Loro Parque began as a parrot park on the edge of Puerto de la Cruz and has grown into the island’s biggest family day out. Parrots are still at its heart, with one of the largest collections in the world, but the park now spreads through lush gardens to enclosures for gorillas, big cats and other mammals, an aquarium with a shark tunnel, an indoor penguin house kept at polar temperatures, and large pools for dolphins, sea lions and orcas. Shows run at set times through the day and last about twenty minutes each. The park opens every day from half past nine until half past five, and a small free train runs from Puerto de la Cruz to the gates. It is a full day out, and it is popular with coach groups from the south, so it pays to arrive early. Our link goes to Tiqets’ Loro Parque page, which sells entry tickets and the combined ticket with Siam Park.
How it works: buy a dated entry ticket online and show it on your phone at the turnstiles. Tiqets sells a standard entry ticket, an all-inclusive pass with food and drink, and a combined ticket for Loro Parque and Siam Park, which is the best value if you plan to visit both. The park is on Avenida Loro Parque in Punta Brava, at the western end of Puerto de la Cruz, about forty-five minutes to an hour by car from the southern resorts, and public buses run from both coasts.
What to expect: pick up a show timetable at the entrance and plan your day around it, because the shows are spread across the park and the stands fill up. Between shows, walk the parrot aviaries, the gorilla and big cat areas, the aquarium and the penguin house, which is a cold and welcome change on a hot day. Paths are mostly paved, but the park is hilly in places. Animal welfare groups have long criticised keeping orcas and dolphins in captivity, and some visitors choose to skip those shows; the park presents its work as conservation and research.
Making the most of it: arrive at opening time, see the busiest shows early, and save the quieter gardens and aviaries for the afternoon. There are restaurants and snack bars throughout, but queues build at lunchtime, so eat a little early or late.
What to expect
The experience
A large animal park with aviaries, mammal enclosures, an aquarium, a penguin house and scheduled shows of about twenty minutes each.
Best time
Opening time on a weekday, before the coach groups from the south arrive.
How long
Plan on a full day of five to seven hours to see the shows and the main areas.
Tips
Take a show timetable at the entrance, plan the day around it, and consider the combined ticket if you also want Siam Park.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families who want one big, easy day out in the north of the island.
- Families
- Children love the penguin house, the parrots and the shows, and the free train from town avoids parking.
- Couples
- Better suited to families, but animal lovers will enjoy the gardens and aviaries at a slower pace.
- Pair with
- An evening stroll along the Puerto de la Cruz seafront, or the Icod dragon tree on the drive west.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What are Loro Parque’s opening hours?+
Loro Parque opens every day from 9:30 to 17:30. Arrive close to opening time to see the most popular shows before the park fills up.
How do I get to Loro Parque from the south of Tenerife?+
It is about forty-five minutes to an hour by car from Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, and public buses run to Puerto de la Cruz. Some combined tickets also include transfers from the south.
Is there a free train to Loro Parque?+
Yes, a small free train runs between Puerto de la Cruz and the park entrance. It is a handy way to avoid parking if you are staying in town.
Can I buy a combined ticket for Loro Parque and Siam Park?+
Yes, Tiqets sells a combined entry ticket for the two parks, which costs less than buying both separately. The parks are at opposite ends of the island, so plan them on different days.
How long do I need at Loro Parque?+
Most visitors spend a full day of five to seven hours there. Seeing every show and the main animal areas in less time feels rushed.