Mariposario del Drago

What is the Drago Butterfly Palace?

Opened in June 1997, the Mariposario del Drago is the first center in Spain dedicated exclusively to butterflies and is located in one of the most important tourist sites on the island of Tenerife, next to the Millenary Drago in Icod de los Vinos.

The installation is a glazed building in whose interior a lush tropical garden has been recreated where more than 800 exotic butterflies fly in total freedom and in direct contact with visitors. Coming from tropical areas around the world (Malaysia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Australia, Papua, etc.), among them are some of the most spectacular species in the world, in a variety that ranges from the smallest of only 2 cm, up to the giant 30 cm wingspan alar. In the laboratory the breeding of the caterpillars and the birth of the butterflies takes place.

Through its large windows visitors can observe all the operations that are carried out in it. Witnessing the birth of a butterfly or being able to observe live one of nature's most amazing events, metamorphosis, are unique experiences that can be enjoyed here.

Objectives

Convinced that "to know is to protect" one of our fundamental objectives is that of environmental education and that is why we have put special dedication in the instruction of guides that provide all the information. The thematic room and its information panels complement this work.

However The Drago Butterfly Garden is not just an exhibition center. Our captive breeding programs not only partly supply the facility itself but also allow the supply to other centers. Thanks to these programs visitors can observe live not only the butterflies but other phases of its complex biological cycle (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis). Besides offering the public the unique opportunity to enjoy and be surprised by the beauty of the butterflies, we intend that visitors learn something more about their biology, the dangers that threaten their survival and the means to protect them. Butterflies are important biological indicators and therefore your health is everyone's health.