Tenerife – Looking forward and Animals in the Sun
A week in Tenerife. Let’s go! looking ahead to some gorgeous hikes and sights. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, belonging to Spain, 100 km off the coast of North Western Africa. Beaches, resorts, volcanic lunar like landscapes and one of the most visited national parks in the world. I hope to show you some of the delights this week 
First up I headed from my base in Adeje to the North Coast to Puerto De La Cruz. Home to Loro Parque. A very fine animal park indeed! On the way through I just had to stop and admire a first look at the summit of Mt Teide, I will be hiking up to the top later in the week.
Then onwards and into the park for some animal wonders. As far as animal parks go this one is very remarkable, the variety and great surroundings hit you straight away. Impeccably well kept and clean, with space and distance for the animals well worked out. Everyone I saw had a smile on their face. I was armed with my smile and my camera.
Where to start? Of course I love seeing the monkeys and apes. But then again the aquarium and penguin house goes well away from the usual packed corridoors of fish tanks and have created large displays in large and unique ways. One set of penguins are even kept in darkness as to keep their antarctic 24 hour darkness routine.
The park originally started out as a parrott house and this is seen in the wide array of bright coloured feathered friends you see all around, but, right in the middle is a treat. The Katandra treetops area lets you wander open with the birds and you go up to the treetops. Viewing the colourful and rare birds at their level.
There were regular shows of Orcas, sealions and dolphins delighting young and old. Prowling were tigers, jaguars and even the little meerkats kept their stand on watch. Too many animals to name and show but when on the island well worth the visit. Another thing I did notice, this park keeps refreshments at the kiosks to a great normal price, so refreshing to see.
Tomorrow! The first hike The hidden village of Masca and beyond. So looking forward to it!
About Paul Steele
Founder of BaldHiker.com and avid hiker, climber and trekker. never liking to sit still and always seeking new adventures around the world. Sharing personal views here and tweeting live via @paul_steele
Hi Paul! Loved the pictures in el Loro Parque – I used to live a 10 minute walk from there and remember as a kid going to bed scared listening to the lions!!
Wow, looks like a beautiful place. Being a pilot all I knew about Tenerife was that it was the scene of the worst air disaster ever, but this is a much more positive side to it.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for this blog post. Enjoy your stay in Tenerife and I / we shall enjoy reading your reports.Beautiful pictures of the area and animals. Looking forward to the next posts to come! Have a great time!!!
)