Butterfly Farm

Butterfly Farm (Mariposario del Drago) in Icod de los Vinos is one of the most popular attractions in northern Tenerife, sitting right next to the famous thousand-year-old Drago Milenario dragon tree.

What is inside the Butterfly Farm?

Opened in June 1997, this was the first centre in Spain dedicated exclusively to butterflies. The site is built like a greenhouse, housing lush tropical plants alongside more than 800 free-flying butterflies brought in from various parts of the world. Sizes vary widely, from tiny species with a wingspan of just 2 cm to giants reaching 30 cm across. Inside, the temperature is kept steady between 25 and 29°C with humidity around 80%, recreating the tropical conditions the butterflies need to thrive.

Where do the butterflies come from?

Most of the butterflies come from controlled breeding programmes: some are bred directly on site, while others arrive from specialised breeding centres abroad. This setup lets visitors follow the full life cycle of a butterfly, from egg to caterpillar, then chrysalis, and finally the adult insect emerging from its cocoon. Displays throughout the garden explain each stage of the metamorphosis, making the visit engaging for both children and adults with an interest in nature.

Where is it located and how do you get there?

Mariposario del Drago sits in the heart of Icod de los Vinos, on Avenida de Canarias, just a few metres from the Drago Milenario — one of the oldest trees in the Canary Islands. Because the two attractions are so close together, most visitors combine a walk through the town's historic centre with a stop at the butterfly garden on the same day.

What are the opening hours and ticket prices?

The garden is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The entrance fee is around 8.5 euros, though it is worth checking current prices before visiting, as they can change seasonally. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and photography and filming are allowed inside, which makes it easy to capture butterflies landing on flowers or on visitors' hands.

Frequently asked questions

How many butterflies can you see at the Butterfly Farm? More than 800 butterflies fly freely at any given time, representing species from different climate zones around the world, ranging from tiny insects to large ones with a wingspan of up to 30 cm.

Is the Butterfly Farm close to the Drago Milenario? Yes, the butterfly garden sits directly next to the thousand-year-old dragon tree, so both attractions are easy to visit together in Icod de los Vinos.

How long does a visit take? A walk through the garden usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how much time you spend watching the butterflies and reading about their life cycle.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the close encounters with butterflies flying freely around visitors, along with displays explaining metamorphosis, make it a popular attraction for families with children.