 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 ummit 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.
About the Farm
Costa Rica Entomological
Supply, or CRES, was the first commercial butterfly farm in Latin
America. 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 mechanisms, 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.
Schedule and Tour Services
 The
Butterfly Farm is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5 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:
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Adults
- $14.00
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Children under 12 - $7.00
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Children
under 3 - Free
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Students - $9.00
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Daily
Bus Tours from San José
1 May through 30 November
Butterfly Farm bus
begins its route at 7:30 a.m.
Includes transportation and 2 hour guided tour.
Returns to San Jose by 12:00 p.m.
Cost $20.00 per adult.
1 December through 30
April
Butterfly Farm bus begins its route at 7:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Each tour includes transportation from San Jose and a 2 hour guided
tour.
Guests can expect to be back at their hotels 4 hours later.
The cost is $20.00 per adult.
Butterfly Farm bus
begins its route for lunch tour at 10:00 a.m.
Includes transportation, 2 hours guided tour and complete lunch
at The Blue Crowned Motmot Restaurant.
Returns to San Jose by 3:00 p.m.
Cost $30.00 per adult.
The Perfect Combination
The perfect choice for
a one day tour in the Central Valley. This tour combines two of
the most celebrated attractions in the San José area in one easy
day outing. Enjoy the award winning Coffee Tour de Cafe Britt, a
fascinating tour of The Butterfly Farm and lunch at The Blue Crowned
Motmot Restaurant. Transportation is provided from most leading
hotels in the San José area. The Perfect Combination begins at 8:00
a.m., takes seven hours and costs $49.00 per person. (Children under
12 $24.50)
Gift Shop - The
Butterfly Farm's gift shop offers a variety of butterfly related
memorabilia, natural history books, T-shirts, and locally produced
crafts.
The Blue Crowned Motmot
Restaurant - This restaurant has proven o be a favorite lunch
spot among locals and travel agencies alike. The menu features local
ingredients prepared in a style that's unique to The Butterfly Farm.
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