Exploring Loro Parque in Tenerife

I’m continuing this series of articles on Tenerife with one of its most iconic places: Loro Parque. Honestly, it’s a must-see in Tenerife in my eyes. It was only on my second trip to Tenerife that I finally decided to visit it. Frankly, I still wonder why I didn’t do it the first time!

To tell you more, Loro Parque is located in Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of the island. It’s a wildlife park created in the 1970s. At first, it was a very small park dedicated to parrots (hence the name “Loro,” which means “parrot” in Spanish). But over time, it became a large refuge for biodiversity and a global center for species conservation.

Personally, what I found great is that Loro Parque is more than just a wildlife park. For example, it has a foundation committed to protecting endangered species. Throughout the visit, they tell you about the species they’ve saved, as well as their participation in reducing the critical extinction period for some of them. It was really interesting!

I won’t say more for now, but I hope I’ve already made you want to visit Loro Parque. For those who are still hesitant, I’m not a big fan of zoos or of animals being confined. But Loro Parque is very different from the ones I’d seen before.

Even if I already told you a bit, Loro Parque is really worth it! Visiting the park is a truly immersive experience and even educational for kids and adults alike. The park has been voted several times “best zoo in the world” by travelers on TripAdvisor. And now I can tell you that I understand why.

It’s simple: as soon as I passed through the park gates, I felt like it was a completely different world. I felt that everything was clear, smooth, well-kept, and designed for the well-being and protection of the animals. What also struck me is that I had never seen some animals so close. It was incredible! The whole environment is tropical, typical of northwest Tenerife. And to top it all off, during the shows presented with the animals, they tell us about the species’ history and you can feel their connection with humans.

At the same time, I felt like I was traveling within this park in just a few hours. To give you examples, you can go from a tropical forest to an underwater tunnel. It’s a bit like touring the continents while staying in the park. In any case, Tenerife’s greenery is present in the park. It feels good near the lush vegetation. I think that even in hot weather, the visit remains largely manageable. And that’s a very good point, especially if you’re coming with children.

In a nutshell, it’s a great visit for families or couples, to do during your vacation in Tenerife! As for me, I came away with lots of images in my head while having learned interesting info. I keep a good memory of it, and it was a nice surprise for me!

Since Loro Parque is quite large, I figured a list of the places to see first would be a real plus for you! I think it’ll give you a little boost, because time flies once you’re there (I promise!).

If there’s one place that really stood out during my visit, it’s Planet Penguin! You’ll see, if you follow the order and direction of the visit, it’s one of the first places to discover. From the entrance, you step onto a moving walkway that takes you around the ice floe set up for the penguins. The walkway moves slowly so you have time to admire the penguins’ daily life. The whole ice floe is realistic: there’s real ice, fake snow gently falling. You really feel like you’re looking at a scene in Antarctica.

You can see the penguins up close diving, eating fish, sliding and swimming thanks to the transparent glass. Honestly, I felt like a child in front of the penguins. I was amazed (and I’m not exaggerating!). Even though the walkway moves slowly, I didn’t see the time pass! It’s also where I felt the visit was off to a strong start and I better understood the feedback about the park!

Another magical place in Loro Parque: the Aquarium, and especially the Shark Tunnel. Once again, you’re very close to the species and especially their life. We’re spectators of their life without disturbing them. You find yourself literally a few centimeters from rays, sharks, and lots of multicolored fish. And that’s just in the aquarium!

When you enter the underwater tunnel, you’re even more immersed in the underwater world. To help you picture it, sharks and rays literally swim above our heads. There was even a moment when I saw a shark eat a small fish. That’s to show how much it feels like watching a live documentary. It’s exactly this kind of scene that makes the place so impressive. I could have stayed there for a long time, head up, watching the marine species go about their lives. If you love everything related to the ocean, don’t miss this part of the park, it would be a shame! For me, it was a real favorite, anyway.

We’re staying in the marine world, but with a completely different vibe and décor. As soon as you enter, you arrive in a dark room with only a few colored lights illuminating the tanks. Here, it’s mainly jellyfish that are highlighted. It’s almost hypnotic to watch them. There are all kinds: tiny ones, purple ones, golden ones, and more.

What I liked was, once again, the closeness to the species. I could see all the details, with their filaments, etc. Plus, the ambient music and dim lighting really add to the effect! The trap here is staying too long and missing the show times, haha. But hey, taking your time is good too.

You keep the feeling of being underwater with Coral Kingdom. As soon as I entered, what struck me was the level of realism. There are several colorful tanks with corals and tropical fish. The corals move very slowly with the current. It’s beautiful to see!

Behind Coral Kingdom, you’ll find information about the park’s work to preserve corals threatened with extinction. Once again, I think it’s interesting to have this ecological and educational approach. For me, that’s what makes the difference with a simple visit. And facing all those colors, I didn’t know where to look: it ranges from purple to yellow to pink, etc. These lights are what allow you to observe the corals in detail. I really recommend taking a stroll through Coral Kingdom. Plus, you come out feeling calm and relaxed.

