Welcome to the Gardens
of Monteverde, Costa Rica
About Us
Here at the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, we have been teaching people about Costa Rica's insects and arachnids for over 30 years. We have made it our mission to change the way people think about these small, misunderstood creatures. This may seem like a daunting task, but our bugs and tour guides can win over even the most skeptical visitor! With up to 30 species of butterfly in 4 different habitats, over 20 species of live insects and arachnids in our nature center, an active leaf-cutter ant colony and the best guides in the business, we truly have something for everyone!
We offer in person tours every day from 9am-3pm
Meet The Team
Bryna Belisle
Bryna B. is a science translator rooted in the cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Originally from Quebec, she has pioneered science communication programs for educational facilities in Canada, South Africa and Costa Rica for over 15 years. The last 8 years, Bryna has been the Director and owner of the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens. Living in such a biodiverse part of the world, she is constantly reminded of why she dedicates her time to the wonderful creatures that inhabit our world, especially the ones that many are afraid of! Bryna connects audiences to science through her creative, and humorous science translation, making sure scientific knowledge is accessible and that everyone knows that we have the coolest planet! Brynascience.com
David Makynen
David is a farmer, turned environmental educator from Massachusetts, USA by way of Ontario, Canada. David is a jack-of-all-trades, and has been the Grounds Manager, and owner of the MBG for the last 8 years. he keeps the gardens looking great, and sustainable! He can be found building new features, teaching volunteers how to propagate host plants, or tending the veggie gardens. David loves sharing all facets of the natural world, especially with his nature-loving sons Eli and Rook.
Carlos
Camacho
There is no hiding Carlos's passion for our planet! As a skilled Costa Rican Naturalist, with an unstoppable drive to make the planet a better place, for all species, he was the natural choice for the MBG's National Environmental Education Coordinator!
Leading our local outreach, he provides the free programs about bugs in schools, and launches a Native Pollinator Garden campaign, planting important local plants around town!
Carlos Can spends his down time looking for snakes, and frogs & on stage doing theater
Mario Valverde
Far from his original home in San Jose and off base from his studies in product development, Mario has become an inessential part of the team. Here at the MBG. Mario greets most of the guests who visit the Gardens and coordinates (like herding cats) the staff so that we provide the best service possible!
Passionate about design and effectiveness Mario adds a new and important perspective to the team!
He loves figuring out how things work, and solves problems like a pro, and we love him even though he loves cars more than bugs!
Abby Jimenez
Abby is our newest, and most diverse team memeber! We love that she wants to get her hands dirty in every aspect of the MBG!
She runs our beautiful giftshop, she helps in reception, makes sure the volunteers have the food they need, and makes people laugh in her tours of the gardens. Abby is the favorite staff person of Rook, the toddler boss of the MBG. Abby is incredibly talented and so open and caring to all of the people who join our team.
Contact Us
English Email: monteverdebutterflygardens@gmail.com
Spanish Email: mariposamonteverde@gmail.com
Phone or Fax: 2645 5512
