Butterfly Conservatory, Butterfly sanctuary in El Castillo, Costa Rica
The Butterfly Conservatory in El Castillo is a breeding and observation site for butterflies with a large open flight area, tropical plants, waterfalls, and streams inside. The facility has several areas where different butterfly species fly freely and can be observed closely by visitors.
The facility started in 2002 when an American transformed a former ranch property into a rainforest project. This founding was part of a larger effort to restore forest cover near Arenal Volcano.
The place teaches visitors about butterflies' importance in nature and shows how these insects connect with other forest life. You can learn how butterflies and native plants depend on each other and what role they play in the ecosystem.
Visitors should expect wet weather and wear light, breathable clothing since it is warm and humid inside. The best time to visit is in the morning when butterflies are more active and easier to observe.
Visitors can see different butterfly species, including rare blue Morpho varieties that are normally hard to spot. These large, brightly colored butterflies are especially striking to watch due to their intense hues.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Costa Rica spans 19,700 square miles (51,100 square kilometers) between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, offering photographers a concentration of varied landscapes within a compact area. The country maintains over 30 national parks and protected areas, including Arenal Volcano, whose...
Arenal Volcano
6.9 km
Poás Volcano National Park
61.2 km
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
13.9 km
Lake Arenal
23.2 km
San Lucas Island
56.3 km
Arenal Volcano National Park
7 km
Tenorio Volcano National Park
38.3 km
Puente La Amistad de Taiwán
57.5 km
Volcán Tenorio
39.4 km
Chato Volcan
7.4 km
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
50.5 km
La Fortuna Waterfall
8.6 km
Platanar
44.6 km
Arenal Hanging Bridges
6.7 km
Volcán Congo
60.5 km
Tabacón Hot Springs
7.9 km
Selvatura Park
10 km
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, Puntarenas
50.5 km
Aguas Zarcas meteorite
51.1 km
Curi Cancha Wildlife Refuge
14.1 km
Miravalles National Park
53.7 km
Agua y Paz Biosphere Reserve
36.3 km
Tivives Protected Zone
61.2 km
Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
60.8 km
Phare de Puntarenas
50.9 km
Lighthouses in Puntarenas
50.2 km
Monteverde Orchid Garden
14.1 km
Puntarenas
51 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes