A Hidden Away Animal Park In The Mountains

I didn’t even know it was there, until a friend mentioned it one evening over a meal.

“Hey, you should go to the animal park, in Almuñecar. It’s free to get in.”

The word ‘free’ jumped out at me. I love a good freebie.

And so Chema and I chugged up steep moutain roads to check it out.

The journey there was a little treacherous in places, but luckily there weren’t many cars coming the opposite way. It’s actually fairly easy to find. Just take the McDoanld’s exit into Almuñecar, keep to the right, and continue straight until you see a sign for Peña Escrita on the left. Take that left turn off and follow the road up all the way, about 11km.

It’s not a park the car and walk kind of place. In fact there is no car park. You must drive your car up the mountain, stopping at the cages as you see them,  then getting out to take a proper look. At the side of most cages there’s a footpath leading to yet more animals.

If anyone has visited any of the local zoos in the area, Peña Escrita is far better, plus it’s FREE! We saw a vast array of animals, including hippos, monkeys, birds, ducks, deer, tigers, lions, bears, kangaroos, porcupines, pigs, peacocks, camels, horses, zebras, wolves and many more. Some, I’d never even seen, or heard of before!

The hippos were my favourite, because suddenly, from under murky waters their heads appeared, spraying water in all directions. It was great watching them emerge!

There’s also the option of renting a cortijo or a wooden cabin for the night from around 55€.

Some tips for those who decide to visit Peña Escrita.

1. Wear sensible shoes / trainers

2. Bring snacks and water

3. If you rent a cortijo or cabin then by all means bring your own food for dinner and breakfast as the choice in the restaurant is rather bleak (if it happens to be open).

4. Bring some soft bread to feed the ducks, etc..

5. Take a camera

6. Take a jacket / cardi / jumper in case the weather turns cold. It can get chilly high up in the mountains