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Park · Santander, Cantábria
Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno
Wildlife park in semi-freedom covering 750 hectares, in a former iron-mining valley 17 km from Santander, with over 120 species in large natural enclosures.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno
The Cabárceno Nature Park is located in the municipality of Penagos, about 17 km from Santander, in the Peña Cabarga range. It covers 750 hectares of a former open‑pit iron mining area, where extraction left a landscape of jagged limestone rocks, lakes and valleys, now covered in vegetation.
The park follows a semi‑freedom model: animals live in large enclosures that mimic their natural habitat, and visitors observe them from a distance, without cages. There are over 120 species from several continents, such as elephants, bears, giraffes, gorillas, tigers, lions, rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses. The park also takes part in conservation programs for threatened species.
Visits are made by car along internal roads, stopping at the parking areas for each zone. Cable cars cross the park and provide an aerial view of the enclosures and the rock formations. There are also scheduled birds of prey demonstrations.
It's a full‑day outing, popular with families.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 4 hours to a full day.
Best time
In spring and early autumn, with less heat and fewer people. Arrive early in summer; check opening times before you go.
How to get there
It's about 17 km from Santander, roughly a 25-minute drive. The internal visit is done by car; without a car, there is limited transport with few schedules in the season.
Tip
Use the cable cars: the view from above shows the animals and the rocks of the former mine that aren't visible from below.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno
What animals are there in Cabárceno?
More than 120 species, such as elephants, bears, giraffes, gorillas, tigers, lions, rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses, kept in semi-freedom.
How do you visit the Cabárceno park?
By car, along internal roads, stopping at each area, and by the cable cars that cross the park.
How much time should you reserve for Cabárceno?
From half a day to a full day.