Siam Park and Loro Parque are Tenerife’s two “big ticket” theme parks, but they suit very different days. Pick Siam Park if you want a high-energy water-park day in the south (Costa Adeje), and choose Loro Parque if you want an animal-and-gardens day in the north (Puerto de la Cruz) with scheduled shows and lots of shade.
If you have time for both, the easiest plan is to do Siam Park first if you’re staying in the south, then schedule Loro Parque on a separate “north day” (ideally after a lighter evening), because water-park fatigue is real.
Key takeaways
- • Siam Park (Costa Adeje) is best for thrill rides, water slides, and a full-day “sun-and-swim” plan; expect to feel tired afterwards.
- • Loro Parque (Puerto de la Cruz) works well as a north-coast sightseeing day with animals, gardens, and timed presentations.
- • Avoid doing them back-to-back on peak days; leave a recovery evening (or a full rest day) between parks, especially with kids.
- • Book ahead on official sites when possible, arrive at opening, and plan transport early (free Siam shuttle in the south; free Loro “train” in Puerto de la Cruz).
Quick comparison: Siam Park vs Loro Parque
Think of Siam Park as a “big day at the pool, turned up to 10,” and Loro Parque as a “zoo + botanical gardens + presentations” day. Both are full-day attractions, but they ask for different kinds of energy and planning.
- Best for adrenaline: Siam Park.
- Best for animal lovers and shade: Loro Parque.
- Best if you’re staying in Costa Adeje / Las Américas / Los Cristianos: Siam Park (shorter travel time).
- Best if you’re already planning a Puerto de la Cruz day: Loro Parque.
- Most “physically tiring” day: Siam Park (stairs, carrying towels, lots of sun).
- Easiest to pace slowly: Loro Parque (you can structure your day around presentation times).
Location and logistics (this is what usually decides it)
Siam Park is in Costa Adeje in the south of Tenerife, which is where many visitors stay (Las Américas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje). Its official address is Avenida Siam, 38660 Costa Adeje. (Source: Siam Park official visitor info page.)
Loro Parque is in Puerto de la Cruz in the north. Its official address is Avenida Loro Parque, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz. (Source: Loro Parque official contact page.)
- If you’re staying in the south: Siam Park is the simpler day; Loro Parque can still work, but plan for a longer transfer.
- If you’re splitting your trip north and south: do one park per “base.”
- If you’re renting a car: both parks are straightforward, but try to arrive close to opening to reduce traffic and parking stress.
Siam Park also highlights a free shuttle bus operating in the Las Américas–Los Cristianos–Costa Adeje area (check current stops and times before you go). Loro Parque promotes a free “train” service through Puerto de la Cruz (again, check current routes and frequency before the day).
What the day feels like (crowds, pace, and fatigue)
If you want the most fun, plan for the “feel” of the day—not just the attraction list. The biggest mistake is treating both parks like interchangeable theme parks.
- Siam Park pace: bursts of intensity (queues + slides) with sun exposure and lots of walking in wet footwear.
- Siam Park fatigue factor: high; many families feel wiped out by late afternoon.
- Loro Parque pace: steady; you can rotate between animal areas and presentations.
- Loro Parque fatigue factor: moderate; easier to pause, snack, and reset in shaded areas.
Loro Parque publishes daily opening hours (typically 09:30–17:30) and show/presentation times, which makes it easier to structure your visit. Siam Park publishes seasonal opening hours (typically 10:00 opening with earlier closing in winter), so your “best” plan depends more on when you arrive and how you handle queues.
Which one fits your trip style (choose in 60 seconds)
Use these “trip style” matches to decide quickly, then skip to the itinerary section if you’re doing both.
- Short trip (3–4 days) based in the south: Siam Park usually wins because it minimizes travel time and maximizes “holiday energy.”
- Couples who want a calmer day: Loro Parque is easier to do at a relaxed pace and pairs well with Puerto de la Cruz sightseeing.
- Families with mixed ages: either can work, but Loro Parque is often simpler with toddlers (less sun + fewer “must do now” queues).
- Teens and thrill-seekers: Siam Park tends to be the headline day.
- Visitors who dislike being wet all day: choose Loro Parque.
A smart two-park plan (sequence logic, transport, and recovery time)
If you want to do both parks on one Tenerife trip, plan them as two separate “anchor days” with breathing room. You’ll enjoy both more, and you’ll avoid the classic mistake of doing Siam Park, having a late dinner, and then dragging everyone into a long north-coast day the next morning.
