Sendaviva, Arguedas

Sendaviva is a nature and amusement park in Arguedas, in southern Navarre, and one of the largest theme parks in Spain. Spread across more than a hundred hectares on the slopes of the Sierra del Yugo, right next to the Bardenas Reales nature reserve, it combines close encounters with exotic animals, family-friendly rides, and outdoor shows.

Where is Sendaviva and how do you get there?

The park sits in the municipality of Arguedas, in southern Navarre, close to the border with Aragon. It's roughly an hour's drive from Pamplona and a bit further from Zaragoza. Because it borders the semi-arid badlands of Bardenas Reales, the surrounding landscape is an attraction in its own right, and a visit to Sendaviva pairs naturally with exploring the reserve.

How is the park laid out?

The visit unfolds across several themed zones, connected on foot or by a small train that loops around the grounds. One area recreates a village with craft workshops and demonstrations, another gathers fairground-style rides and mechanical attractions, a wooded section houses open-air animal enclosures, and a separate farm zone lets children get close to domestic animals. Splitting the park this way means visitors can mix animal encounters with rides without constantly backtracking across the site.

What animals live in Sendaviva?

Wildlife is one of the main reasons families come here. The park keeps hundreds of animals representing species from several continents — large mammals, birds, and reptiles among them — housed in large, open enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats as closely as possible. Visitors can watch them at close range, and some species take part in scheduled presentations and shows held throughout the park.

What else is there beyond the animals?

Sendaviva also runs a full amusement-park programme, with dozens of rides ranging from gentle attractions for young children to faster rides aimed at older kids and adults. Seasonal outdoor performances add to the mix, and rest areas and food stalls are spread across the different zones so visitors don't need to trek back to the entrance for a break.

When is the best time to visit?

The park operates seasonally, roughly from spring through autumn, with extended opening hours during the busy summer months. Visiting outside peak season makes it easier to avoid crowds, though some seasonal attractions may not run then. Given the size of the grounds, it's worth setting aside a full day for the visit.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Sendaviva located? In the municipality of Arguedas in southern Navarre, on the slopes of the Sierra del Yugo, right next to the Bardenas Reales nature reserve.

How long does it take to see the whole park? Given how large and spread out the grounds are, it's best to plan a full day for the visit.

Can you get close to the animals at Sendaviva? Yes, the park keeps hundreds of animals from different continents in large open enclosures, and some take part in scheduled shows.

Is Sendaviva suitable for young children? Yes, the park offers gentle rides and a dedicated farm area for younger visitors alongside faster attractions for older kids and adults.

Is Sendaviva open all year round? No, the park operates seasonally, mainly from spring to autumn, with longer hours during summer.