Mariposario Del Drago

The Mariposario del Drago is a butterfly garden in Icod de los Vinos, a town on the north coast of Tenerife, and it stands close to the most famous tree on the island, the Drago Milenario, the Millenary Dragon Tree. The dragon tree, Dracaena draco, is a species native to the Canary Islands, Madeira and parts of Morocco. It has a thick, branching trunk and a dense umbrella of stiff leaves, and it produces a deep red resin, known as dragon’s blood, which gave it its name. The tree at Icod is about sixteen to eighteen metres high, with a huge trunk that has formed from many fused stems, and it is believed to be several centuries old, although the claim of a thousand years is hard to prove. It is the most visited monument in the town, and the garden is close to it.

The butterfly garden is designed as a small tropical environment, with a greenhouse planted with exotic vegetation, water and flowers, in which butterflies fly freely among the visitors. The park reports that several hundred butterflies, from many species from different parts of the world, live in the space at any time, including large, brilliantly coloured species from Asia, Africa and the Americas. Walking slowly along the paths, visitors see them feeding on fruit and flowers, resting on leaves and landing on people’s clothes, and children are often delighted. The warm, humid air and the plants create a tropical atmosphere that contrasts with the dry outdoors.

The garden has an educational purpose. Exhibits explain the life cycle of butterflies, the stages of egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and adult, and a special room, where the pupae hang waiting to emerge, lets visitors watch new butterflies as they come out, which is one of the most popular moments. Panels describe the different families of butterflies, their food plants, their defences and their role in pollination, and guides can answer questions. The aim is to encourage respect for insects and awareness of the threats to biodiversity.

The garden's operating status has varied at times for administrative reasons, so it is important to check whether it is open before travelling. Opening hours also vary, with longer hours in the summer and reduced hours on certain holidays, such as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The garden is on the Paseo Nicolás Estévez in Icod de los Vinos, close to the old centre.

Icod has other attractions that are easy to combine, among them the Plaza de la Pila, the historic square, the church of San Marcos, and the Cueva del Viento, one of the longest volcanic tubes in the world, which can be visited on guided tours with reservations. The town is also well placed for Garachico and Mount Teide, which are within a short drive.

A visit to the butterfly garden takes about an hour, and it suits families with children. The greenhouse is warm, so it is best to wear light clothes.