A few miles outside of Cali, Andoke butterfly reserve claims to offer a haven for nature lovers and a worthwhile family day out.
The small, family-run farm promises visitors the chance to see butterflies in a perfectly tailored eco-system, along with ants, bees, frogs, fourteen species of hummingbird and beautiful weather.
The reserve, which takes it names from the “Andoque” tribe native to the Amazon, was founded six years ago by nature enthusiasts Alejandro Del Llano and Maria del Carmen Tamayo. Alejandro was the driving force behind the idea, says Maria; “A friend showed him her butterfly farm and it inspired him to build one here at the house.”
The farm functions very much as an educational center and regularly hosts groups of school children from around Cali. In the laboratory, kids get to learn first-hand about the lifecycles of butterflies as they develop from an egg to larva into pupa, and finally becoming one of the many beautiful butterflies that populate the couple’s 300 meter reserve.
Andoke offers a range of possibilities to keep all family members entertained whilst learning about nature, such as observing the farm’s ant colony and beehive. There is also the planned installation of a special map showing the rivers, mountain ranges, volcanoes and oceans found in and around Colombia due later this year.
Andoke costs 15,000 COP (about 8 U.S dollars) per person including a tour. To visit the butterfly garden you must have an appointment. For more information or to book, visit the website.