PlanetEye

February 11th, 2008

Monte Verde, Costa Rica - Of Bugs and Butterflies

Brendan

The Global Nomad

Before you begin to roll your eyes, let me assure you: butterflies are cool. Even if you don’t think you’ll find them cool—and I assure you, I didn’t—this place also has tarantulas, scorpions and seriously crazy-ass bugs you’ve never seen. For those of you who now think there’s no way in hell you’re going anywhere I’m talking about, give me a chance.

The Monteverde Butterfly Garden has always been one of my biggest surprises—I wanted to think it wasn’t cool, but every time I went, I found myself fascinated. So much so that on this, possibly my fifteenth visit to Monteverde, I chose to go back again, just to show my girlfriend Melanie how cool it was.

Plus, the staff—all student volunteers—really, really love bugs. By the end, so will you. I’ve seen these people turn even the most cynical tourists into a spellbound audience. Hell, hey even got my arachnophobic girlfriend to hold a tarantula. But I digress.
Started by a teacher, the Garden is eminently educational, and has something for everyone. With a little luck, you should even be able to release a newly-emerged butterfly on its very first flight. And if there were ever a more enthusiastic bunch of guides, I haven’t met them.

Monteverde Butterfly Farm (Jardin de las Mariposas)
Take the road from Santa Elena town to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. At the corner where you pass Hotel Heliconia, veer right off the main road, past the ambulance station on your right and follow the signs.

Go mid-morning, as by late afternoon the butterflies tend to be less active and harder to see. Oh, and make sure to leave a tip for the guides (there is a shared tip box in the gift shop).

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