Maroparque Isla de La Palma "Fundación Maroparque" Centro de Rescate de animales exóticos

Imagine a stunning corner of wildlife perched on a steep ravine slope with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Maroparque — Exotic Animal Rescue Center is a unique "vertical zoo" and non-profit foundation located in Breña Alta, near the city of Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain.

Maroparque Exotic Animal Rescue Center. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Spanning an area of over 7,000 square meters, the park provides sanctuary to around 450 animals, many of which were rescued from mistreatment or confiscated from illegal owners. Here, you can encounter rare marmosets, lemurs, crocodiles, giant snakes, and even amazing albino kangaroos. The park is designed so that visitors can move along paved paths and wooden bridges, literally immersing themselves in the habitat of birds and mammals.

This destination combines the functions of a sanctuary, a botanical garden with plants endemic to La Palma, and a research center. Thanks to its ecological focus and high level of care for its residents, Maroparque is considered one of the most touching and educational attractions in the Canary Islands.

For visit details, group tours, or events, you can use the following contact information:

The main adventure here is walking through the multi-level enclosures. You can pass through areas where colorful parrots and majestic birds of prey fly freely, or observe playful lemurs almost at arm's length. For thrill-seekers, the park features terrariums with Nile crocodiles and exotic reptiles.

The center offers a rich educational program. Lectures on ecology and the importance of biodiversity conservation are held in the special "Aula Medioambiental" classroom. Children will particularly enjoy taking part in an interactive experience — feeding some of the inhabitants, which allows for a closer look at the natural world under the supervision of experienced keepers.

After your walk, be sure to stop by the local bar-restaurant. Its terrace offers some of the best views of Santa Cruz de la Palma and the endless sea. The park also offers the opportunity to "adopt" an animal: by making an annual donation, you become an official guardian of a chosen pet and contribute to the noble cause of its rehabilitation.

The complex is located at C. la Cuesta, 28-30, in the Breña Alta district, just 10–15 minutes by car from the center of Santa Cruz de la Palma. If you are coming from La Palma Airport, the drive takes about 30–40 minutes along the scenic roads of the east coast.

For those who prefer public transport, buses run regularly from the island's capital and neighboring villages. The stop is within walking distance of the entrance; however, it is advisable to check current schedules in advance on local transport websites or at information centers. Taxis are also available from anywhere in the city.

The park is situated on a cliffside, and its paths lead down into the canyon, so comfortable closed-toe shoes are highly recommended for an enjoyable walk. For visitors arriving by car, parking is provided directly at the entrance to the center.

The history of this place began in 2000, when the Martín Romera family founded the non-profit Fundación Maroparque. The center's name was derived from the first syllables of the founders' surnames — Martín and Romera. Originally conceived as a private initiative, the project quickly grew into a significant regional rescue center for exotic species.

Since its opening, the park has stood out for its architectural solution: it is a one-of-a-kind "vertical zoo" in the Canary Islands. The thoughtful design allowed the enclosures to be seamlessly integrated into the challenging terrain of the El Galeón ravine, creating conditions for the inhabitants that are as close to natural as possible.

Today, Maroparque actively cooperates with government agencies and European biodiversity conservation programs. Important projects are implemented here to protect endemic species, such as the famous Palmera goat. The center also features the "Aula Medioambiental" environmental classroom, which has become an important educational platform for local schoolchildren and tourists interested in ecological issues.

To leisurely stroll through all levels of the vertical zoo and observe the animals' behavior, most visitors need 2 to 3 hours. This is enough time to walk across all the bridges, take photos, and relax on the panoramic terraces.

If you plan to attend an educational workshop or stay for lunch at the local restaurant overlooking the ocean, you should set aside half a day for your visit. Families with children are also encouraged to plan for a longer stay, as the interactive areas and animal feedings are usually a big hit with younger guests.

Maroparque is open to guests daily, making it a convenient stop on any trip around the island of La Palma. The rescue center’s doors are open according to the following schedule:

Monday — Sunday: from 10:00 to 18:00.

Please note that the ticket office may stop selling tickets an hour before the official closing time to ensure visitors have enough time to fully explore the park.

The island of La Palma is famous for its authentic atmosphere, and a visit to the animal rescue center can easily be combined with a walk through historical sites and cozy squares. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to get a deeper feel for the character of this part of the Canary Islands.

Below are some interesting sites located within a few kilometers of the park: