The Mariposario de Mindo is a large screened greenhouse, 2.5 km from the village centre, that houses over 1,200 butterflies representing around 25 local species. Inside the greenhouse, the butterflies are at every life stage — eggs and caterpillars on host plants, chrysalises in various stages of development, and adults feeding, mating, and flying in the warm, humid air. The guides (bilingual tours available) explain the life cycle and point out which species are which.
The most spectacular inhabitants are the morpho butterflies — large, flashing, electric blue on the upper wing and brown underneath, which makes them almost invisible at rest. The greenhouse also holds owl butterflies, glasswings, and an array of smaller species in oranges and yellows. The best time to visit is around noon when the temperature is highest and the butterflies are most active. The walk from the village is pleasant — a flat road through farmland with good birds along the way, or there are tuk-tuk taxis.