Highlight • Structure
Maroparque, La Palma Island
Hiking
3.9
(21)
Maroparque Isla de La Palma is a distinctive exotic animal rescue center located on the eastern side of La Palma, one of Spain's beautiful Canary Islands. Often referred to as the only "vertical zoo" in the Canary Islands, this non-profit foundation functions as a sanctuary, botanical garden, and research center. Nestled on the slopes of the El Galeón ravine in Breña Alta, at an elevation of approximately 335 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the capital city, Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Visitors consistently praise Maroparque for its unique layout and the opportunity to get close to a diverse collection of rescued animals. The park's "vertical zoo" design, with its descending walkways and walk-through aviaries, creates an immersive experience where parrots and other birds are anything but shy. Many find the experience of supporting an animal rescue center deeply rewarding, making it a popular choice for those seeking family-friendly activities on La Palma.
Before visiting this unique attraction, it's helpful to know that entry for non-residents is around €8.40, with reduced prices for residents and children. The park's design, featuring cobbled paths and wooden bridges, means comfortable footwear is advisable as you explore the various levels. While it's a small zoo, its beautiful layout and the variety of animals, including species like albino kangaroos, make it a memorable stop.
Maroparque Isla de La Palma is an ideal destination for a day out, offering more than just animal viewing. Beyond observing the approximately 450 exotic and endangered animals, guests can enjoy interactive feeding experiences and learn about conservation efforts in the "Aula Medioambiental" classroom. The lush botanical garden also provides a cool, forest-like atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll. There is also a restaurant on-site, providing impressive views to complement your visit.
Many visitors highlight the chance to see rare animals like the albino kangaroo for the first time, or the joy of direct contact with friendly parrots in the walk-through aviaries. The stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from its clifftop location are a significant draw, adding another layer to the experience. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the dedication to animal welfare and conservation.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or simply wish to support a worthy cause, Maroparque Isla de La Palma offers a unique experience. You can explore various trails within the park, observing its diverse inhabitants and enjoying the scenic surroundings. To discover more about this fascinating rescue center and plan your visit, including finding nearby routes for hiking or cycling, komoot offers a range of options to help you make the most of your time on La Palma.
Tips
April 14, 2023
Hiking
•
November 9, 2024
Hiking
This is where I saw an albino kangaroo for the first time. The small zoo is beautifully laid out and it is worth a visit to include in your hike.
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Nearby routes
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Details
Informations
Elevation 330 m
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Tuesday 2 June
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Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of animals can I expect to see at Maroparque Isla de La Palma?
Maroparque is home to a diverse collection of approximately 450 exotic and endangered animals, many of which have been rescued. You can encounter fascinating species such as Japanese hens, small monkeys, albino kangaroos, marmosets, lemurs, Nile crocodiles, various snakes, birds of prey, ostriches, peacocks, porcupines, and different types of fish. The park is particularly known for its walk-through aviaries where parrots and other birds fly freely.
What makes Maroparque Isla de La Palma unique compared to other animal parks?
Maroparque is often described as the only 'vertical zoo' in the Canary Islands. Its distinctive layout features descending walkways, wooden bridges, and cobbled paths built into the slopes of the El Galeón ravine. This design, combined with walk-through aviaries, offers an immersive experience. It also functions as a non-profit animal rescue center, sanctuary, botanical garden, and research center, dedicating all proceeds to animal care and conservation.
Is Maroparque Isla de La Palma suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Maroparque is considered a very family-friendly destination. Children often enjoy the direct contact with animals in the walk-through aviaries, especially the friendly parrots. The park also offers interactive animal feeding experiences and educational lectures on ecology and biodiversity conservation, making it an engaging and informative visit for all ages.
What are the ticket prices for Maroparque Isla de La Palma?
Entry for non-residents is around €8.40. Reduced prices are available for residents of La Palma and for children. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most current pricing information before your visit.
What are the opening hours for Maroparque Isla de La Palma?
While specific opening hours can vary by season, Maroparque generally operates during standard daytime hours. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on opening and closing times, it is recommended to check the official Maroparque website or Visit La Palma's page.
Are there any dining options or cafes available at Maroparque Isla de La Palma?
Yes, there is a restaurant located on-site at Maroparque. It offers impressive views, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal or a snack while taking in the panoramic scenery of the Atlantic Ocean and Santa Cruz de La Palma.
What are the parking options at Maroparque Isla de La Palma, and is public transport available?
Maroparque has parking facilities available for visitors. While the intro mentions parking, it's worth noting that spaces can fill up, especially during peak times. For those relying on public transport, it is advisable to check local bus routes and schedules to see if there are convenient connections to Breña Alta or directly to the park's vicinity.
Is Maroparque Isla de La Palma wheelchair accessible?
Given its unique 'vertical zoo' design with descending walkways, cobbled paths, and wooden bridges built into a ravine, full wheelchair accessibility throughout the entire park might be challenging. It's recommended to contact Maroparque directly for detailed information regarding accessibility for visitors with mobility impairments.
Are there any specific viewpoints or natural features to look out for within Maroparque?
Beyond the animal enclosures, the park itself is a lush botanical garden with native vegetation, creating a cool, forest-like atmosphere. Its elevated position on the slopes of the El Galeón ravine provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Santa Cruz de La Palma from various points within the park. These scenic vistas are a significant highlight for many visitors.
What kind of educational opportunities does Maroparque offer?
Maroparque emphasizes education and conservation. It features an 'Aula Medioambiental' classroom where lectures on ecology and biodiversity conservation are offered. Visitors can also learn about the rescue and rehabilitation efforts for the animals housed there, fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife protection.
Can I combine a visit to Maroparque with nearby hiking or other activities?
Yes, many visitors choose to include Maroparque as part of a larger day out. The park is located on the eastern side of La Palma, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding area. While there are trails within the park itself, you can also find various hiking routes and other attractions nearby on the island. The park's beautiful layout makes it a memorable stop to include in your itinerary.