Head here for everything you ever wanted to know about butterflies. There are four gardens representing different habitats; they're home to more than 40 species. Up-close observation cases allow you to witness the butterflies as they emerge from the chrysalis (if your timing is right). Other exhibits feature the industrious leafcutter ant and a tarantula hawk specimen (the wasp that eats tarantulas!) and lots of scorpions. Kids love this place, and knowledgeable naturalist guides truly enhance the experience with an enlightening hour-long tour (complimentary with admission).
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Butterfly Garden
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.84 MILES
From 1968 until 2010, Volcán Arenal was an ever-active and awe-striking natural wonder, producing menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of…
10.29 MILES
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17.53 MILES
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2.27 MILES
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19.36 MILES
It’s an animal rescue center. It’s a volunteer project. It’s Spanish classes. This community-based organization is doing a lot of good, and you can…
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22.9 MILES
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13.38 MILES
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Nearby Monteverde & Santa Elena attractions
0.46 MILES
For those who prefer their reptiles under glass (or at least behind it), a guide will show you around and introduce you to more than 50 species of…
0.48 MILES
Returning to its former glory as the Ranario, or Frog Pond (it's changed names a few times), this place also features an insect house. The frogs are still…
0.51 MILES
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0.54 MILES
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0.58 MILES
A local landmark in the center of Santa Elena. The adjacent roasted-chicken shack apparently has no religious affiliation.
0.74 MILES
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0.98 MILES
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8. Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde
1.97 MILES
This beautiful cloud forest reserve came into being in 1972, when the Quaker community (which had already set aside a third of its property for…