In Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast of Tenerife, there's a park that started in 1972 as a parrot collection and has grown into one of Europe's most complete zoos. Loro Parque mixes marine animal shows, recreated jungles and subtropical gardens in a site that's easy to cover in a full day, and it's one of the few plans on the island that works just as well under clouds as under sun.
The park keeps its name from the original parrot collection, with species from around the world housed in large, well kept aviaries, but today it's much more than that. Themed areas have grown up around that collection, each recreating a different ecosystem, so the visit keeps changing scenery: from a tropical jungle to a Thai village, and from there to the stadiums where the marine animal shows take place.
Orca Ocean is the stadium where the orcas perform, one of the few places in Europe where you can see this show, and the dolphinarium runs its own show in a separate amphitheatre. Both are the moments that shape the pace of the day, so it's worth checking the times at the entrance as soon as you arrive and planning the rest of your route around them.
Outside the stadiums, the park is yours to explore between recreated ecosystems: the chimpanzee area, with young ones playing among the trees, and Amazonia, where jaguars and other big cats roam enclosures with dense vegetation and water. There's also a penguinarium with artificial snow and an aquarium with an underwater tunnel, so the day splits between land animals, birds and marine life without repeating itself.
Loro Parque is in Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast of Tenerife, next to the Botanical Garden and a short walk from the town centre. Coming from the south of the island, the drive along the motorway takes around an hour, and the site has its own car park for anyone arriving independently.
A ticket costs €55 per adult and €30 per child, with instant confirmation when you book and free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, so you can pick a date without worrying about losing your money if plans change. Show your voucher straight at the gate, no ticket office queue.
How much does entry to Loro Parque cost? €55 per adult and €30 per child, with instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
Where is Loro Parque? In Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast of Tenerife, next to the Botanical Garden.
Is the orca show included in the regular ticket? Yes, access to Orca Ocean and all the other shows is included in the entry price.
Still planning your Tenerife trip? Its sister park, Poema del Mar, is in Gran Canaria, Mount Teide's cable car is the island's other big excursion, and here are all our things to do in Tenerife.
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