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Park · Mindo, Pichincha
Mariposario de Mindo
Butterfly house near the village, with hundreds of butterflies of cloud-forest species flying in an enclosure, and an explanation of the life cycle from egg to chrysalis.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mariposario de Mindo
The butterfly house of Mindo is a few kilometers from the village, on the way to the reserves. It is an enclosure covered with netting, with flowering plants and fruits, where hundreds of butterflies of regional species fly, such as the blue morpho, owl butterflies with eye patterns on their wings and other brightly colored species.
Visits are usually guided and explain the life cycle of the butterflies, with eggs, caterpillars and hanging chrysalises, and sometimes you can see a butterfly emerge from the cocoon. Guides show the plants each species uses for feeding and laying eggs.
With fruit or banana in hand, butterflies often land on visitors. Around there are gardens with hummingbird feeders.
It is a short visit, good for families, that completes a day in the forest.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the early hours of the day, with butterflies active and chrysalises opening. On sunny days there is more activity in the enclosure.
How to get there
It is about 2 km from central Mindo, along a dirt road; go on foot, by bicycle or by local taxi.
Tip
Go early to see butterflies emerging from their chrysalises. Combine it with the hummingbird feeders at the same site.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mariposario de Mindo
Which butterflies are seen in the Mariposario?
Cloud-forest species, such as the blue morpho and owl butterflies, with eye-like patterns on their wings.
What's the best time to go?
In the morning, when butterflies are more active and chrysalises tend to open.
Is it good for children?
Yes, the visit is short and the butterflies often land on visitors.