A DEAFENING chorus of birdsong filled the air as we clambered up bamboo staircases and across wooden bridges. Once up there, we were greeted with a view across treetops populated by more than 120 varieties of brightly coloured birds.

We could  have been in the Amazon rainforest or the I'm A Celeb jungle Down Under. But this tropical paradise can be found in Tenerife. The Canary Island is best known for its year-round sunshine, sandy beaches and nightlife.

And the five-star Hotel Botanico, where I stayed, is a perfect base to enjoy the island's traditional treats, with pools, bars, restaurants and mountain views. But at nearby nature park Loro Parque, and especially the recently launched Katandra Treetops aviary, a more exotic side awaits.

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Katandra is the Australian aborigines' word for birdsong, and here the birds roam free in a structure spanning 27,000 metres.

A word of warning though - keep your jewellery safe, as dozens of winged pickpockets are just waiting to nab your bling. The exotic names are all part of the fun, with species ranging from wattled plovers to kookaburras. I even had an encounter with a cheeky Ducorp's cockatoo.

Posh Founded in 1972 with just 150 parrots, the park now has a huge collection of animals, including penguins, killer whales, tigers and gorillas.

Closer to a posh animal retreat than a zoo, the creatures' every whim is catered for.

The killer whales have their teeth brushed several times a day and their water is pumped directly from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

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The gorillas enjoy underground heating, herbal tea and classical music.

But it's not just about creature comforts. Behind every animal show or exhibit is a research or conservation project.

The park is currently attempting to save the Spix's Macaw from extinction.

Past success stories include Elvis the zebra shark, rescued from a passenger's hand luggage at Heathrow. Visitors can now see Elvis happily swimming around the Shark Tunnel.

At the park's entrance you'll find a Thai village. Three authentic Siam houses were built during the 1990s using original materials with permission from the Thai royal family.

Then there's the new water attraction, Siam Park. A family of sea lions were there to welcome us before we climbed the steps to a Thai floating market.

Rides First we made our way over to Siam Beach to reserve our sun loungers before before heading off for some thrilling rides.

My favourite was The Dragon. Groups of up to four squeeze into an inflatable raft that disappears into darkness.

Seconds later you emerge on a wave of screams into a huge cone, sliding high from side to side until you are swallowed up into the Dragon's belly.

The Mekong Rapids is a high-speed river raft ride that threatens to unseat riders on every turn, and the Tower of Power is a 90ftdrop slide giving you a bird's-eye view of the park.

For younger children there is the Lost City, a watery fortress within shouting distance of parents on the beach.

Save time for the Wave Palace tidal pool, which is capable of generating the world's biggest artificial waves at heights of up to three metres. It is a popular venue for surfing events.

Away from Loro Parque, Tenerife has a character of its own.

You can find most cuisines, including a full English at any time of day, but the local food is also delicious. Papas Arrugadas (salty potato snacks) are a lunchtime custom not to be missed.

The volcanic landscape is another distinctive part of the island. Visit Mount Teide, a volcano at the heart of Tenerife looming 3,718m (12,200ft) above sea level. A number of footpaths lead to the summit. The climb is close to four hours or you can take a cable car for around £22.

Back at the hotel, everything is geared towards helping you to wind down.

A sauna, steam room and aromatherapy room surround the central pool and Jacuzzi, while a host of Oriental treatments and massages start at around £30 - if you fancy yet another taste of paradise.

Fact File:

DAN stayed at the five-star Hotel Botanico. See hotelbotanico.com for more information. Monarch flies to Tenerife from Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham and Manchester. Fares start at £138.99 return. To book or for more information, visit monarch.co.uk.

For more information on Loro Parque, see loroparque.com. For further details on Siam Park, see siampark.net.

You can buy tickets to the parks from AttractionTix.

They have the Twin Ticket available for £37 (adult) and £24 (child). For more information or to book visit attractiontix.com or call 0844 873 0070.