Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno
A vast former mine transformed into a stunning nature park where animals roam semi-freely, offering incredible views via cable car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and see active animals.
Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno
Best Time
Beat the crowds and see active animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast former mine transformed into a stunning nature park where animals roam semi-freely, offering incredible views via cable car.
"It's a great experience to see animals and enjoy the great view of Cantabria."
🚗 Drive or Take the Bus
While driving offers flexibility, public buses and zoo buses are viable options if you don't have a car.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast park and its many enclosures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cable Car Safari
Overlooking various enclosures
Soar above the park for breathtaking views and unique perspectives of animals like elephants and giraffes in their expansive habitats.
Semi-Natural Habitats
Throughout the park
Witness a wide array of animals, from bears to wolves, roaming freely in spacious, naturalistic enclosures that mimic their native environments.
Scenic Cantabrian Views
Various viewpoints
Enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of the Cantabrian landscape, offering a beautiful backdrop to your wildlife encounters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Take the Bus
While driving offers flexibility, public buses and zoo buses are viable options if you don't have a car.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast park and its many enclosures.
☀️ Avoid Rainy Days
Many animals tend to hide during inclement weather, limiting your viewing opportunities.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Save money and enjoy the scenic spots by bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Take the Bus
While driving offers flexibility, public buses and zoo buses are viable options if you don't have a car.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast park and its many enclosures.
☀️ Avoid Rainy Days
Many animals tend to hide during inclement weather, limiting your viewing opportunities.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Save money and enjoy the scenic spots by bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic lunch.
⚠️ Respect Animal Enclosures
Never enter restricted areas; some visitors have been fined for entering wolf enclosures. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of seeing animals in spacious, semi-natural habitats and the breathtaking views from the cable car. While some find the park's value for money questionable and note a lack of staff or outdated signage, the sheer scale and the opportunity to observe wildlife freely are consistently praised. +2
"Fantastic experience for children
We went with our toddler and he absolutely loved riding in the cable cars and spotting animals. You can then drive around to different enclosures for a closer look. Facilities were great - toilets and refreshment stands throughout the park and very well run. I would suggest you leave enough time to fully explore the park. We had 2 and a half hours and it was only enough to do the cable car route, see the reptile house, rhinos and tigers even without stopping for lunch. Highly recommend."
Katherine C-W
"Overall, we were a bit disappointed. Value wise - at 140 Euros for a family it felt overpriced. No suggested routes, old signage/ information about the animals as well as chaotic and crowded roads around the park. We did not see many staff around the park, and it felt a bit unloved. Animals were great, especially the cable car over the elephant enclosure."
Jonathan Moses
"It’s a great experience to see animals and enjoy the great view of Cantabria.
I’m not a fan of seeing animals in the zoos bc I feel like they should be in their natural habitat, but in Cabarceno park, I’m happy to see that at least they have more space, and live in a semi natural environment.
Try to avoid a raining day. Unfortunately, we came on a rainy day, many animals were hiding from the rain and cold so we didn’t get to see a lot."
Yun Zhang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Cabarceno by car, which offers the most flexibility for exploring the park. Alternatively, public buses run from Santander to the park entrance, and there are also internal zoo buses available.
Yes, it's definitely possible! You can take a public bus from Santander and then utilize the park's internal zoo bus and cable car system to get around.
The park is located near Obregón, Cantabria. From Santander, take the A-67 highway towards Palencia, then exit onto the CA-142 towards Cabarceno. Follow signs for the park.
By car, the journey from Santander to Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Yes, ample parking is available at the park. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a good spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official park website or at the entrance. It's advisable to buy in advance, especially during busy periods, though they are non-refundable.
No, tickets for Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno are generally non-refundable, so it's important to be sure of your plans before purchasing.
Opening hours vary slightly throughout the year, but generally, the park opens around 9:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM for most of the year. Always check the official website for the most current times.
Ticket prices can vary, but a family of four might expect to pay around 140 Euros. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during summer and holidays, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park is designed for exploration by car, but you can also use the cable car for a unique aerial view, and walk between enclosures. Many visitors enjoy combining these methods.
To fully experience the park, including the cable car and seeing a good number of animals, plan for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally a full day.
While official guided tours might not be extensively advertised, the park's layout and information boards provide a self-guided experience. The cable car offers a unique way to 'tour' certain areas.
Visitors often highlight the elephants, giraffes, bears, wolves, and rhinos. The cable car ride over the elephant enclosure is a particular favorite. +1
Absolutely! Children love the cable cars and the opportunity to see animals up close in a semi-natural setting. It's a fantastic family outing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are refreshment stands and picnic areas throughout the park where you can purchase food or enjoy your own packed meals.
Bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended. There are many designated picnic areas, allowing you to save money and enjoy the scenery.
The refreshment stands typically offer snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. For more substantial meals, options might be limited, making a picnic a good choice.
Options might be limited at the refreshment stands. Packing your own vegetarian or vegan-friendly meals is the most reliable way to ensure you have suitable choices.
Prices at the refreshment stands can be typical for tourist attractions. Packing a picnic is generally a more budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
The cable car offers unique aerial shots. Look for elevated viewpoints and open areas where animals are visible. The diverse landscapes also provide great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is encouraged! However, always maintain a safe distance and avoid using flash, especially with sensitive animals.
A zoom lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive landscapes.
Generally, no, but always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disturbing the animals or other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light, ideal for photography. Golden hour can create beautiful shots of the landscape and animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as this is a vast park and kids can get hungry. Consider bringing a stroller or carrier for younger children, as there's a lot of walking involved. Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure your little ones have the energy to explore.
🚗 Road Trippers & Car Visitors
Pro-tip: While driving is convenient, be prepared for potentially narrow roads and busy periods. Arriving early can help you secure better parking spots and avoid traffic jams within the park. Utilize the park map to plan your route and prioritize the animals you most want to see.
🚶♀️ Budget-Conscious Travelers
Focus on enjoying the natural beauty and the animals themselves, which are the main attractions. The cable car offers incredible value for the views it provides. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons when crowds might be smaller and the overall experience more relaxed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Cabarceno Without a Car
Furthermore, the iconic cable car system provides not only a unique way to view the animals from above but also serves as a mode of transport between different sections of the park. Combining the zoo bus, cable car, and a good amount of walking will allow you to see a significant portion of the park's inhabitants and enjoy its stunning landscapes.
This approach is not only budget-friendly but also allows for a more immersive experience, as you're more attuned to your surroundings when not focused on driving. It's a great option for solo travelers or those who prefer not to drive on vacation.
Understanding the Semi-Natural Habitats
Visitors can observe a wide variety of species, including large mammals like elephants, giraffes, bears, and rhinos, as well as predators such as wolves and big cats. The landscape itself, a former open-cast mine, has been transformed into rolling hills and rocky outcrops, providing a dramatic and fitting backdrop for these animals.
It's important to note that due to the naturalistic setting, animals may not always be visible, especially if they are resting or seeking shelter. Visiting during cooler parts of the day or avoiding extreme weather can increase your chances of seeing more active animals.
Safety and Responsible Tourism
+2It is crucial for all visitors to respect the designated pathways and barriers. These are in place for your safety and the well-being of the animals. Always follow the park's guidelines and signage. Remember that these are wild animals, and their enclosures are designed to keep them safe and contained.
+1When visiting, prioritize observing from safe, designated areas. The cable car and viewing platforms offer excellent vantage points without compromising safety. Educate yourself and your family about the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats to ensure a positive and responsible visit for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit