If you’re not sure which Canary Island you should choose for your next holiday, this place should convince you that Tenerife is the right destination!
Loro Park (In Spanish: Loro Parque) is a zoo and botanical garden in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. In addition to the huge number of different species of animals (including parrots, gorillas, jaguars, tigers, meerkats, chimpanzees, turtles…), this place is famous for a variety of shows that are very popular with children and adults. The most interesting are: parrot shows, dolphin shows, seals and sea lions show and a killer whales show.
It is worth adding that the killer whale shows are organized with special security measures. Over the years, there have been several accidents involving killer whales in Loro Park. The most tragic one took place in 2009, when the animal killed one of the trainers during the show. At the moment, trainers no longer get into the water during killer whales shows.
💰 Hotel Puerto Azul - Affordable hotel in central Puerto de la Cruz, about a 10-15 minute walk from Loro Parque.
🏨 Hotel Vallemar - Comfortable seafront hotel in Puerto de la Cruz, about a 10-minute drive from Loro Parque.
💎 Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden - A luxury hotel in a green part of Puerto de la Cruz, about 10 minutes’ drive from Loro Parque.
History of the Park
Loro Park was established in 1970 by the German Kiessling family (the same family that is also credited with the founding of Siam Park and Poema del Mar). The official opening took place in 1972, when 13,000 m2 of the park area were opened to the public. The biggest attraction at that time were the parrots. More than 150 specimens of these animals lived in Loro Park and it was the first place in Europe where the parrot shows were organized.
Over the years, the park has grown, and more and more new spaces that attract tourists were being created. In 1987, the largest dolphinarium in Europe at that time was opened. In the following years, various sections dedicated to new species of animals were created, as well as places prepared with the youngest in mind. (e.g. Kinderlandia).
The ever-increasing number of attractions required more space. In 1992, the area of Loro Park was increased more than tenfold, up to 135,000 m2. This is the area that is open to visitors to this day.
In 1994, the park authorities established the Loro Parque Fundación, which deals with the protection of endangered animal species.
Distinction and awards
Loro Park is a place that is appreciated by people and organizations from all over the world. The most valuable awards that the park can boast include:
- the best tourist attraction in Puerto de la Cruz according to TripAdvisor (2017),
- the third best zoo in the world according to TripAdvisor (2014),
- Prince Philip’s Award for Merit to Tourism (2000).
What should you see in Loro Park?
Loro Park is divided into several main parts, each of which has a different type of attraction to offer. As it is a place that presents not only a rich animal world but also nature, some of the attractions focus primarily on specific plant species. The most interesting attractions of the park include:
- AquaViva and Aquarium - aquariums full of jellyfish, tropical fish and sharks
- Orca Ocean - swimming pool with stands, where killer whale shows are organized
- Zen Garden - an Asian and Atlantis-esque underwater garden
- Lion’s Kingdom - space dedicated to lions
- Museo de la Porcelana - a huge collection of porcelain figurines depicting parrots. Some of them are as old as several hundred years!
- Orquidiario - a space full of different orchid species
- Aviario - an aviary full of beautiful, colorful parrots
- Naturavisión - cinema showing documentary films on park-related topics (some films are also available in 3D)
- Planet Penguin - here you will see penguins inhabiting the Antarctic area
- Jungle Area - one of the oldest parts of Loro Park, presenting jungle vegetation
- Pueblo Thai - Thai-village styled space
Tips for visitors
- If you want to visit the Loro Park, buying the tickets in advance is necessary! This is the only way to skip the checkout line. You can buy tickets to Loro Park here >
- To save time and money, buy a combined ticket for Loro Park and Siam Park (Twin Ticket). You can buy it here >
Practical info
- If you want to visit Loro Park, it is best to buy your tickets in advance. You will then avoid standing in a long queue and avoid the risk that all tickets have been sold out.
- Address: Av. Loro Parque, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Buy Tickets on GetYourGuide
Hotels near Loro Parque
Loro Parque is one of Europe’s most famous zoos, located in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of Tenerife. Staying nearby makes it easy to visit the park and enjoy the black-sand beaches and the climate of the greener north of the island.
💰 Hotel Puerto Azul
An affordable hotel in central Puerto de la Cruz, about a 10-15 minute walk from Loro Parque. A good choice for simple accommodation close to the town’s attractions.
🏨 Hotel Vallemar
A comfortable hotel on the seafront promenade in Puerto de la Cruz, about a 10-minute drive from Loro Parque. A rooftop pool and ocean views make it a relaxing base.
💎 Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden
One of the most prestigious hotels in the Canary Islands, surrounded by 25,000 m² of tropical gardens right next to the famous Botanical Garden. The spa has been named the best in Europe several times by Condé Nast, and there are four restaurants serving Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, three pools and views of the Atlantic and Mount Teide.
