Machu Picchu is one of the most important tourist attractions in the world, but behind its incredible structures and all the mystery that surrounds the 15th century Inca city, there is such a stunning natural beauty that it has earned it the title of Cultural Heritage and “Natural” of Humanity. Machu Picchu is currently considered to be the sixth biosphere reserve in Peru, one of the most diverse countries on the planet.

Machu Picchu is in the middle of one of the most imposing ecosystems, its environment is considered among the most amazing on the planet. These mountains covered with vegetation, shelter countless species of plants; Bromeliads, epiphytic plants, tree ferns, “orchids”, forests and so on; Which serve as home to numerous species of birds and mammals, such as the ucumari, pudú or sachacabra (the smallest deer in the world) and others in danger of extinction, such as the Andean bear (spectacled bear) and the cock of the rocks (National bird of Peru). But that’s not all, this environment also houses one of the most amazing “collections” of butterflies on the planet. Machu Picchu is home to more than 500 species of butterflies, many of which can not be seen anywhere else in the world.

Butterfly on the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu

The House of Butterflies in Machu Picchu (Wasi Pillpi)

Wasi Pillpi means House of the Butterflies in Quechua, and is located inside the National Park of Machu Picchu. The sanctuary has more than 100 different endemic species, and houses another 400 known species. Stopping for some time in the House of Butterflies, will show you “something” of the diversity of the Sanctuary.

How to get to the Mariposarium?

House of the Butterflies is located just 15 minutes from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village); To reach it, you must follow the path that leads to the entrance to the Inca City of Machu Picchu , along the same road that leads to the “Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum” or the Gardens of Mandor.

We know that you do not come to Machu Picchu just for the butterflies, so if you still do not reserve your tickets for the Inca city, do it now, check the availability of the Machu Picchu Ticket. Remember that the ticket must be booked months before, otherwise you may no longer find one according to your travel itinerary. Ah and the mountains of Machu Picchu, offer you the opportunity to see the butterflies in all their splendor in their natural habitat.

The visit

The Machu Picchu Mariposarium offers visits that last about 20 minutes, the tour will cost S / 10 soles (aprox US $ 3.00). Information is available in English and Spanish; Unfortunately the guided tours are only carried in Spanish.

This visit will allow you to learn about the huge variety of Butterflies from the Historic and Natural Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, you will be amazed by the many types of camouflage, used by butterflies to blend with the plants of the area. You will also learn about its development and stages.

The site is managed by Leonardo Serrano Gutiérrez, and has the help of local volunteers to carry out this “conservation project” dedicated to local butterfly species. This team of people, in addition to guided tours, also devotes much of their time to helping increase butterfly populations through breeding programs. The butterflies born in captivity are released and returned to nature upon reaching the necessary maturity.

Butterflies of Machu Picchu

What is the best time to go?

If you want to visit the House of Butterflies in Machu Picchu, the best time to do it is between 8 and 11 in the morning, as in the morning you can find the butterflies in full activity. The best season to see them in the whole sanctuary, is between April and September (dry season), by the least amount of rainfall. In rainy season, the butterflies take refuge, making it more difficult to see them.

Why visit the Butterfly Garden of Machu Picchu?

We believe that an important part of traveling, is Responsible Tourism; Support for “local projects” (as the mariposarium) is one of the best ways to do this; But we also think it is good to try to get a little out of the hackneyed visit to Machu Picchu.

Another reason to visit the House of Butterflies is to see closely the different phases of reproduction of these, since they are larvae. This is a fascinating experience, especially if it comes with children; Will learn, among other things, how some butterflies change their contrast, getting darker to attract the sun and raise their temperature.

More: Also know that Machu Picchu is one of the favorite places for birdwatchers; You can find incredible species such as the cock of the rocks or the giant hummingbird.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 26, 2017