The Butterfly Conservatory is a Rainforest Regeneration Project devoted to restoring the varied species that are found naturally in the ecosystem that surrounds the Arenal Volcano. It is a Nature Demonstration Center for educating the public about regenerating previously cut rainforest, and contains the largest butterfly gardens and exhibition area in Costa Rica.
A visit offers a fun learning experience for nature lovers of all ages, with diversified exhibits on how we reproduce butterflies, exotic frogs, insects, and plants in this natural environment.
The Butterfly Conservatory is a Rainforest Regeneration Project devoted to restoring the varied species natural to the ecosystem that naturally surrounds the Arenal Volcano. At that time this area was primary rain/cloud forest, and today it forms the northern boundary of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.
It was during the 1950’s that this massive forest was cut for timber export, to create small cattle ranches under a government initiative to establish Costa Rica as an international producer of beef. However this misguided program failed to work because lands within a rainforest erode rapidly, and the mountain terrain isn’t suitable for cattle.
The Butterfly Conservatory was conceived in 2001 by purchasing one of these cattle ranches for reforesting. Since inception the site is continuously being rehabilitated and integrated into a Nature Demonstration Center for educating the public about methods of regenerating previously cut rainforest.
A visit offers a practical educational experience about nature with diversified exhibits of how butterflies, frogs, insects, and plants are reproduced in this natural environment. There are six large atrium habitats that provide representation of the plants, trees, butterflies, and frogs that live within the four micro-climates surrounding Lake Arenal; the lowland habitat, highland habitat, edge of forest habitat, and inside of forest habitat. You will also see our laboratories, reproduction greenhouses, the exotic frog habit, host plant gardens and orchid atrium. If you want more adventure, then take the Rainforest River Walk along Quebrada Mariposa, the creek running through the primary forest on the property, where it’s often possible to spot animals such as sloth’s, tayra’s and monkeys; or toucans and parrots. Or, just take time to reflect at the Volcano View Gazebo, overlooking the botanical gardens, with views to the Arenal lake and volcano beyond.
