Take a Trip to Mariposario del Drago: Tenerife’s Butterfly Kingdom

Mariposario del Drago is a butterfly park located in Tenerife, next to the famous Dragon Tree. The park is a glassed-in tropical garden home to over 150 different species of butterflies.

As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with the sight of more than 800 exotic butterflies from all over the world, flying in freedom.

Walking through the park, I was amazed by the beauty and colours of the butterflies. I even got to observe how they are born and how they reproduce.

Mariposario del Drago is a unique attraction in Tenerife, and it’s a perfect place for families with kids. The park is open every day, and the entrance fee is affordable, making it accessible to everyone who wants to experience the beauty of butterflies.

Admission Prices

• Adults – € 9.50;
• Residents and Retirees – € 7.50;
• Children from (2 to 12 years old) – € 6.50.

---

History and Location of the Mariposario del Drago

The Dragon Tree

As I stand in front of the Mariposario del Drago, I can see the majestic Dragon Tree towering above it. The tree is over 800 years old and is one of the most famous landmarks in Tenerife.

It is said that the tree was a sacred place for the Guanche people, the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands. The Dragon Tree is located in the town of Icod de los Vinos, in the north of Tenerife.

Icod de los Vinos

Icod de los Vinos is a charming town that is known for its vineyards, historic buildings, and of course, the Dragon Tree.

The town is located in the foothills of the Teno Mountains and is surrounded by lush greenery. The town’s name comes from the Guanche word “Icod,” which means “hidden place.”

Icod de los Vinos is a popular tourist destination, and visitors come from all over the world to see the Dragon Tree and explore the town.

Mariposario del Drago

The Mariposario del Drago was opened in 1997 and has since become one of the biggest surprises for visitors to Icod de los Vinos. The park is situated next to the Dragon Tree, making it a perfect place to visit after seeing the tree.

The Mariposario del Drago is housed in a glass building that contains an authentic tropical garden. The park is open 365 days a year and is a great place to visit for people of all ages.

The garden also has a gift shop where visitors can buy souvenirs and a café where they can relax and enjoy a drink or a snack.

---

Butterflies and Insects in Mariposario del Drago

As I walked through the Mariposario del Drago, I was amazed by the variety of butterflies and insects that I saw. The park is home to over 800 exotic butterflies from around the world that fly in freedom.

The garden also has a collection of insects that are equally fascinating to observe.

Exotic Butterflies

The Mariposario del Drago is a paradise for butterfly enthusiasts. The park is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic butterflies in the world.

The butterflies are kept in a natural habitat that mimics their natural environment. As I walked through the park, I saw butterflies of all shapes, sizes, and colours. Some of the most beautiful butterflies that I saw were the Blue Morpho, the Owl Butterfly, and the Glasswing Butterfly.

Species

The Mariposario del Drago has a diverse collection of butterfly species. The park has butterflies from all over the world, including South America, Africa, and Asia.

The garden also has a collection of native butterfly species from the Canary Islands. The house has a comprehensive guide that provides information about each species of butterfly that is present in the park.

Apart from butterflies, the park also has a collection of insects that are equally fascinating to observe.

It has a collection of stick insects, beetles, and spiders. The insects are kept in a natural habitat that mimics their natural environment.

As I walked through the park, I saw some of the most unique and fascinating insects that I have ever seen.

---

Habitat and Life Cycle

Temperature and Humidity

As I explore the Mariposario del Drago, I can’t help but notice the controlled environmental conditions that are maintained to ensure the survival of the butterflies.

The temperature inside the butterfly park is kept between 25-28°C, which is the ideal temperature range for most species of butterflies. The humidity is maintained at around 80-85%, as this is the optimal humidity level for the butterflies to thrive.

Life Cycle

The lifecycle of a butterfly is a fascinating process to observe. As I watch the butterflies fluttering around the park, I am reminded of the various stages they go through to reach adulthood.

The lifecycle of a butterfly consists of four stages: Eggs, Caterpillars, Chrysalis, and Adult.

• The eggs of a butterfly are laid on the underside of leaves, and they hatch into caterpillars in a few days;
• The caterpillars then feed on leaves and flowers, growing in size until they reach their maximum size.
• Once they have reached their full size, they enter the chrysalis stage, where they undergo metamorphosis and transform into a butterflies. The chrysalis stage lasts for about two weeks, after which the butterfly emerges as an adult;
• The adult butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers, and this is the stage where they mate and lay eggs to continue the lifecycle.

The Mariposario del Drago provides a perfect environment for the butterflies to complete their lifecycle, with a wide variety of flowers and nectar available for the adult butterflies.

Attractions Tenerife

---

Freedom and Captivity

Fly in Freedom

As I walked through Mariposario del Drago, I was struck by the beauty of the butterflies flying around me in freedom. It was a mesmerizing sight to see over 800 exotic butterflies from all around the world, fluttering their wings and exploring the park.

I couldn’t help but wonder about their life in the wild, free from captivity. The freedom of these butterflies is a stark contrast to the captivity that many animals face in zoos and other attractions.

Mariposario del Drago provides a unique opportunity to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, without the need for cages or enclosures.

Captive Environment

While Mariposario del Drago provides a more natural environment for the butterflies, it is still a captive environment. The butterflies are bred and raised in captivity, and while they are allowed to fly freely in the park, they are still confined to a specific area.

It’s important to consider the ethics of keeping animals in captivity, even in a more natural environment like Mariposario del Drago. While the park provides an opportunity for education and conservation, it’s important to ensure that the animals’ welfare is prioritized.

---

Attractions and Activities in Mariposario del Drago

As I walked through Mariposario del Drago, I was amazed by the variety of attractions and activities available. Here are some of the highlights:

Pond and Lab

One of the first things I noticed was the beautiful pond filled with exotic plants and fish. I spent some time admiring the koi and taking in the serene atmosphere.

Nearby, there was a lab where I could observe the life cycle of butterflies up close. It was fascinating to see the different stages of development and learn more about these incredible creatures.

Guanche Museum

For those interested in history and culture, the Guanche Museum is a must-see. It showcases the ancient civilization that once inhabited Tenerife and provides insight into their way of life.

I learned about their art, religion, and customs, and gained a new appreciation for the island’s rich heritage.

Cueva del Viento

The Cueva del Viento is a unique geological formation that is worth a visit. It’s an enormous lava tube that stretches for over 17 km underground.

I took a guided tour and was amazed by the natural beauty of the cave, with its intricate rock formations and underground rivers.

Artlandya

Artlandya is a charming museum dedicated to dolls and miniatures. I was impressed by the level of detail and craftsmanship in the exhibits, which included everything from historical figures to fantasy characters.

It was a fun and whimsical addition to my visit to Mariposario del Drago.

---