Alright, promise, we’re changing the vibe this time with La Gruta. It’s an area you don’t hear much about and that isn’t very highlighted in the park. I almost missed it: I visited it at the very end of my day in the park. It feels a bit strange when you enter—there’s really a marine cave atmosphere, with the sound of water and suddenly cooler air.

As I went along, I saw tanks carved directly into the rock. I wasn’t expecting that at all. In these tanks, you can take time to observe colorful fish, corals, and even moray eels. Plus, there are fewer people in this area, so I could enjoy it more! I see each tank as a little different show, with soft, very natural lighting. It adds a mysterious touch. Honestly, don’t miss this part!

Orca Ocean and the Dolphinarium are where the orca and dolphin shows take place. I say “show,” but it’s mainly a moment where you see the orcas and dolphins interact with their keepers, along with explanations about their history and behavior.

Starting with Orca Ocean, the pools are huge and open-air! At first, when you settle in, you think you’ll sit near the pool to see well. Right after, you realize there’s a sign indicating that in those seats you might get splashed. Well, given the size of the orca and pools filled to the brim, it’s not very surprising. Before the show starts, there are even park employees selling plastic rain ponchos for protection. I didn’t really want to get wet, but hey, I told myself: never mind, it’s part of the fun!

The show starts with the orca Morgan, who does jumps. It’s still impressive to see her so close. But what I especially liked is that throughout the show, they told us her story. To share it with you, Morgan is a deaf orca. She was taken in by the park, weakened and isolated from her group. In the park, they did a lot of work to teach her to communicate differently with her peers and to feed again. It worked well, and she even gave birth to little Teno, whom we saw swimming with her. Honestly, it was beautiful and moving to see them like that, knowing their story. And on the more playful side, the keepers asked Morgan to splash the spectators. I was lucky: I only got a few drops. But the section just to my left came out pretty soaked, haha.

I also have good memories of the Dolphinarium! Again, I felt the animals were respected and that the background music was a real plus to accompany them. It wasn’t about them following the music, if you see what I mean. What touched me most was seeing the bond between each keeper and their dolphin. I could feel their connection. On the soundtrack, you also learn about the dolphins’ intelligence and behavior.

In my view, these weren’t shows in the strict sense, because they weren’t staged just to look pretty. There were several messages behind them, all in a caring and respectful atmosphere.

At first, I only wanted to attend the orca and dolphin shows. Then, since I liked the fun and educational side of those two shows, I also wanted to learn more about the sea lions and parrots. In the end, after seeing all four shows, I couldn’t tell you which one I preferred. They’re very different. Each has a touch of humor and authenticity.

As I was saying, what struck me was the close relationship between the animals and the keepers. I felt that again with the sea lions and parrots. I also learned more about endangered species, for example.

The Loro Show, the parrot show, is almost an institution. You’re in a special room where the parrots fly, play, and you even learn about their learning abilities. Some people from the audience are invited to participate, and the keepers often call on children. I think it’s nice and a good way to involve them even more.

If you can, try to attend all four shows: you won’t regret it! It’s a mix of emotions that leaves you more informed and more sensitive. Personally, they all left a mark on me!

To give you a broader overview of Loro Parque, know that I saw plenty of other species I haven’t mentioned yet. I saw gorillas, chimpanzees, lionesses, a lion, a panther, capybaras, red pandas, flamingos, giant tortoises, a hippopotamus, and many more! I particularly liked the gorillas, the hippo, and one of the lionesses, because I saw them from very, very close. It’s simple: I had never been so close to these animals (you’ll see the photos, haha). It was really impressive. For example, I saw the hippo just a few centimeters from me: only a pane of glass separated us.

On top of that, I easily noticed that they lived in large, natural spaces, and above all integrated into the tropical vegetation of the northwest of Tenerife. I felt like an explorer while observing them in respectful conditions. All this to say that Loro Parque isn’t just about dolphins and parrots: there are many other animals to observe, while keeping their preservation in mind.

As very often (not to say all the time), I’m preparing a practical section with all the information you need to know about Loro Parque.

So, since Loro Parque is touristy, everything is set up so it’s accessible from any point on the island of Tenerife. Whether you’ve rented a car or not, several options are available to get there.

As for me, my hotel was just six minutes away by car, so it was super convenient! I was able to get there before the crowds without getting up early. If you’re coming from the south of the island (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, etc.), plan for about an hour’s drive. Just take the TF-1 highway north, then switch to the TF-5 to Puerto de la Cruz. The drive is fine, especially at the end, where you run along the coast. The only downside: there are often traffic jams in the morning or late afternoon around Santa Cruz and on the TF-5.

On site, there’s a large paid parking lot at €7 for the day. Honestly, I recommend it: spots in the surrounding streets are rare and often taken by visitors or even locals from the morning. And at least you’re set for the day. However, in summer, there may be a bit of a wait at the parking entrance, especially if you arrive mid- or late morning. Side note: I rented my car with Discover Cars. I’ve used this site several times and it’s really great!

