Santiago Safari Park: Big Cats, Herbivores & Jurassic Safari Day

Summary

See lions up close ride safari trucks and taste real campo breakfast

You’ll start your day with warm Chilean country breakfast before riding safari vehicles through enclosures full of lions, tigers, giraffes and more near Santiago. With a bilingual local guide leading each safari and transfers included, you’ll also get to choose between ziplining, kayaking or other activities before heading back to the city — it’s lively, sometimes funny and always surprising.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at Safari Park wasn’t a roar or anything wild — it was the smell of fresh bread and coffee drifting from the little restaurant where we started with a country-style breakfast. There was this soft morning light coming through the windows, and our guide, Camila, joked that nobody should face a lion on an empty stomach. She was right. I still think about that bread — maybe too much butter, but who cares when you’re about to see big cats?

We climbed into these chunky safari trucks (windows open just enough for air but not paws) and rolled out toward the Big Cat Safari. There’s this weird hush when you spot a lion up close — even the kids in our group went quiet for a second. Camila explained how some of the animals here are rescues or in rehab, which made me see them differently. The tigers looked lazy but somehow alert at the same time. Then came giraffes, zebras… one giraffe leaned so close I could almost count its eyelashes. Someone behind me tried to feed it grass — didn’t work, but got everyone laughing.

The Jurassic Safari was honestly weirder than I expected — giant dinosaurs looming over the trees, fake roars echoing around. Not scary, just kind of surreal after seeing real animals. We had time to wander and pick an activity at the end; I went for ziplining (my legs shook more than I’d admit). Some kids ran straight for trampolines while others grabbed kayaks. The air smelled like grass and sunscreen by then.

On the way back to Parque Arauco, our group traded photos and stories — someone’s phone kept buzzing with giraffe selfies. It all felt a bit unreal once we hit city traffic again. If you want a day trip from Santiago that actually feels different (and includes pickup plus lunch), this Safari Park tour is worth it… even if you butcher your Spanish ordering more bread.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Safari Park tour and activities

• Depart from Parque Arauco by bus
• Enjoy typical Chilean breakfast
• Take Big Cat Safari tour
• Take Herbivorous Animals Safari tour
• Take Jurassic Safari tour
• Choose activity: kayaking, simulator, ziplining, or trampoline
• Return to Parque Arauco

Top questions

How long does the Safari Park day trip from Santiago take?

The tour lasts most of the day including transfers; expect about 1 hour each way between Parque Arauco and Safari Park.

Is there hotel pickup included for this Safari Park tour?

No hotel pickup; round-trip transfer is provided from Parque Arauco shopping center in Santiago exclusively for your group.

What animals can you see during the Safari Park tour?

You’ll see lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras and other herbivores during the Big Cat and Herbivore Safaris.

Is food included on this Santiago Safari Park tour?

Yes, a typical Chilean countryside breakfast is included at Parque Safari restaurant before your activities begin.

Are there activities for children at Safari Park?

Yes—kids can choose between kayaking, trampolines, ziplining or trying out a simulator at the end of the visit.

Do guides speak English on this tour?

A bilingual guide accompanies your group throughout all safaris and activities.

What’s unique about this day trip to Safari Park from Santiago?

You get up-close animal encounters from special vehicles plus access to three different safaris in one visit.

Can infants join the tour? Are there age restrictions?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer from Parque Arauco in Santiago by air-conditioned vehicle just for your group, general admission tickets covering Big Cats Safari Park plus Herbivore and Jurassic Safaris, a typical Chilean countryside breakfast at Parque Safari restaurant with coffee or tea, all guided by a bilingual local expert—and you’ll get one ticket valid for kayaking, trampoline jumping, ziplining or simulator fun before heading back to town.