 The
Butterfly Farm
Costa Rica
Of all the insects, none elicit pleasure and curiosity more readily
than butterflies. Like the abundance of verdant mountains and beaches,
butterflies are ever present during one's visit to Costa Rica. There is
nowhere one goes, whether a 3,000 meter volcanic summit or the arid
plains of Guanacaste where butterflies are not present.
Costa Rica is unusually blessed by the diversity of it's butterflies.
There exists about 20,000 butterfly species worldwide. Of these, about
1,000 or 5% can be found in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Entomological Supply, or CRES, was the first commercial
butterfly farm in Latin America. It was established in 1984 to provide
butterfly chrysalides to the growing butterfly exhibit industry.
Butterfly exhibits, large greenhouse enclosures with recreated
tropical forests and hundreds or even thousands of live butterflies
flying within, have proven immensely popular with people of all ages
and interests.
Because the farm is such a fascinating and unique enterprise,
people in Costa Rica urged that the farm be open to the public.
Consequently, a large enclosed walk-through garden known as The
Butterfly Farm was created in 1990.
Visitors to this intriguing farm are treated to a two hour guided
tour. Topics discussed in a typical tour include: the anatomy and
physiology of a butterfly in its different stages, predators, defense,
host plant relationships, host plant defense mechanisms, and many
aspects of the farm's operations. The Butterfly Farm, the first
butterfly exhibit in Latin America, has become a leading attraction
for Costa Ricans and visitors in Costa Rica.
The Butterfly Farm is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Guided tours begin continuously as people arrive. One should rarely
need to wait more than 20 minutes for a tour to begin. Guests are
urged to arrive before 3:00 p.m. to benefit from a full tour.
Butterfly viewing is optimal during the morning hours. Guests are
invited to stay all day at the farm.
| PRICE FOR THE TWO HOUR GUIDED TOUR: |
| Adults - $14.00 |
Children under 12 - $7.00 |
| Children under 5 - Free |
Students - $9.00 |
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