On site, there’s a large paid parking lot at €7 for the day. Honestly, I recommend it: spots in the surrounding streets are rare and often taken by visitors or even locals from the morning. And at least you’re set for the day. However, in summer, there may be a bit of a wait at the parking entrance, especially if you arrive mid- or late morning. Side note: I rented my car with Discover Cars. I’ve used this site several times and it’s really great!

For anyone without a rental car, here are the ways to get to Loro Parque:

• By bus: Puerto de la Cruz is well served, so once you’re there, just take bus 381, which runs about every twenty minutes. It’ll take you ten to fifteen minutes to reach the park.
• On foot: if you’re staying in Puerto de la Cruz or you want to finish your trip without taking the bus, you can easily walk to the park. From the center, it’s a good half-hour walk. It’s fine, especially in the morning and late afternoon when it’s cooler. Otherwise, the sun is quite strong, even if there’s a bit of sea breeze.

In any case, you won’t lack options to get to Loro Parque, no matter where you’re staying. But I recommend coming as early as possible, even off-season. Personally, I arrived around 9 a.m., and I think it was the right time. At the first shows, there were few people, and the flow worked well. Whereas around noon, I saw crowds in all the places I’d already passed through.

Even if it stings a bit to get up early on vacation, you’ll enjoy the park more by arriving at opening time, or even a little earlier, at the parking lot. But it’s up to you!

If you really want to visit Loro Parque, I’d say you need to allow at least four hours if you have a good pace. As you’ve seen, there are many places to discover, as well as shows at specific times.

I personally stayed about five hours, and it was just the right timing. I had time to attend all the shows (they last about thirty minutes each) and enjoy the park without rushing. Of course, if you like to take your time, have meal breaks, or simply sit in the shaded areas, you’ll spend the whole day without even realizing it. And if that appeals to you, perfect: there’s always something to see and do.

Personally, I kept a good pace while spending more time on my favorites, like Planet Penguin. I think that, even though there’s plenty to do, a full day would feel long to me. But that’s just my impression: I like to keep moving. If you spend the whole day, in my opinion, you won’t be disappointed! And if you’re with family, the kids will be delighted. I really told myself that if I come back here when I have kids, I’ll take them to Loro Parque without hesitation.

The standard adult ticket costs €44, and the ticket for a child aged six to eleven is around €32, while entry is free for children under six.

Also note that the park offers premium packages:

• All Inclusive: around €132 per person (adult or child). It includes entry, a guided tour, meals and drinks in selected restaurants, reserved seats at the shows, and a small souvenir gift.
• Diamond Tour: around €127 for an adult and €79 for a child. It includes entry, a special behind-the-scenes guided tour, VIP seats at the shows, and a meal in the park’s best restaurant.

One last tidbit that might interest you: there’s a “Twin Ticket” combining Loro Parque and Siam Park (the island’s water park) for about €78 for an adult and €57 for a child. If you plan to do both, it’s really worth getting this ticket: it’s much better value!

In this case, I hadn’t really anticipated being hungry around noon. I mainly wanted to make the most of the morning before it got too crowded. Then everything followed on: the shows, the aquariums… I kind of forgot to check the time from time to time. After noon, I started getting hungry, but of course there were already lines at the pizzeria and the other park restaurants.

I kept it simple by opting for a sandwich or snack at a kiosk directly inside the park. It’s convenient because there are quite a few throughout Loro Parque. So if, like me, you don’t plan ahead, you won’t starve, haha. We agree: it wasn’t the sandwich of my life, but it was just to grab a bite and get back to the visit right away.

But if you’re spending the whole day, I think you’ll want to sit down, and it’s better to eat a bit earlier, around 11:30 a.m., or later, around 2:30 p.m., to really take your time and enjoy a break. There’s the self-service restaurant Patio del Loro or Brunelli’s Steakhouse, right next to the park.

To make it easy to reach the park, you can stay very close by. Here are some good addresses depending on your budget:

High budget

Hotel Best Semiramis: Located high up on a cliff in Puerto de la Cruz, this five-star property offers exceptional rooms with a magnificent sea view. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel, you’re definitely in the right place!

Mid-range budget

Hotel Panoramica Garden: Right next to Puerto de la Cruz, in Los Realejos, I had the chance to stay there. It’s a hotel with good amenities where I felt comfortable. All at excellent value for money, not to mention the very welcoming staff.

Budget-friendly

Hotel Don Cándido: a simple but comfortable hotel located on the heights of Puerto de la Cruz. Here you can enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool and, above all, a rooftop terrace offering an unobstructed view of Teide. Just superb!

For more accommodation options near Loro Parque, I invite you to check out our guide to the best hotels in Puerto de la Cruz.

Our visit to Loro Parque is coming to an end! I hope you enjoyed it and that you’ll stop by. As I said at the beginning, it doesn’t feel like being in a zoo. In fact, even after the visit, the risk is no longer wanting to go to other wildlife parks. Between the closeness to the animals, the focus on preserving and safeguarding species, and the natural spaces, Loro Parque offers a truly genuine experience.

For your other vacation days, I recommend going on hikes in Tenerife. There are some very beautiful and varied ones to do depending on your level. You can alternate by touring the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife.

See you soon for new discoveries in Tenerife!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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