Loro Parque is undoubtedly Tenerife’s most popular attraction. Located in Puerto de la Cruz, the famous zoological park promises a unique immersion in a variety of animal worlds. We prefer to see the animals in the wild, in their natural environment, but we went there anyway to share our opinion with you.
Here are our tips for planning (or not) your visit to Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz in an informed and responsible way.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is a visit to Loro Parque worthwhile?
Loro Parque is one of the Canary Islands’ best-known zoos. It claims to be “the most modern zoo in the world” and attracts many visitors every year. Before planning your visit, however, we invite you to find out more about the reality of these structures. The park highlights its efforts to improve the welfare of animals in captivity, through conservation programs and adapted spaces. Nevertheless, animal parks are the subject of much debate as to the limits of captive conditions, particularly for marine species.
We therefore recommend that you think carefully about what your visit to Loro Parque represents. It’s important to consider the impact of wildlife tourism, and to make sure that such a visit is in line with your values.
For this reason, we’ve decided not to include a link allowing you to book your ticket directly from our site.
Why visit the Katandra Treetops aviary?
Visiting the Katandra Treetops aviary was our favorite part of our visit to Loro Parque. It offers an immersive experience surrounded by exotic birds from all over the world. This is one of the park’s most interesting conservation programs, dedicated to the preservation of rare and endangered species, notably parrots.
The aviary is vast and green. It allows birds to fly almost freely in a semi-natural environment, while raising visitors’ awareness of biodiversity. We did, however, bear in mind that this is a form of captivity. Despite the size of the space, the birds remain confined, far from their original habitat.
Other areas of the park
In our opinion, a visit to Loro Parque could be limited to the aviary, but if you decide to continue, here’s what you can see:
Predators and large mammals
The areas dedicated to predators and large mammals include the most impressive species, such as lions, tigers and gorillas. They evolve in habitats recreated for their well-being.
The enclosures, though carefully designed, sometimes raise questions about thespace offered to these large animals. The gorillas in particular seemed prostrate. Efforts are being made to provide stimulating environments, but the question of space remains.
The penguin ice floe
The “Planet of the Penguins”, with its artificial ice floe, is very spectacular. It faithfully recreates a polar environment thanks to advanced technologies such as snow production.
Fascinating though it was, the space nevertheless raised questions about the maintenance of such atmospheric conditions in a subtropical climate like the Canaries, and also about the well-being of the penguins in such a restricted, artificial environment.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
The world of reptiles
We mainly saw alligators and turtles. The former were installed in fairly spacious, but nevertheless restricted, basins, with areas of sun and shade that recreated an environment fairly close to their natural habitat.
Water turtles were nearby, basking in the sun. The edges of the basins were thickly glazed, so that underwater life could also be seen. Here again, the sight of these magnificent animals is impressive.
The big aquarium
The large aquarium offered a fascinating dive into the underwater world, with its coral reefs, tropical fish and sharks. An underwater tunnel completely immerses visitors.
The view of the species evolving here is splendid. Each tank was carefully designed to recreate the natural environment of the marine animals. A captivating visit, but a limited space.
The marine mammal show
Marine mammal shows feature orcas, dolphins and sea lions. They are very popular with visitors. These performances showcase the power and intelligence of these animals in choreographed numbers.
Yet we deliberately chose not to attend. These mammals, accustomed to roaming vast oceans, find themselves in restricted basins and forced to perform. Despite the park’s efforts to guarantee their well-being, we prefer to encourage forms of outreach that are more respectful of their natural needs and freedom.
WHERE TO STAY IN Puerto de la Cruz
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Right in the center
Hotel AF Valle Orotava – Check photos and availability
Near the beach
Hotel AluaSoul Orotava Valley – Check photos and availability
On the heights
Hotel Botanica y Oriental Spa – Check photos and availability.
Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa Hotel – Check photos and availability
Tigaiga Suites apartments – Check photos and availability.
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Puerto de la Cruz.
Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz: access
Where to find Loro Parque
- On the north coast of the island of Tenerife
- In the town of Puerto de la Cruz, less than a 10-minute drive from downtown
- From the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it’s a 30-40 minute drive to Loro Parque.
- Here’s a map to help you locate Puerto de la Cruz on the island of Tenerife:
Access by car and parking
- Loro Parque is easily accessible by car from Tenerife’s main cities.
- The park has a pay parking lot close to the entrance, with a large number of spaces available for visitors: 7€.
Public transport access
- From Puerto de la Cruz, a free train, the Loro Parque Express, runs regularly between the town center and the park. Find out more here.
- Several bus routes also serve the park. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
Loro Parque is largely accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM), with ramps, elevators and adapted paths. However, due to the park’s topography, some visitors may encounter difficulties, particularly in areas with slopes or uneven ground, such as the Katandra Treetops aviary or certain gardens. Wheelchairs are available for hire at the park entrance.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Loro Parque visit: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The park is open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Price: €42
See other prices and latest info on the official website here.
How long
- If you’re only visiting the Katandra Treetops aviary, 30 minutes will give you plenty of time to enjoy it to the full, and a little more with young children.
- If you choose to visit the entire park, you can plan to spend the whole day there!
Best moment
- We visited the park early in the morning, when it opened. This is the best option if you want to avoid the crowds.
- Weekends and school vacations are often busier.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for Loro Parque, but the park is organized in such a way that you can follow a logical path through the various zones. At the entrance, you can pick up a map of the park with a recommended itinerary.
Visiting with children
A visit to the park generally delights the youngest visitors, who appreciate being close to the animals. There are also plenty of play areas and dedicated activities. Find out more here.
This can be an opportunity toawaken young people to the issues of animal welfare, species conservation and safeguarding biodiversity.
Eating out
There are several dining options on the Loro Parque grounds:
- Loritaly: pizza and pasta, perfect for a family meal.
- Patio del Loro: varied buffet, international dishes and vegetarian alternatives.
- Café Vista Teide: coffee with or without snacks and a magnificent view of the Teide.
- Bamboo Bar: snacks and drinks for a quick break.
- Bar Thai: light Thai dishes.
Hotels
Loro Parque is in Puerto de la Cruz. See our article on the city’s best hotels.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
