10 Photos of Tijuana’s Bizarre but Beloved Theme Park: Paraiso Azteca

TIJUANA.-Located right next to the Abelardo L. Rodriguez reservoir, Paraiso Azteca was a theme park (and even water park) that for years was a way for locals to have fun without having to cross the border, and to this day, many still have fond memories from a place that also functioned as a family fun center, history museum, zoo, had a UFO shaped movie theater and even a crazy monkey running around.



It began one day in 1980, when its founder Pedro Hernandez opened a small petting zoo in the outskirts of the city, which would quickly transform into a great place for Tijuanenses to visit during the weekends and splash around in water slides but also learn about Mexican history and see a monkey or two.



Hernandez passed away 13 years ago, leaving the business to his children and wife. His children fought amongst themselves for control of the park (along with other legal problems) and the resulting mismanagement forced the park to close soon after. There are some attempts by the Hernandez family to reopen, and we hope the a new generation of Tijuana natives and visitors get to experience the wonder the place inspires.



Even if you never visited, just take a look at some of the wacky stuff the park offered to guest:

First ticket



Old cars, pools, games, a Mexican Coin Museum, the Old West, a hanging bridge and "where the UFO landed", were some of the main attractions for the visitors.

This UFO was a small theater

What was just a dream for Pedro, became a reality after going through many difficulties. A lot of people recommended him to open a Casino or something similar, so he could easily get money; however, that wasn't what Pedro was looking for.

He wanted to create good memories for children in Tijuana, because back then there weren't so many local places for family to have fun, people always had to cross the border to have that kind of experience.

Attractions were added, and it was then when he decided to open a ZOO.

Paraiso Azteca watched some artists grow, such as Julieta Venegas, Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Yahir, later on the park invited them to perform at their facilities.

Golden Eagles, monkeys, horses and wild animals such as white lions could be found at the ZOO, but there was this singular monkey called "Charly" that used to ask visitors for a beer or a cigarette if you had one of these options on you.

This place may have a future and plans are taking shape. Do you have any story about this place?



Photos: Courtesy Hortencia Robles



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Translated by: cristina.mora@sandiegored.com