The Gramado Zoo is, without doubt, one of the most special attractions in the Serra Gaúcha. Opened in September 2008, the zoo brings an innovative concept: instead of bars and cages, the animals live in immersion enclosures and armoured glass habitats that faithfully replicate each species' natural environment. Furthermore, one of the coolest aspects of the zoo is that all of the animals that live there are part of the Brazilian fauna, which makes it not only an educational experience, but an experience centered on national identity, too.

The ticketing booths at Gramado Zoo
The ticket booth at the entrance of Gramado Zoo.
The level entry front facade and wide glass doors of the main entrance at Gramado Zoo
Accessible entrance into Gramado Zoo, with automatic doors.
An informative video playing on a tv on a wall in a dark room.
Visitors have to watch a short video before entering the zoo.

The route around Gramado Zoo is approximately 1.8 km long and follows a one-way circuit — meaning you don't need a map, there's no risk of getting lost, and you're guaranteed to see every animal. Along the way, you can spot fascinating species up close, protected only by the glass panes that bring the public right up to the wildlife.

Before entering the main route, visitors pass through a waiting room where an introductory video is shown on a large screen, introducing the zoo's history and the origins of the animals. Shortly after, the most anticipated experience begins: the immersion aviary, where macaws, parrots and other birds fly freely around you. It is thrilling and absolutely enchanting.

A black jaguar roaring up close to the protective glass screen inside its habitat at Gramado Zoo
Jaguar approaches glass at Gramado Zoo.
A colorful macaw perched close to the pathway inside the immersion aviary
A colorful Macaw is perched on a post staring directly at the camera.

The Good Access at Gramado Zoo

The Gramado Zoo stands out positively in terms of accessibility right from your arrival. The main entrance features wide, level glass doors, allowing smooth, barrier-free access directly into the reception area. The zoo also utilizes clear directional sign posts throughout the path to easily guide visitors toward points of interest and exits.

The majority of the route is paved with very tightly fitted and level interlocking stones, which makes them surprisingly easy to navigate in a manual wheelchair. Keeping visitor comfort in mind, there are several rustic wooden benches placed along the side of the track, ideal for short breaks and resting during the tour.

Smooth and level interlocking stone walkway at Gramado Zoo
Smooth walkways at Gramado Zoo.
Wooden rest benches situated along the paved walkway underneath the shade of trees at Gramado Zoo
Mor smooth walkways and a convenient area of benches for resting.
Wooden walkway over the pond area at Gramado Zoo.

The boardwalks crossing over the lake areas are constructed from sturdy wood panels and feature side protective mesh fences, ensuring safe passage and an unobstructed view of the water birds for anyone seated in a wheelchair.

Accessible toilets are available at strategic points along the route — including the main restaurant pavilion. The shared washroom area is spacious, making movement straightforward. The dedicated accessible stalls are functional, equipped with wall-mounted grab bars next to the toilet and adequate clear space for maneuvering.

The spacious communal area of the restroom inside the restaurant at Gramado Zoo
The spacious communal area of the restroom inside the restaurant at Gramado Zoo.
Inside an accessible restroom stall featuring grab rails and a smooth floor at Gramado Zoo
Inside an accessible restroom stall featuring grab rails and a smooth floor at Gramado Zoo.
Exterior view of Pipocaria restaurant with its distinctive conical roof and paved open space
Exterior view of Pipocaria restaurant with its distinctive conical roof and paved open space.

The venue provides parking options with dedicated spaces for people with disabilities, clearly signed and positioned right by the entry. The Pipocaria — the zoo's restaurant, housed in a distinctive conical-roofed building — is fully accessible: the entrance is level, the interior is spacious, and the tables accommodate wheelchairs well.

The Bad Access at Gramado Zoo

The genuinely challenging sections of the complex are the tunnels and transition ramps located near the beginning and toward the exit leading to the gift shop. Although the path remains paved with interlocking stones and is solidly constructed, the slope is quite steep to go down or climb up. Manual wheelchair users will require considerable effort or the essential help of a companion in these sections.

The boardwalks over the lakes and water bird areas are accessible end-to-end, but feature double metal gated doors at either end — necessary to prevent animals from escaping. On one side there is a small step to navigate. The gates themselves are light and easy to push open, but the step may require care for wheelchair users.

A stone-walled covered tunnel walkway at Gramado Zoo showing a long, steep downward incline paved with interlocking blocks
A stone-walled covered tunnel walkway at Gramado Zoo showing a long, steep downward incline paved with interlocking blocks.
The accessible parking space at Gramado Zoo.

Additionally, while the reserved parking spots are positioned next to the entrance, the ground of the outdoor lot consists of unpaved packed dirt and loose gravel. Depending on the weather conditions, this can make the initial roll in a wheelchair slightly cumbersome until reaching the solid concrete surfaces.

📍 Address

ERS 115, km 35 – Várzea Grande, Gramado – RS, 95678-370 (700m do pórtico principal de Gramado, via Taquara)

🚗 Getting There

The zoo is 7 km from Gramado city centre. There are local and tour accessible buses that run up the paved driveway directly to the park, making public transit fully viable. Free parking is available on site.

🎟 Tickets

Free for PCDs and one companion. Purchase tickets on arrival or check the official channels.

🕙 Opening Hours

Every day, 9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm).

♿ Wheelchair Loan

Available free of charge — contact the zoo via WhatsApp ( +55 54 9154-8861 ) to check availability before your visit.

The Gramado Zoo is, for me, a must-visit in Gramado — and one of the most accessible and well-structured zoo experiences I have had in the region. With minor caveats (the steep tunnel inclines and the gravel ground in the parking area), the zoo offers a rich, visually clear, and highly inclusive experience for people with reduced mobility. If you visit the Serra Gaúcha, don't miss it!

An accessible tour bus driving up the paved driveway leading toward Gramado Zoo flanked by tall trees
An accessible tour bus driving up the paved driveway leading toward Gramado Zoo flanked by tall trees.
A wheelchair accessible lookout area that takes in the views of the serra gaucho mountains.
A wheelchair accessible lookout area that takes in the views of the serra gaucho mountains.