Recommended sequence: Siam Park first if you’re staying in the south, then Loro Parque on a separate north day. This sequence keeps your longest travel day (to Puerto de la Cruz) for a day when you’re not sun-tired and dehydrated.
- Day 1 (South base): Siam Park + easy evening (early dinner, quiet walk, lights out).
- Day 2: flexible recovery day (beach morning + pool nap, or a short activity like a viewpoint stop).
- Day 3 (North day): Loro Parque + Puerto de la Cruz stroll (Plaza del Charco / seafront) if energy allows.
Transport choices for the two-park plan:
- Staying south → Siam Park: walk/taxi if you’re in Las Américas/Costa Adeje, or use Siam Park’s free shuttle bus where available (confirm stops and times on the official info page).
- Staying south → Loro Parque: rental car gives the most flexibility; otherwise consider a bus/coach transfer option bundled with your ticket (both parks sell ticket products that mention transport options).
- Already in Puerto de la Cruz → Loro Parque: use the park’s free “train” service from central Puerto de la Cruz (confirm the route and frequency before you go).
Recovery time: what families underestimate
Siam Park can feel like a beach day plus a workout. Build in a rest evening after Siam Park (and ideally a lighter next morning) to avoid meltdowns, sore feet, and sun headaches.
- Schedule dinner near your accommodation rather than driving across the island.
- Plan a simple “reset” routine: shower, electrolytes/water, and a calm hour before bed.
- If you have young kids, split the next day into “morning outing + nap + easy evening.”
Booking and timing recommendations (avoid peak crowds without overthinking it)
Both parks recommend buying tickets in advance via their official websites, which can also reduce time spent in purchase lines at the entrance. Loro Parque explicitly states it recommends online purchase, and it also notes its tickets don’t get refunded (but can be used later), so double-check your dates and plans before paying.
To avoid “back-to-back peak crowds,” avoid scheduling your two park days on consecutive high-demand days. If you can, place a rest day between them, and aim for earlier arrivals so you get the first hours before the park fills up.
- Arrive early: plan to be at the gate around opening time (Siam Park’s official info page lists seasonal hours; Loro Parque lists daily opening hours and presentation times).
- Choose midweek when possible: many travelers prefer weekends for big attractions, so Tuesday–Thursday often feels smoother.
- Don’t do two parks on two consecutive “transfer days”: if you’re moving hotels, don’t stack that with a park day.
If you’re deciding between single tickets and a combined option, both parks sell a combined “Twin Ticket” style product on their official channels. Read the validity rules carefully (for example, some twin-ticket products specify a usage window after the first visit), and only book it if it matches your itinerary.
Practical tips for families (what actually makes the day easier)
Families usually enjoy both parks more when the adults plan for food, shade, and “kid energy” rather than trying to do everything. Your goal is a smooth day, not a perfect checklist.
Family strategy: split days with a rest evening
- Do Siam Park on a day when bedtime can be early.
- Keep the evening after Siam Park low-key (simple meal, short walk, no big drives).
- Do Loro Parque on a day when everyone is well-rested, because it’s a longer day if you’re coming from the south.
Mini checklist (pack smarter)
- Sun protection (reapply often; Tenerife sun is strong even when it feels breezy).
- Water shoes or secure sandals for Siam Park.
- A light layer for the north (Puerto de la Cruz can feel cooler than the south, especially later in the day).
- Snacks for kids (timed snack breaks prevent “queue tantrums”).
- Charged phone + a backup card payment option.
What to ask before booking (so you don’t waste a day)
- What time does the park open and close on our exact date?
- Are we staying south or north, and how long will the transfer realistically take?
- Do we need transport included (coach/bus) or are we renting a car?
- Do we want a combined ticket, and what is the validity window after the first visit?
- For Loro Parque: which presentations do we want to see, and what times are they?
- For Siam Park: are we okay with queues, or do we want to budget for any in-park upgrades?
- What is our “exit plan” (early leave vs full day) if the kids get tired?
If you’d like, you can post one request on MiTenerife to compare practical transport options (private transfer vs taxi vs shared shuttle) for your park days, especially if you’re traveling with children or a larger group.
And if you’re building a wider itinerary (Teide day, boat trip, beach days), check local Tenerife services and experiences so your park days don’t accidentally land on the same day as a long excursion.