The Butterfly Conservatory
Peñas Blancas, Costa Rica
4,7
(12.381)
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About The Butterfly Conservatory
The Butterfly Conservatory is a rainforest regeneration project in the village of El Castillo, on the slope below the Arenal volcano in Costa Rica. It was founded in 2002 by Glenn Baines, a retired American engineer, who bought a 13-acre cattle ranch beside the surviving forest reserves and turned it back into rainforest. It holds what it describes as the largest butterfly exhibition in Costa Rica, laid out as walk-through atriums with a butterfly rearing laboratory, a frog habitat, an insect museum of tropical species from the Arenal region, and botanical gardens.
The Metamorphosis Tour walks visitors through the full life cycle. It is open every day of the year from 10am to 4pm, and admission is arranged at the gate.
Visitors can park in the designated parking areas near the Butterfly Conservatory. Parking is typically paid, so be sure to have some change or a credit card ready. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a good parking spot.
- Bright clothing and slow movements can help attract butterflies to land on you.
- Food and dining options are available on-site, including a gift shop with snacks.
- The conservatory has restrooms and seating areas for visitors to take breaks.
- Photography is allowed, but be mindful of the butterflies and their environment.
- Stroller rentals may be available for families visiting with young children.
- The conservatory can accommodate up to 300 visitors per hour.
- It imports up to 3,000 butterflies per month from various countries including Costa Rica and Australia.
- The glass dome of the conservatory covers an area of 1,022 square metres (11,000 sq ft).
- The conservatory produces over 45,000 butterflies annually.
- Special netting inside the dome prevents butterflies from getting stuck and dying from hypothermia.
Paid Experiences
Butterfly Conservatory
Description
Admire the beauty of over 2,000 vibrantly coloured, free-flying butterflies at one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America.
Photos are illustrative and do not depict the actual experience or animals at this zoo. We do our best to keep experience details accurate, but always check with the zoo directly for the latest information.