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Auto Safari Chapin | Cómo Llegar, Precios, Ubicación y Horarios

Auto Safari Chapin

Vive una experiencia única en Guatemala y Centroamérica, al estilo de safari, visitando Auto Safari Chapín, abundante en flora y fauna.

Qué ofrece Auto Safari Chapin

FLORA Y FAUNA PISCINA RECORRIDOS EN LANCHA RESTAURANTE TIENDA

Datos generales

Lo que no sabías....

El Auto Safari Chapín es el primer zoológico en Centroamérica en donde usted puede ingresar su automóvil a las instalaciones y ver a los animales de cerca, en donde la única separación entre usted y los animales en el recorrido, son las puertas y ventanillas del vehículo.

Descripción

Recomendaciones

• Llevar ropa fresca, traje de baño , repelente y bloqueador solar.
• Es necesario tener tomar todas las precauciones brindada por los administradores del parque.

Historia de Auto Safari Chapin

Mapa y cómo llegar a auto safari chapin.

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GuateValley

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Visita Playa Dorada, una playa con piedras doradas, única en Guatemala. Ubica en los Amates, Izabal.

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Auto Safari Chapin – A Great Drive Through Safari

Central america, destinations, family travel.

Surprise, suprise! Guatemala has one of the best safari my family and I’ve been to. And I can honestly say we’ve been to a lot. Too many actually. I’m almost over visiting animal parks at times.

But Auto Safari Chapin was just what we needed.

What to do and see at Auto Safari Chapin, Guatemala

The animals literally come up to your car. At times it can really be frightening.

Pit stop – it’s not all in car driving. About mid point there is a great playground to walk around, stretch your legs and even have some vista points to see the animals.

Pathways – after you’re done with the driving of the safari, the other half of the fun begins. The trails and walkways take you to the other part of the park.

Zoo – there is a great zoo, with large cages to visit as well.

Monkeys – they seem to have it better than the rest. They have their own island.

Boat tour – once you’re done with the safari drive and the walking zoo, there is still more fun to be had. Take the boat ride to Monkey Island and other animals that you didn’t see before.

Information for Auto Safari Chapin

The price is incredibly reasonable:

$12 including a lunch per person.

If you decide to skip lunch, it will actually come out later. So my recommendation – do the full package!

If you don’t have a car. They have a safari bus to drive you through the park.

Last Updated on June 25, 2023

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3 thoughts on “ Auto Safari Chapin – A Great Drive Through Safari ”

It’s been 15 years since I have been in a auto safari. I was so much younger and so scared. Still I remember it was fun. It-s a pity I never got to do it again. Maybe sometime in the future… Auto Safari Chapin sounds like a great choice.

Laura, how cool you did this! Very few people, who don’t spend a lot of time in Guatemala visit this safari. Funny enough, the first time I did it was 13 years ago. It was great going back with my kids.

I love safaris like this! It makes a safari accessible for those of us that can’t travel to Africa.

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• Central America
• Escuintla Department

Auto Safari Chapin

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• El Barretal Coffee Farm
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Getting Close to Nature at Auto Safari Chapín in Guatemala

Located in Escuintla and just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala, Auto Safari Chapin is a great day trip for families and animal lovers. Whether you are visiting or living there, Auto Safari is one of the best things to do in Guatemala with kids.

Things to do In Guatemala For Animal Lovers

What sets Auto Safari apart from other zoos is that the animals roam freely in large enclosures you can drive through. You feel that you are entering that animal’s world, getting a sneak peek into their lives. Although the sections are big enough for the animals to interact in a natural environment, each enclosure is long but not too wide. The animals are never far away from the car as you drive; getting close to nature was never this easy!

As a kid, I remember going to Auto Safari Chapin a few times, especially when we were on our way to the beach. It’s a great side trip on your way to Monterrico or any other beach on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast . I love animals and have fond memories of visiting Auto Safari Chapín with my family. My favorite memory was holding a baby jaguar at the park when I was about 12 years old. Now, tell me, where else do you get to do that?

Incredible Adventures at Auto Safari Chapín

We took the kids to the Safari Chapín for the first time on our recent trip to Guatemala . And they were excited to see all the animals, from  African species like hippos, ostriches, and lions to local animals like whitetail deer and spider monkeys. You can drive with the windows down in most enclosures, except where dangerous animals like hippos and lions exist.

