Butterfly Conservatory Experience: An Insight into Costa Rican Nature and Wildlife

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rican nature and wildlife at our Butterfly Conservatory. Explore butterfly habitats, witness the butterfly life-cycle, encounter exotic frogs and turtles, and discover tropical insects and botanical gardens.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal - The Butterfly Conservatory is an initiative focused on the regeneration of nature, emphasizing the conservation, expansion, and research of the rainforest ecosystem, particularly highlighting butterflies and other native species of the Arenal region in Costa Rica.
    The initiative serves as an educational hub for…
What's Included
  • Natural Rainforest River Walk and other trails.
  • All-day guide-assisted tours with stationed staff.
  • Live butterfly life cycle demonstration and Insect Museum.
  • Panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Lake.
  • Extensive exhibition of butterflies, exotic frogs, turtles, and more.
Additional Information

On our famous Guide-Assisted Tour you will experience being surrounded by butterflies while going through our four large Butterfly Exhibition Habitats, including a Live Demonstration of the Butterfly Life-Cycle and the Amazing Metamorphosis, but you see so much more on this tour.
The Conservatory is a Forest Creation Project demonstrating natural…

Location
Butterfly Conservatory
On the corner at the School El Castillo, turn left on the Cement road, and go 800 meters up the hill to the Conservatory.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(80 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Jeanaustria
Nov 17, 2025
A piece of Paradise in El Cadtillo - An amazing experience in a piece of Costa Rica paradise.It was lovely to be welcomed by the American owner and he gave a great introduction to his life work. The volunteer guide did a great job of showing us around the butterfly houses and explaining their habits. Not only are there butterflies but frogs too. Gorgeous riverside walk and stunning views out over Lake Arenal and the volcano. For many in my group it was definitely the highlight of their Costa Rica stay. Thank you Glen and your amazing team of volunteer guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ronald_s
Aug 30, 2025
Your experience begins... - Your experience begins with your ride to the Conservatory. Outstanding drive and views. Once there, it is simply magnificent. Well maintained, with outstanding plants and animals as well as the incredible butterflies.
Review provided by Viator
Christine_g
Jul 24, 2025
Lovely - Lovely to see all of the different butterflies frogs. It’s crazy to see them actually land on you. Worth the drive.
Review provided by Viator
Z5083iyvaleriaa
Jun 16, 2025
A lot of biodiversity and nature!!! - A must if you are going to visit fortune, very educational and entertaining. Variety of butterflies and frogs. Excellent for reconnecting with nature.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertdeglin
Apr 7, 2025
Hidden gem - This is an absolute must visited. There are plenty of butterflies in different environments. You get a guide who Will tell you everything about the butterflies and frogs. You can walk around freely . You have plenty of time to take pictures and admire them
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashley_p
Mar 8, 2025
Tons of butterflies and... - Tons of butterflies and frogs. Our guide was amazing. You can go at your own pace and go back through the exhibits if you’d like. It was a magical day and I would do it all over again.
Review provided by Viator
Sue_s
Feb 27, 2025
Underrated attraction - This was an absolutely brilliant experience. It was educational and extremely enjoyable. The volunteers were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Review provided by Viator
Y9240sgsuzannes
Feb 2, 2025
Not to be missed experience with Butterflies and other Friends - My daughter and I walked to the Butterfly Conservatory from our hotel, Essence Arenal Hotel & Biofarm. Entrance is not free but this should not be missed. The butterflies are everywhere! We took so many great pictures. One even landed on my head! There are other "friends" to see such as frogs, turtles, insects, etc. Very educational and beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristyp835
Jun 15, 2025
Pretty butterflies - Nice place to get some basic butterfly knowledge. We got to see a variety of butterfly’s and a few frogs. The taxidermy butteries are way cheaper here than at the souvenir shops. We hiked the long trail. There are a lot of steep steps 12” +. I wouldn’t recommend for people with mobility issues. There is also a lot of up and down.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherinemg5319om
Mar 14, 2025
Wonderful little tour with many butterflies, frogs and turtles, in the middle of the forest. - The Butterfly Conservatory is within walking distance of the Esscence Arenal Hotel and certainly worth a visit if butterflies fascinate you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $26
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).