We went to Monkey Park Tenerife and left with 100 new furry friends

What do you get when you mix sunshine, cheeky monkeys, and a backpack full of animal snacks? Our day at Monkey Park Tenerife! A tiny zoo with a big heart — and plenty of furry friends waiting to say hello. 🌴😄

• The Grand Plan – Monkey Business Ahead
• On the Road to Monkey Park
• Into the Heat and the Unknown
• The Road Back… and a Lucky Break
• Finally there — Monkey Park, here we come!
• Snack Attack: Feeding the Guinea Pig Gang at Monkey Park
• From Tiny Nibbles to Big Reptile Grins
• Monkey Business at Monkey Park
• Tropical Rainbow – Meeting the Parrots of Monkey Park
• Slow and Steady Wins the Day
• The Grand Finale – A Room Full of Lovebirds
• Until Next Time

We woke up to another glorious Tenerife morning — blue skies stretching forever and that little spark of excitement that comes when you’ve got no idea what the day might bring. What kind of fun was waiting for us today? Hopefully, something with a few new furry friends.

That’s when we remembered Monkey Park, a quirky, privately-owned little zoo just on the edge of Los Cristianos in sunny southern Tenerife. We didn’t know much about it, but it sounded like the perfect little adventure for the early days of our trip — not too far, not too long, just enough to mix up our beach routine. And honestly, the moment we heard lemurs and monkeys, we were packing like kids before a school trip. Erika and I are hopeless animal lovers, so this plan felt tailor-made for us.

According to Google Maps, the park was close to the big TF-1 highway. Getting there seemed almost too easy:

• Step 1: a 15-minute walk to the El Camisón bus stop.
• Step 2: a quick 10-minute bus ride to San Francisco.
• Step 3: stroll the last kilometer (about 20 minutes).

Google even promised a handy little underpass beneath the TF-1. Perfect.

We stocked up on water bottles, slathered on sunscreen, tossed everything into my backpack, and set off. A day of lemurs, monkeys, and fun awaited… or at least, that was the plan.

Our journey began with a stroll to the El Camisón bus stop, the morning sun already warming our backs. A few minutes later, the bus rumbled up, and we hopped on — fingers crossed that we could actually pay with a card. In Sweden, you usually have to sort out your ticket online before boarding, so I was half-expecting some confusion.

But nope. Easy as can be. Swipe the card, two tickets in hand, and off we went. Honestly, the fact that you can even pay cash on a bus here blew my mind. It felt almost retro, like traveling back in time. But in a good way.

The ride itself was short and sweet, about ten minutes of palm trees, glimpses of the sea, and a few winding turns that reminded us we were definitely in Tenerife, not back home on straight Swedish roads. Before we knew it, the driver called out our stop: San Francisco.

We stepped off the bus, stretched our legs, and looked around. The final stretch to Monkey Park was waiting — about a kilometer on foot. With the sun climbing higher, backpacks bouncing, and the faint sound of traffic from the TF-1 nearby, we set off with a spring in our step. The adventure was just beginning.

We hopped off the bus and immediately found ourselves facing a serious uphill climb. The road stretched ahead like a baked ribbon, and as we trudged upward, the sun started to show its true Tenerife strength. Even for two people used to walking plenty back home, it was hot. The kind of heat that makes your backpack straps feel like they’re glued to your shoulders.

In the distance, we could hear the heavy hum of traffic rolling along the TF-1. After a while, we turned right and suddenly it felt like we’d wandered into no-man’s-land. Empty stretches of road, dry scrub, and far ahead — a lonely gas station shimmering in the heat haze like a mirage.

We pressed on, when suddenly three backpackers appeared, heading straight toward us. They looked friendly enough, smiling as they approached. The funny part? They opened their mouths and out came… French. Not exactly our strongest language. Erika had studied a bit in school, but me? Zero chance. I tried switching to English, which went… let’s just say “so-so.”

Still, they were super nice. And their message? Important. They warned us not to continue, because the underpass beneath the highway — the one Google Maps had promised us — was closed for repairs. Fantastic.

It was obvious they’d pegged us as tourists from a mile away. Backpacks, pale Scandinavian hair, the whole “not-from-around-here” look. Guilty as charged. But hey, they saved us from walking all the way to a dead end, and we were grateful.

So, with a quick laugh, a wave, and a “merci,” we turned back the way we came, ready to rethink our grand Monkey Park plan.

Since the underpass was closed, we had no choice but to turn around and start the long walk downhill again. Hot, thirsty, and more than a little disappointed, we shuffled back toward Los Cristianos. Our new French friends walked just ahead of us, clearly in the same boat.

At the bottom of the hill, we reached a roundabout where, like a desert oasis, a small shop appeared. Salvation! We stocked up on cold drinks, fresh sunscreen, and a bit of energy. With a sip and a smile, our spirits lifted — we weren’t ready to give up just yet.

We tried to flag down a taxi, but the first one was already taken. A bit deflated, we carried on past the roundabout. And then — magic! Out of nowhere, a taxi appeared, like it had been sent by the travel gods themselves. I waved frantically, and to our relief, it stopped.

The driver, a kind woman with a big smile, listened to our story and nodded knowingly. Clearly, we weren’t the first lost tourists who had tried (and failed) to reach Monkey Park on foot. Without hesitation, she agreed to take us the rest of the way.

Finally, after our mini odyssey of wrong turns, uphill struggles, and unexpected sunburn, we slid into the backseat and relaxed. The car wound its way up the proper road, and in no time at all, we were standing at the entrance of Monkey Park. At last, we had made it.

Our friendly taxi driver dropped us off right outside the gates of Monkey Park. Hurrah — we’d made it at last! After all the detours and sunshine-soaked wandering, we were finally standing at the entrance. Excitement buzzing, we looked at each other and thought: this is going to be fun.

The Face of Pure Monkey Park Excitement

We were finally there! We lined up, bought our tickets, and just as we were about to head inside, the girl at the counter asked if we wanted to add a small food box — filled with tasty treats for the animals.

It sounded like a great plan. Sure, it cost a little extra, but honestly? Totally worth it. So we each grabbed a box, and oh boy, did it come in handy.

The moment we reached the guinea pigs, our boxes were a hit. Then came the monkeys, who clearly knew exactly what we were carrying. We even shared a bit with the tortoises and some of the birds along the way.

👉 If you go, we can absolutely recommend getting the food box. It turns a regular walk through the park into an interactive adventure — and trust us, the animals will thank you for it.

Forget the monkeys for a moment – because at Monkey Park, the real stars might just be the guinea pigs. The second you hold out a fresh green veggie, they waddle over with twitching noses and curious eyes, ready for a snack. Hand-feeding them is pure fun: gentle little nibbles, soft whiskers brushing your fingers, and the cutest squeaks of excitement. It’s impossible not to smile.

We could hardly walk away – they were simply too adorable! Every time we thought “just one more piece,” another fluffy face appeared, begging for another bite. Guinea pigs might be small, but they know exactly how to win your heart (and your veggies).

Proof that guinea pigs make the cutest dinner dates ever

A little fun fact: these furry friends originally come from the Andes in South America, where they’ve been companions to people for thousands of years. Today, they’re still just as social, curious, and completely irresistible – especially when there’s food involved.

For us, it turned into one of those unexpected highlights of the day. Who knew a handful of lettuce could bring so much joy? 🥬🐹

After spending time with the adorable guinea pigs – who happily munched away on every green snack we offered – we stumbled upon these “little guys.” Well… not so little, actually. The iguanas at Monkey Park greeted us with wide mouths and a serious “don’t even think about feeding me” attitude. Unlike the guinea pigs, there was no veggie handout here – just some impressive scales, long tails, and a prehistoric look that made us feel like we had stepped back into the dinosaur age.