Feeding Giraffes At Auto Safari

The highlight of our visit was feeding the giraffes. For less than US $2, you receive a bunch of long branches that you can give the giraffes right from your car. You open your window and stick out the leaves, and the giraffes will take them right from your hand! After going through the enclosures, we returned with the park’s manager. I wanted to take pictures of the kids as they fed the giraffes, so I could not be inside the car.

We all ended up riding in the back of one of the park’s pickup trucks and feeding the giraffes. I was amazed at how close the giraffes were and how incredibly huge they were. As I stood next to the truck taking pictures, one of the park’s staff members kept the giraffes at a safe distance from me. A kick from their 7-foot legs would have certainly done some serious harm.

It was an amazing experience, and both of my kids were thrilled to be surrounded by giraffes. These majestic animals were coming from every direction, and getting so close to them was an incredible experience.

Incredible Wildlife At Your Window

We captured incredible photos of the animals right from the truck. The ride in our own car was comfortable and cool, unlike the weather outside (which was hot and muggy even in December). I was pleasantly surprised to see the zoo in excellent condition. The animals looked happy and in great health.

We saw many animals at Auto Safari ; our favorites were the hippos. There was a super cute baby hippo, and we saw them from pretty close. Also, we loved having to stop for whitetail deer or spider monkeys to cross the road in front of the car. And getting so close to the lions, resting just a couple of meters away, was exciting!

We also watched as a deer heard jumped over a stream. It felt like you were out on a safari in Africa! Nevertheless, the roads, although in excellent condition, are dirt roads. Sometimes you even have to cross a little stream, which my 7-year-old thought was cool.

Amenities and More at Safari Chapín

About halfway through the drive through the animal enclosures, there was a rest stop where you could buy refreshments and climb up observation areas to look at the giraffes. There were also bathrooms and a playground. We let the kids burn some energy on the playground before returning to the car. Once you finish with the drive-through section of the zoo, you arrive at a parking lot and can continue with the pedestrian part of the zoo. You will find local species of mammals, birds, and reptiles.  

The grounds weres well taken care of, and you felt like you were in the jungle or an African savanna. The gardens were not well-manicured but had more of a natural and wild look without being overgrown or out of control. In this area, you will also find the restaurant and the dock, where you can take a boat ride around the small lake. So don’t skip the opportunity to watch the capuchin and spider monkeys that inhabit the small islands.

Things To Consider When Visiting Auto Safari Chapín

• The restaurant offers hamburgers, hot dogs, Carne Adobada, and other simple and quick options. The food could be better, but we were not there for the food. Next time, I would pack sandwiches and snacks for the kids and skip the restaurant altogether.
• It is hot in Escuintla, even in December and January. So don’t forget to bring lots of sunblock cream, a hat, and mosquito repellent!
• Give yourself at least 3 or 4 hours to see everything. Although the safari is not immensely huge, you’ll need time to stop and appreciate the animals. 

For more information and rates, you can visit the Auto Safari Chapín website , like on Facebook , and follow on Twitter.

More Amazing Things to Do In Guatemala:

If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala or want to return for more, you’ve come to the right place! From the best destinations to kid-friendly activities, I’ll share my love for my home country. Here are amazing things to do in Guatemala to make your trip a memorable one:

Best Things To Do In Lake Atitlan With Kids:

Looking for the best things to do in Lake Atitlán with kids? Here are lots of fun options! It includes all our favorite things to do around the lake, from Panajachel to smaller towns like San Antonio Palopó.

The Best Things To Do With Kids In Guatemala City:

The capital city is full of fun things to do. However, kid-friendly activities are not always easy to find. So I thought I would share the best things to do in Guatemala City with kids. And the best part is most are not only fun but also educational activities; a huge plus for any parent!

An Enchanting River Ride: A Quick Guide To Río Dulce:

One of the most beautiful destinations in Guatemala, Río Dulce, is often overlooked. This area overflows with beautiful nature, colonial history, unique culture, and fantastic food. This quick guide to Rio Dulce covers the best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.

Best Guide To Visiting Tikal: The Most Spectacular Mayan Ruins In Guatemala:

Here is a guide to visiting Tikal that includes everything you need to know before seeing the most spectacular Mayan ruins in the world. It is a great starting point for enjoying the many adventures the Petén region offers.

