THE BUTTERFLY FARM

Nearly 20 years ago, my husband, Joris, and I located a small farm in La Guácima that met the requisites for butterfly rearing. The needs of this activity were simple. Some flat land was necessary to build screened enclosures where butterflies could fly and lay their eggs. A well to irrigate vast quantities of caterpillar food was essential. The weather had to be hot and sunny year round, and a large population of local butterflies would prove most beneficial.

Beyond the land and ecological requirements, the logistics of this farm were also important. The butterflies reared here were destined as live specimens for English butterfly houses. Permits for exports were only obtained in San José, while the airport to ship them from was in Alajuela. To its credit, La Guácima was located 40 minutes from the capital city and 20 minutes from the Juan Santamaria Airport. A further practicality in the start of any new business is the availability of office space. A house had recently been built on the property large enough to serve as our home, an office and packing room.

This town was then hardly known beyond its legendary machete fights. Real estate was seldom sold to outsiders, and this particular land was too steep for any thoughts of urbanization. We rushed to find funding and bought the farm from Don Jorge Perez and his family in 1985.

The first paying visitors began arriving at our farm in 1990. Enduring a windy, narrow road into La Guácima, they came intrigued by the concept of butterfly rearing. Joris and I were happy to give tours at any hour of the day, while the guests were forgiving of the baby in our arms.

Word of mouth spread the news about The Butterfly Farm. With time, neighboring properties were bought to accommodate a growing number of visitors. The houses on these lots were changed into reception areas, offices, and bathrooms. An illogical scheme for charging entrance fees, answering telephone calls, parking cars and giving tours emerged.

After 12 years of improvisation, The Butterfly Farm has joined the country in modernizing its tourism infrastructure. The buildings that the farm inherited with the land were razed and specially designed facilities for its guests and staff have been built.

The new architectural style of the farm remains faithful to its agricultural past. Clay tiles form the rooflines. Overhanging porches surround the buildings where hanging plants adorn wood columns. Earthen colors grace the walls where memories from the past rest with brightly designed oxcart wheels and yokes.

NEW FACILITIES

Offices and Reception
From their current workstations, our staff attends to their many duties. Light reflects on their desks from windows overlooking gardens and the butterfly exhibit. The beauty and peacefulness of this new setting is transmitted in the attention to our guests.

The public reception is an extension to the offices, nestled between the Butterfly Garden and the store. Here, Café Britt's gourmet coffee may be sipped on wooden chairs that overlook the enclosed butterflies and outdoor gardens. It is not always easy to have visitors leave this spot and begin their tour.