Loro Parque. [the Parrot Park]

Famous worldwide, this theme park is one of the most-visited places on the Island. It started in 1972 with a little parrot show and three decades later it has become one of Puerto de la Cruz’ and Tenerife’s most important tourist attractions. The Loro Parque possesses the world’s largest and most important parrot collection. Visitors can watch the fun spectacle of the sea lions and dolphins. Young and old enjoy the gorillas and other apes, tigers, jaguars, flamingos and alligators each housed in appropriate natural conditions. Another attraction is a giant Galapagos tortoise, over 40 years old. The attraction which receives most visits is the recently opened Penguinarium, a replica of the natural habitat in the Antarctic , where three species of these delightful birds live together. Another enclosure houses Humboldt penguins, a threatened subtropical species. The Park’s attractions are rounded off by the aquarium, the impressive shark tunnel, the orchid house and the audiovisual spectacle Naturavisión. The latest and most spectacular addition is the orca pool. Although it is sited in Punta Brava, somewhat outside the town centre, a nice little train takes tourists free-of-charge from the Plaza de los Reyes Católicos , near the Martiánez Complex right to the Park door at all hours of the day. The Loro Parque has its own Foundation which collaborates in important ecological and conservation projects all over the world.