Best Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala With Kids:

Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Antigua Guatemala is a colonial city rich in history and culture. But finding kid-friendly activities can be somewhat of a challenge. So I wanted to share with you all the best things to do in Antigua with kids. All of these activities are family-friendly but are also great for adults.

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4 thoughts on “Getting Close to Nature at Auto Safari Chapín in Guatemala”

Que buenas imágenes. Hemos visitado varios zoológicos pero nunca hemos ido algo como esto. Debe ser una experiencia única… porque en una oportunidad fuimos a un lugar donde se podía alimentar a los animales y mis hijos no querían irse.

Que bello lugar, se ve magico, a mis nenas les encantaria ir!!

Qué súper safari, ya no tenemos que ir hasta Africa para vivir la experiencia de uno! Lindas fotos. Saludos y

¡FELIZ DÍA!ॐ http://mamaholistica.com

Gracias por las recomendaciones Paula, se ve como una experiencia muy bonita para los peques.

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Auto Safari Chapin Drive-Through Nature Park & Zoo from Puerto Quetzal

• Bottled water
• Driver/guide
• Port pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• Personal expenses
• Food and drinks
• TIPS - 10% to recommended based on satisfaction
• All Fees and Taxes
• Our staff will be easy to find at the port visitor's center with a sign and ready to help you board your vehicle and take you to the drive through zoo
• Marina Pez Vela, Port Quetzal.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information ship's name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
• tour May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• Voyager16771630960 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles La Antigua cultural walkingtour I loved the tour, Erwin has great knowledge of La Antigua Guatemala. We walked with some good pace, I took photos. Visited interesting places, the churches, museums, Jade museum, cocoa....it was amazing. He also recommended a great coffee shop - Cafe of the Countess, which I wouldn't have seen if by myself...and they have lovely deserts. I highly recommend him. Great 3 hour tour guide. Read more Written April 5, 2024
• I8943WTroberts 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great macadamia and coffee tour in Antigua. Great tour, Erwin was amazing guide. We took the macadamia and coffee tour. They were always on time and the transport was clean and new.I recommend any tour with them. Read more Written April 5, 2024
• Y9021PXsusanp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enriched about Antigua, Guatemala 5/5 and more! I had an enriching experience during my walk this afternoon and was educated about Antigua, Guatemala by a knowledgeable and passionate guide, Erwin. I got to know about the rich history of the key landmarks of this picturesque city. Thank you for enriching my understanding about this city, Erwin! Read more Written April 4, 2024
• R1660ZGjamesg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Our tour guide, Edwin made the experience magical Edwin is what made this tour magical and special. I wish everyone can experience the beauty of La Antigigua Guatemala through the eyes of a true local. He shares stories and history as if it were happening before our eyes. He is knowledgeable and shares magnificent parts of history, art, and culture. Edwin is full of positive energy and great vibes. I would definitely recommend this tour to all my friends and family visiting Guatemala. He shares facts but is also wiling to share his perspective with respect and empathy. Thank you so much Edwin. If I could I would give this review a 10 stars our of 5. 👏🏽🙏🏽 Read more Written April 3, 2024
• michaeldB8517HK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A concise guide to Guatemalan coffee and macadamia production Very informative and comprehensive tour of the history and modern day production of coffee and macadamia in Guatemala. Ask for Erwin for your guide. He is the best. Read more Written April 1, 2024
• 252lilyw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great local family tour guides local to the area Great local tour guide with Daniel Martinez and his sweet little brother Josue! Tough hike up but fun pizza party at the end:) horses available at any time. Read more Written March 30, 2024
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• R9939ZOmeganf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best way to start your trip to Antigua! Erwin was a fantastic guide! I highly recommend taking a walking tour with him at the beginning of your trip to Antigua. We loved our tour so much that we ended up buying him lunch afterwards. He recommended a traditional restaurant that was filled with locals, not tourists, and showed us exactly what to order. We ran into him at least four or five more times during our week in Antigua and every time, he checked in to see what we were up to and gave us more ideas of what to do. We are so glad that we met him! Read more Written March 29, 2024
• Katy R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Book this tour! Erwin was so energetic and knowledgeable. He took us to places that we wouldn’t have known to go to. We learned a lot about Antigua and I’m so happy we did this. We were recommended to do this tour by someone else, so now I would HIGHLY recommend booking this tour!! Read more Written March 27, 2024
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• Explorer06541716898 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful culture tour My aunt and I are staying in Antigua for a week and we both enjoyed hearing about the culture of La Antigua! Erwin is very passionate about sharing his knowledge and took us to an area of town that we probably would have missed so we both walked away feeling like we learned many new things about Guatemala! Read more Written March 25, 2024
• Manuel M 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good but it can be felt as too long The route of the tours is good and complete. It takes you to most of the interesting places in the historical downtown of Antigua. The guide is very knowledgeable however is easier to lost focus and talk about diverse things not necessarily related to the topic of the moment. He is very friendly and easygoing, but there is a moment in which the tours feels too long. I recommends the tour because is the best way to really know the city, but I think should be more focused. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• kayla H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great cultural tour Erwin was a wonderful tour guy gave us a lot of information about the culture of Antigua Guatemala! Would definitely recommend taking this tour on your trip! Read more Written March 25, 2024
• R1387JOpauls 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommended! Leisurely and Nice Length. A nice overview of the coffee and plantation process and how they both impact the local community. Irwin was a great guide who spoke extremely good English, which was a major plus. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to get out of Antigua for a half-day, leisurely excursion. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• Kenneth S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun, interactive, educational, flexible, comfortable. Erwin wqs my tour guide and you can tell he is passionate about what he does. He knows about everything; from the general history of Guatemala, the significance of Antigua, the best places to get coffee and authentic Guatemalan food, and of course, every tour destination he takes you to. He climbed the Volcano with us and had horses and a local guides on standby just for our comfort if needed. And even on the way back from the site, he gave knowledge on all other tours I had done and coming up. Definitely recommend Erwin for any tour you do. With PHD level knowledge, he is sure to make you leave smarter - not just about the tour you take, but about the history and significance of his country - Guatemala. Read more Written March 21, 2024

