Armenia's excellent 15-hectare botanical garden has the best mariposario in the Zona Cafetera. The 680-sq-meter butterfly house is in the shape of a giant butterfly and houses up to 2000 of the insects (up to 50 different species). There's also a 22m-tall lookout tower, plus ferns, orchids, a guadua (bamboo) forest and an extensive collection of palm species.
To get here, take the bus marked 'Mariposario' (COP$1600, 40 minutes) from Plaza de la Constitución in central Armenia or along Av Bolívar.
Admission includes the services of a guide – they are all volunteers so tips are appreciated. The best time to visit is in the morning when the butterflies are most active.
