The Guadalajara Zoo contains the usual suspects – rhinos, giraffes, monkeys and more – but what's unique is that many of the enclosures don't have barriers separating the visitors and the more than 4,000 animals that call the zoo home. This means that giraffes can eat right from visitors' hands and that monkeys can climb all over patrons. The zoo also boasts an aquarium, an area devoted to Australian animals and a herpetarium, among other attractions. What's more, travelers can board a safari truck to see the zoo's collection of African animals or hop on its chair lift, which gives you a bird's-eye view of the zoo's flora and fauna.

Recent travelers said that to really see this enormous zoo (which spans several hundreds of acres), you'll need more than one day. Additionally, many were impressed by the immaculate landscaping and the animals, which looked happy and cared for. 

The Guadalajara Zoo is open daily during the summer and holiday seasons from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the property closes on Mondays and Tuesdays when school is in session. Standard admission costs 80 Mexican pesos (about $4) for adults and 47 Mexican pesos (around $2.50) for kids; upgraded tickets that include chair lift and train rides, safari excursions and entry into the aquarium are also available. Zoo facilities include ATMs, restrooms and multiple restaurants and gift shops. The best way to reach the zoo (which is about 5 miles from central Guadalajara) is by taxi or rental car. For more information, visit the zoo's website.