Costa Rica Attractions: Butterfly Farm Alajuela

At any given time, you might see around 30 of the 80 different species of butterflies raised at this butterfly farm south of Alajuela. The butterflies live in a large enclosed garden similar to an aviary and flutter about the heads of visitors during tours of the gardens. You should be certain to spot glittering blue morphos and a large butterfly that mimics the eyes of an owl.

The admission includes a 2-hour guided tour. In the demonstration room you'll see butterfly eggs, caterpillars, and pupae. There are cocoons trimmed in a shimmering gold color and cocoons that mimic a snake's head to frighten away predators. The last guided tour of the day begins at 3pm.

If you reserve in advance, the Butterfly Farm has three daily bus tours that run from many major San Jose hotels. The cost, including round-trip transportation and admission to the garden, is $25 for adults, $20 for students, and $13 for children under 12. Buses pick up passengers at more than 20 different hotels in the San Jose area.

Costa Rica Photo Gallery