Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm

Lonely Planet review

A visit to this fascinating little venture is highly recommended. Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm is ostensibly a conservatorium and breeding center for Amazonian butterflies, including the striking blue morpho ( Morpho menelaus ) and the fearsome-looking owl butterfly ( Caligo eurilochus ) with a big owl-like eye on its wing.

But it's the farm's exotic animals that ultimately steal the show. Raised as orphans and protected within the property are the mischievous Antonio Pira�a, a small white capuchin monkey; Florian and Zecke, two frisky black saki monkeys; and cheeky Igor, a red-faced howler. All four run amok when visitors arrive. An orphaned baby howler and capuchin monkey joined them in March 2006. Then there's Lolita, a docile tapir; Pedro Bello, an orphaned jaguar; and capricious Rosa, a giant anteater who wonders around freely looking for ants. Beware of her fearsome claws! If you're lucky, you might spot the elusive lettuce-eating Amazon manatee that lurks in the pond by the reception area.