Costa Rica Entomological Supply, or CRES, was the first commercial butterfly farm in Latin America. Established in 1984 to provide butterfly chrysalides to the growing butterfly exhibit industry. Butterfly exhibits, large greenhouse enclosures with recreated tropical forests and hundreds or even thousands of live butterflies flying within, have proven immensely popular with people of all ages and interests.

Because the farm is such a fascinating and unique enterprise, people in Costa Rica urged that the farm be open to the public. Consequently, a large enclosed walk-through garden known as The Butterfly Farm was created in 1990.

Visitors to this intriguing farm are treated to a two hour guided tour. Topics discussed in a typical tour include: the anatomy and physiology of a butterfly in its different stages, predators, defense mechanisms, host plant relationships, host plant defense mechanisms, and many aspects of the farm's operations. The Butterfly Farm, the first butterfly exhibit in Latin America, has become a leading attraction for Costa Ricans and visitors in Costa Rica.

Schedule and Services The Butterfly Farm is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours begin continuously as people arrive. One should rarely need to wait more than 20 minutes for a tour to begin. Guests are urged to arrive before 3:00 p.m. to benefit from a full tour. Butterfly viewing is optimal during the morning hours. Guests are invited to stay all day at the farm. Price for the two hour guided tour: Adults - $15.00 Children under 12 - $8.00 Children under 5 - Free (Road Map to The Butterfly Farm) The Perfect Combination Coffee Tour and Butterflies - Forget the city for a day and be a part of nature! Admire the beauty of a shimmering morpho butterfly at the Butterfly Farm and sample fine Arabic coffee. Daily Bus Tours from San José  Cost $35.00 per adult (Children 4-12 years old: $20) Butterfly Farm bus begins its route at 7:20 am, 10 am and 2 pm Includes transportation and 2 hour guided tour. Returns to San Jose 4 hours later. Children from 0-3 are free of charge. Gift Shop The Butterfly Farm's gift shop offers a variety of butterfly related memorabilia, natural history books, T-shirts, and locally produced crafts. Information about butterflies courtesy of Joris Brinckerhoff Reservations can be made by email at Butterfly@CentralAmerica.Com.

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