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Auto Safari Chapin Drive-Through Nature Park & Zoo from Puerto Quetzal provided by MB Guatemaya Travel

Auto Safari Chapín

Origen de su nombre:  Su nombre deriva de la idea de efectuar en su  auto   un  safari   en suelo  chapín.  

Idioma:  español.

Distancia:  se ubica a 87.5 Km. de la capital.

Altura:  se encuentra ubicado en Taxisco, a 214 msnm.

Clima:  cálido.

Fauna:  es una reserva natural abierta en 1980, cuya misión es preservar la fauna nacional y educar a la población sobre la vital importancia de los animales en nuestras vidas. Aquí podrá usted conocer la fauna nacional y centroamericana, así como algunos animales exóticos. Los visitantes pueden admirar fauna africana como el león, rinoceronte, leopardo, jirafas, avestruces, monos vervet y otros. También pueden ver ñandús o reas y llamas sudamericanas, así como antílopes Nilgai, sasín y venado chitales originarios del Asia. La mayoría de estas especies se han reproducido con mucho éxito en la reserva, y continuamos el esfuerzo por mantener una colección abundante y sana.

Flora:  cuenta con árboles de Caoba, Conacaste, Matilisguate, Cedro, así como varias plantas de croto, clavelón, y bambú, entre otros y variedad de flores y otras plantas.

Comida:   el restaurante ofrece un menú variado de comida familiar como hamburguesas, papas fritas, pollo frito y en filete, churrascos, chorizo, etc. así como bebidas gaseosas, cerveza, agua pura y café. Consulte nuestro menú en nuestra página de tarifas.

Usted puede almorzar bajo el ranchón, o en el patio frente al restaurante, con sombra pero al aire libre.

Tienda de  recuerdos :  a la salida del zoológico peatonal, y cerca del estacionamiento. En ella usted podrá adquirir vasos, playeras, lápices, estuches, juguetes y un sin número de cosas para recordar su visita al Auto Safari Chapín o llevar el regalo a quien no lo pudo acompañar.

Moscow police chief, who oversaw University of Idaho killings case, to retire and run for sheriff

The man who guided the Moscow Police Department through the University of Idaho killings and the national spotlight that accompanied them is retiring this spring to run for Latah County sheriff.

