Loro Parque – The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure in Tenerife

Located in the north of Tenerife, near the town of Puerto de la Cruz, Loro Parque is one of the most famous zoological parks in the world. Known for its stunning array of exotic animals, conservation efforts, and entertaining shows, Loro Parque offers visitors an unforgettable experience amidst lush, tropical gardens. Opened in 1972, the park has grown into a world-renowned wildlife destination, offering an immersive journey into the world of animals, nature, and conservation.

Park Overview

Loro Parque spans over 13.5 hectares and is home to a wide variety of animals, from tropical birds to marine life. The park has been awarded the title of “best zoo in the world” by many travel organizations and offers one of the most diverse wildlife experiences you can find anywhere. The park's mission is focused on preservation, education, and research, with special attention given to endangered species.

Main Attractions

Parrot Paradise: Loro Parque is home to one of the largest collections of parrots in the world. The park is dedicated to the protection and breeding of these colorful birds and showcases over 350 species, including the endangered blue-and-yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, and cockatoos. The parrot shows and exhibits are a central highlight of the park.
Orca Ocean: Loro Parque is also famous for its orca show, where visitors can witness the incredible strength and agility of killer whales in an aquatic arena. The show focuses on animal welfare and emphasizes the importance of conservation.
Shark Tunnel: Loro Parque features a unique underwater tunnel that allows visitors to walk through and observe sharks, rays, and other marine life. The tunnel offers a 360-degree view of the sharks swimming around, making it an exciting and educational experience.
Penguin Planet: One of the most popular attractions at Loro Parque is Penguin Planet, where visitors can walk through a specially designed cold environment that mimics the Antarctic climate, home to hundreds of penguins. The penguins live in a large icy habitat, and the experience allows visitors to see these adorable creatures up close.
Sea Lions and Dolphins: The sea lion and dolphin shows at Loro Parque are entertaining, educational, and demonstrate the intelligence and playful behavior of these marine animals. These animals are trained in a stress-free environment, ensuring their well-being while providing great entertainment for visitors.
Killer Whale Show: One of the main attractions, the Killer Whale (Orca) Show highlights the bond between humans and animals and is a powerful demonstration of these majestic creatures. The show focuses on the intelligence, beauty, and natural behavior of these incredible animals.
Tiger and Lion Exhibits: Loro Parque is also home to big cats, including tigers, lions, and leopards. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures in environments that are designed to mimic their natural habitats.
Tropical Garden: The park is home to stunning tropical gardens, where visitors can enjoy lush flora from around the world. The park features a large collection of orchids, palm trees, cacti, and other exotic plants, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
Planet Penguin: This is the largest penguin habitat in the world, designed to replicate the conditions of the Antarctic. Visitors can watch king penguins, gentoo penguins, and Macaroni penguins interact in their ice-cold environment.

Dining & Refreshments

Loro Parque offers several dining options, providing visitors with a chance to refuel after a day of exploration:

Restaurante La Cascada: This is the park’s largest restaurant, offering a range of dishes including Canarian specialties, international cuisine, and kid-friendly options. The restaurant overlooks a beautiful waterfall and lush greenery.
Coffee Shops and Snack Bars: Various coffee shops and snack bars are scattered throughout the park, offering refreshments such as coffee, ice cream, sandwiches, and pastries.
Picnic Areas: There are designated picnic areas in the park where visitors can bring their own food and enjoy meals surrounded by nature.

Tickets & Admission

Tickets for Loro Parque can be purchased at the entrance or online, with several ticket options available:

Single Entry Ticket: €43 for adults and €28 for children (under 12 years old).
Combo Ticket: Offers discounted admission for both Loro Parque and Siam Park.
Annual Pass: An annual pass gives unlimited access to Loro Parque for a full year, ideal for those staying on the island for longer periods.

The park is open every day from 8:30 AM to 6:45 PM, though hours may vary during special events or public holidays.

How to Get There

Loro Parque is located in the town of Puerto de la Cruz, in the northern part of Tenerife. The park is easily accessible via:

Car: The park is about 60 minutes’ drive from Tenerife South and 10 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz. There is ample parking available for visitors.
Public Transport: There are bus services from Puerto de la Cruz and other major towns on the island.
Shuttle Services: Many hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Costa Adeje offer shuttle services to Loro Parque.

Best Time to Visit

Loro Parque is open year-round, and while it can be visited any time of the year, the best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the larger crowds. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, and the park is generally less crowded during the winter months.

Conservation & Research

Loro Parque is dedicated to conservation and is involved in many efforts to protect endangered species. The park’s focus on breeding programs has led to the successful breeding of macaws, tigers, and orcas, and it is an active partner in global conservation programs. Loro Parque also runs educational projects and supports research in animal behavior, welfare, and breeding.

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Loro Parque is more than just a zoo; it is an inspiring wildlife sanctuary where visitors can witness incredible animal shows, learn about animal conservation, and explore lush, tropical gardens. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a fun and educational experience, Loro Parque offers a unique and unforgettable experience for all ages.

Loro Parque - The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure in Tenerife

See also

Roque de los Muchachos - La Palma's Summit of Stars and Sky

Timanfaya National Park - Lanzarote’s Fiery Heart

El Golfo Valley and Mirador de La Peña - El Hierro's Balcony Over the Atlantic