wildlife, adventure, and family-friendly fun. The chance to feed lions and experience a close-up safari makes it stand out from typical zoo visits. Meanwhile, the optional activities like kayaking and zip lining ensure that everyone in your group—kids and adults alike—will stay engaged and entertained.
The small-group format, guided expertise, and proximity to Santiago add to its appeal, making it both practical and memorable. While some activities come at an extra cost, the overall value for an engaging, outdoor adventure day is clear.
If you’re looking to escape the city for a day that combines animal encounters, outdoor thrills, and scenic views, this tour hits many marks. It’s especially well-suited for families, adventure lovers, or anyone wanting a meaningful connection with rescued animals while enjoying some adrenaline rushes in a safe environment.
Be prepared for a fun-filled, educational day, and you’ll leave with stories you’ll be sharing long after your trip ends.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is designed to be family-friendly, with activities like zip lining and kayaking suitable for kids, depending on their age and comfort level.
Are there additional costs for activities?
Yes, extra activities like kayaking, zip lining, and the virtual roller coaster are available at additional costs, so plan your budget accordingly.
How close do you get to the lions?
During the safari, you board a cage car that allows you to feed and observe lions in a naturalistic setting, providing an up-close experience.
What should I wear?
Wear light, comfortable clothes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to zip line or kayak.
Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transfer from your hotel in the Santiago Provincial region or surrounding areas and a guide for the entire day.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now without paying upfront—adding flexibility to your travel plans.