Police Chief James Fry, 54, will retire May 1 after three decades with the department, including the last eight years as chief, to focus on his bid for sheriff. The primary election is May, and the general election is November.

Fry said he still wants to be involved in law enforcement, still has energy and wants a new challenge.

“Although it’s similar, it’s still new and I think it will be a good challenge,” Fry said. “And if I don’t get elected for some reason, then I will go look for something else.”

Sheriff Richie Skiles said he learned Wednesday of Fry’s intention to run against him. Skiles will seek a third term in November.

He said Fry did a good job as police chief and wished him the best in his retirement.

Fry started as a reserve officer in 1993 and was hired as a patrol officer in 1995. He rose through the ranks before becoming chief in 2016.

Fry graduated from the University of Idaho with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice, according to a city of Moscow news release.

He graduated in 2019 from a 10-week training course at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Fry told the Moscow-Pullman Daily News at the time the opportunity is presented to 1% of law enforcement personnel in the U.S.

In November 2022, Fry was thrust into the national limelight after four UI students – Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin – were stabbed to death at the women’s rental home just off the university’s campus.

Fry provided updates on the case at news conferences packed with national and local media and was watched across the country. He and his department, which has over 30 officers, faced criticism by some who said Fry did not provide enough information, and that his department was not equipped to handle a quadruple homicide investigation.

Seven weeks after the killings, police arrested Washington State University graduate student Bryan Kohberger in Pennsylvania.

Fry said the stress that accompanied the Kohberger case played “somewhat of a role” in his decision to retire.

“We moved through that whole process even though it was stressful; we got the job done and we did it right,” Fry said of the homicides investigation. “So, no matter how people think of me, the ultimate thing is we held the integrity of the case at the highest level just like we still are today until it’s completed.”

Moscow Mayor Art Bettge said the harsh criticism Fry and his department received nationally weighed on Fry.

“The chief had to take a lot of that stress on himself because he had to keep the rest of the force focused and working on the case and solving the case,” Bettge said.

The narrative changed drastically when Kohberger was arrested, he said.

“Suddenly, Moscow police and Chief Fry are looking like geniuses,” Bettge said. “That had to be gratifying, but the stress leading up to it had to be blood-pressure raising and just horrific to endure.”

Bettge said Fry handled the chaos as professionally as anyone could have.

“I would say he handled that very professional in the face of some very negative headwinds that went on, and that’s the acme of a professional, is your ability to do your job regardless of what’s been thrown at you by outside entities and people who don’t know the full story,” Bettge said.

Bettge described Fry as a “nice, quiet leader.”

“He preferred to be a little more on the quiet side and just lead by example and make the hard decisions as necessary, but it wasn’t about him,” Bettge said of Fry’s tenure as chief.

Fry lives in Troy, Idaho, with his wife of 32 years, Julie. They have four grown children. Julie Fry was elected as the Latah County Clerk in 2022.

Fry and Bettge said they’re proud of the community policing philosophy Fry has helped maintain where protecting and serving residents trumps enforcement.

“We really do work hard with the community and try to build relationships with the community, and I think that has been fostered over the years,” Fry said.

Bettge said, “Community policing was an ideal to which the chief held himself to a high standard, and that percolated throughout the department and has left us with a police department that the citizens of Moscow respect and appreciate what they do.”

Fry said law enforcement changed in several ways in his 30 years.

Moscow police has seen changes of its own during Fry’s tenure as chief. The department got a new police station, brought in its first drug dog and implemented body cameras on officers in the last few years.

The city will start the process for the selection and appointment of the next police chief over the next few weeks, the city said. Bettge said the goal is to hire a new chief by the time Fry retires. Fry said he expects he’ll be involved in the hiring process.

Fry said he wants to be remembered as a chief who did his job to the best of his ability, worked hard to build relationships in the community and made the city safer and better for everyone.

“It’s been a great honor to actually be able to serve this community and work with the officers that we have,” Fry said. “We have a phenomenal group of men and women who do a great job, and I’m very proud of the fact I got to be a part of that.”

As many as 300,000 Washingtonians at risk for losing Medicaid coverage with the end of the federal mandate maintaining coverage

With the end of the federal mandate requiring states to keep people enrolled in Medicaid during the PHE, an estimated 300,000 individuals covered by Apple Health, Washington's Medicaid program, need to update their Medicaid information