The gondola over the enclosures

What it is

Two independent lines, about 6 kilometres in all, that cross the park through the air and let you look down on the elephant, bear and rhino enclosures and the karst landscape of the former mine. Line 1, the elephants, takes about 45 minutes; line 2, the rhinos, about 15. It is a detachable gondola with closed cabins for eight people, according to the park's fact sheet. It is included in the ticket: you can ride without paying more, and repeat if you like. It is the quickest way to understand what the park is like, a hollow of rocks, lakes and meadows in the Pisueña valley where there used to be an open-cast iron mine.

Stations

There are four stations:

• Station 1: beside the east entrance, in the village of Cabárceno, with parking next to it.
• Station 2: at the Rubí viewpoint, in the north area.
• Station 3: above the bear enclosure, where you change lines.
• Station 4: at the south entrance by Sobarzo, also with parking.

You board at 1 or 4. If you want to ride both lines, allow a little over an hour for the journey, waiting and changing at the bear station.

Opening hours

In July and August, 9:30 to 18:30; in June, September, long weekends and every weekend, 9:45 to 17:45; in March, April, May and October, 10:30 to 17:00. From November to February, only one line opens on weekdays, from 11:00 to 17:00.

Watch out this winter: from 2 November 2026 to 28 February 2027 the lines open alternately for maintenance. Check the park website to see which one is running on the day you go before planning your visit around it.

With a dog and with children

Dogs may enter the park on a lead, but on the gondola they travel only in a closed carrier. With children it works very well: the ride is calm, you see the animals from above without hurry, and the short rhino line, a quarter of an hour, is enough if they are tired.

Fitting it into the day

The comfortable approach is to leave the gondola for the middle of the day, after seeing the first enclosures by car. Enter through the entrance nearest the station where you will board. In the bear area you have a café, a burger place and the birds of prey display, at 12:00 or 16:00 depending on the calendar. The park ticket costs €25 to €45 per adult in 2026 depending on the season; you will find fares, entrances and hours in the park drive. If you want to see the enclosures from inside and not only from above, the option is the Wild Visit.