Iguanas are fascinating creatures: mostly herbivores, sun-lovers, and excellent climbers. With their spiky backs and calm, watchful eyes, they’re the kind of animal that looks both laid-back and slightly intimidating at the same time. One thing’s for sure – they know how to make a strong impression, even without a lettuce leaf in sight! 🦎☀️

Meet the Iguana – Monkey Park’s Prehistoric Star

💡 Fun Fact: Did you know iguanas can grow up to 2 meters long (including their tail) and are excellent swimmers? Despite their fierce look, they spend most of their day eating leaves, basking in the sun, and living a pretty chilled-out lifestyle.

Finally, it was time for the park’s main stars – the monkeys! Reaching out through the fence with their clever little hands, they eagerly grabbed the food we offered. What amazed us most was how picky they could be: sorting through every piece until they found their clear favorite – sweet yellow corn. 🌽

Making a friend, one snack at a time

These were patas monkeys, the fastest primates in the world, capable of sprinting up to 55 km/h out on the African savannah. Here at Monkey Park, though, they were in no hurry. Instead, they patiently (and quite skillfully) picked out exactly what they wanted from our snack box.

It’s moments like these that remind you just how smart and full of personality monkeys are. Feeding them felt less like giving food to animals and more like sharing lunch with quick-witted friends who know exactly what they like – and how to get it. 🐒✨

Carefully selecting… nope, not that… ah, yes, the corn please! 🌽🐒

💡 Fun Fact: Patas monkeys may look small, but they have incredibly long limbs – perfect for sprinting and climbing. They spend much of their time on the ground, unlike many other monkeys, which makes them unique among primates. And yes, they always seem to know where the corn is hiding. 🌽🐒

Erika forgot the grown-ups – the baby monkeys stole all her attention (and her heart). 🐒❤️

The Gibbons – Acrobat Artists of Monkey Park 🐒🎪

The gibbons quickly stole the show. With effortless swings, they launched themselves from branch to branch like furry trapeze artists in a jungle-themed circus. One minute they were hanging upside down, the next they were flying across the enclosure with total confidence, making us wonder if gravity even applied to them.

It was impossible not to laugh — their playful energy was contagious. Watching them felt like getting front row seats to nature’s own gymnastics performance.

The furry trapeze artist

💡 Fun Fact: Gibbons are true masters of a movement called brachiation — swinging hand over hand through the trees. They can even cover up to 10 meters in a single swing. Try doing that at your local gym! 💪🌴

Blue and Yellow Macaw - The Colorful Voices of Monkey Park

After our time with the monkeys, we were greeted by another of Monkey Park’s lively residents – the blue-and-yellow macaw. Perched high up, showing off its tropical feathers like a crown jewel, it gave us a look that said: “Yes, I’m fabulous, and I know it.”

Blue, yellow, and a whole lot of attitude 💙💛

Monkey Park is full of birds, but macaws steal the show. Loud, cheeky, and full of personality, they’re the kind of creatures that make you stop in your tracks. You never know if they’re about to squawk, dance, or try to mimic your voice – but one thing is certain: they’re impossible to ignore.

💡 Fun Fact: Blue-and-yellow macaws are not just pretty faces – they’re excellent “woodworkers.” With their powerful beaks, they can crack open the hardest nuts and even strip bark off trees like it’s nothing.

Sun Conure - A Splash of Sunshine at Monkey Park

Just when we thought Monkey Park couldn’t surprise us anymore, this little burst of color appeared – a sun conure, perched proudly on its branch like a tiny flame against the rocks. With feathers glowing in yellow, orange, and green, it felt like we had found a piece of tropical sunshine right here in Tenerife.

A true splash of sunshine in feathers

Don’t be fooled by the size, though – these parrots may look delicate, but their voices are anything but! Loud, social, and always ready to make themselves heard, they bring life and energy wherever they are. One glance at those fiery feathers, and it’s impossible not to smile.

💡 Fun Fact: Sun conures are often called the “clowns of the parrot world” – not only because of their playful behavior, but also because they love attention and can get quite dramatic if ignored.

Cockatoo - The White Diva of Monkey Park

Not all parrots at Monkey Park are dressed in rainbow colors – some prefer the elegance of pure white. This cockatoo sat proudly on its perch, looking down at us with a mix of curiosity and attitude. With a little yellow crest ready to pop up like a crown, it had all the presence of a true diva.

When your feathers say party but your face says serious business

Cockatoos are not just beautiful – they’re also brilliant. Known for their playful personalities and loud voices, they can be comedians, escape artists, and even little rock stars when they start “dancing” to sounds around them. Standing there, we couldn’t help but feel that this bird was fully aware of just how fabulous it looked.

💡 Fun Fact: Cockatoos are amazing mimics – they can copy words, songs, and even environmental sounds. Some have even been taught to dance to music, keeping rhythm with their head bobs and crest flips!

Of course, Monkey Park isn’t all about lemurs and monkeys. We also stumbled upon these impressive land tortoises. They may not swing from branches or squawk like parrots, but wow, are they majestic in their own quiet way.

Basking in the sun, lumbering around their yard, or sneaking back into their little brick house, they looked like tiny armored tanks on holiday. You can’t help but smile watching them take life at their own pace — a gentle reminder that not all adventures have to be fast and loud.

And honestly, seeing them up close was just as magical as meeting any cheeky monkey.

When your holiday pace matches the tortoise vibe perfectly…

💡 Fun Fact: These are African spurred tortoises, also known as sulcata tortoises. They can grow up to 80 kilos (basically a walking sofa), live more than 70 years, and even dig burrows to keep cool in the desert heat. Not bad for a creature that spends most of its life looking like a moving rock! 🐢✨

At the end of Monkey Park, the big animals gave way to something smaller — but no less charming. We stepped into a room buzzing with life, filled with dozens of tiny lovebirds. Bright green bodies, flashes of blue in their tails, and those adorable peach-red faces that look like they’re always blushing.

We still had a little food left in our boxes, so of course we tried sharing it with them. The birds fluttered around, curious and bold, nibbling on the last of our treats. By this point our boxes were nearly empty, but watching these colorful little parrots up close was the perfect way to wrap up our Monkey Park adventure.

Feeding Time with the Lovebirds 💕🦜

💡 Fun Fact: Lovebirds get their name because they often form strong pair bonds — once they find a partner, they usually stay together for life. Native to Africa, these tiny parrots live around 10–15 years in the wild (and even longer in care). Social, curious, and full of personality, they’re proof that sometimes the smallest creatures bring the biggest smiles. 💚

We said goodbye to the beautiful lovebirds, grabbed a cold drink, and slowly made our way out of Monkey Park. It really was a charming stop — small, colorful, and full of little surprises.

Of course, I believe animals truly belong in the wild, but from what I understood, many of the residents here are rescued animals or part of conservation programs for endangered species. Monkey Park doesn’t put on flashy shows or force animals into tricks; instead, they let them live in enclosures that encourage more natural behavior. That makes the visit feel more genuine — and leaves you with the sense that your ticket goes toward helping, not harming.

With that thought in mind, we stepped back into the Tenerife sunshine, grateful for a day spent with our new furry and feathered friends.

And that was our day at Monkey Park — a whirlwind of lemurs, cheeky monkeys, parrots, guinea pigs, tortoises, and more feathered and furry friends than we could count. It wasn’t the biggest zoo on the island, but it was packed with charm, laughter, and those little moments that make travel so memorable.

Thanks for tagging along with us on this little adventure. We hope you enjoyed meeting our new tiny friends as much as we did. Stay tuned — the journey’s far from over, and we’ve got plenty more sunshine, stories, and surprises to share.

👋 Until next time — see you soon!