Entrance to the Morpho Butterfly and Liquor Tasting

Introduction

If you’re considering a visit to Puerto Vallarta and looking for a mix of nature and local culture, the Entrance to the Morpho Butterfly and Liquor Tasting might catch your eye. It promises an engaging journey through a butterfly garden, an educational encounter with biologists, and a tasting of Mexico’s famous tequila—all in about two hours. As someone who’s seen a lot of tours like this, I’ll share what makes it worth considering and what might give you pause.

One of the things I like is that this tour offers a chance to get close to butterflies in a way that feels personal and educational, especially since it’s led by professional biologists. Plus, it combines this with a visit to a tequila distillery, giving a taste of Mexican culture in a compact, accessible way. The guided aspect is also a plus, making it more than just a casual stroll.

However, there are a few considerations. The experience is quite short—around 1 to 2 hours—so if you’re after a more laid-back, in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, the cost per person is modest, but it does exclude things like transportation and meals, which can add up depending on how you plan your day.

This tour could suit travelers who enjoy nature, are curious about butterflies and botany, and want a quick cultural fix with tequila tasting thrown in. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate guided experiences and are okay with a fairly structured, short outing.

Key Points

• Educational focus: Led by professional biologists, offering insights into butterflies and the local environment.
• Combination of experiences: Butterfly garden visit paired with a tequila distillery tour, providing cultural context.
• Cost-effective: At around $11, it’s an inexpensive activity, though additional costs like transport aren’t included.
• Short duration: About 1 to 2 hours, making it suitable for a quick activity in your day.
• No phone policy: To protect the butterflies, cell phones aren’t allowed inside; professional cameras are recommended.
• Reviews are mixed: One reviewer called it “a very magical thing,” while overall ratings are moderate, around 3/5.

Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Butterfly Experience

The tour kicks off at Mariposario Morpho Puerto Vallarta, where you’re greeted by knowledgeable biologists. This first part really sets the tone—expect to feel like a scientist for a bit. You’ll have the chance to peek into the laboratory to observe tiny caterpillars, eggs, and the feeding habits of butterflies through microscopes. It’s a detailed introduction that might appeal especially to those curious about lepidoptera or insects in general.

Next is the pollinator garden, where you’ll see adult butterflies feeding and fluttering around. This part of the tour is lively and colorful, offering plenty of photo opportunities. The guides emphasize interaction with the butterflies, so if you’re lucky, you might even get to hold one. One review noted how “learning so much about butterflies and being able to carry them was very magical,” which highlights how memorable this can be.

However, it’s important to note that phones are not allowed inside the butterfly enclosure, to prevent disturbance. If photography is a priority, bringing a professional camera is advisable. It’s worth considering whether this restriction affects your experience—if you’re just after quick snaps, this might be a limitation.

The Tequila Distillery Visit

After the butterfly segment, the tour shifts gears with a visit to Destileria Los Arcos de Mismaloya. Here, you’ll get an inside look at the process of making tequila, from distillation to bottling. What’s especially interesting is the chance to see how tequila is made by hand, providing a tangible connection to local traditions.

This part of the tour lasts about 30 minutes and includes a tasting. The tasting can be a fun way to appreciate the different flavors and styles of tequila, though you should keep in mind that the focus is on learning how it’s made rather than a full-fledged tasting session. It’s a solid introduction, particularly for those new to tequila or interested in Mexican spirits.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the $11.09 per person price, you get entry to the butterfly garden, the pollinator garden, and the tequila tasting with a guide. All taxes and fees are included, which simplifies the booking process.

What’s missing? Food and transportation aren’t included, so you’ll need to plan for those if you want a full day out. The tour starts at the butterfly garden, and it ends back there, so transportation arrangements need to be made separately if you’re staying further away.

The Reviews and Real Experiences

While overall ratings sit around 3 out of 5, the reviews provide some nice insights. Felicia_P gave it a glowing review, calling it “a very magical thing” and praising the staff’s understanding. She appreciated the chance to learn about butterflies and even carry them—an experience she found unexpected but delightful.

On the flip side, the mixed ratings suggest that some may find the experience somewhat limited or rushed, especially if they’re expecting a more immersive or leisurely visit. The short duration means you won’t be spending hours here, so it’s best seen as a brief highlight rather than an in-depth adventure.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Plan for transportation: Since this isn’t included, make sure you know how to get to the meeting point.
• Bring a professional camera: No phones inside the butterfly enclosure, but photography is encouraged outside.
• Be aware of timing: The experience lasts about 1-2 hours, so schedule it to fit comfortably into your day.
• Consider your interests: If you love insects, nature, or tequila, this is a good fit. If you want a deep dive into either, you might want to supplement it with other activities.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want a quick, informative glimpse into Mexico’s natural and cultural elements. It’s ideal if you enjoy guided walks, are curious about butterflies, or want to learn about tequila production in a friendly setting. Families with older children might also appreciate the interactive parts and the educational angle.

However, if you’re after a long, leisurely exploration or are sensitive to restrictions like no phone use inside the butterfly house, you might find it somewhat limiting. It’s a good choice for those on a budget or with limited time, as it packs in a lot of interesting content into a short frame.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included. You will need to arrange your own way to the meeting point or confirm if your hotel offers transfers.

Can I take photos during the butterfly tour?
Phones are not allowed inside the butterfly enclosure to protect the butterflies. You can bring a professional camera to take photos outside or in designated areas.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs about $11.09 per person, which is quite affordable considering what’s included. Remember, extras like food or transport aren’t covered.

Is the tequila tasting included?
Yes, the tequila tasting is part of the tour. You’ll get to see how tequila is made and taste a selection of spirits.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed as a family tour, children interested in butterflies or tequila might enjoy it. Keep in mind the no phone policy inside the butterfly house.

What should I bring?
Bring a professional camera if you want photos inside the butterfly enclosure, and dress comfortably for walking around the gardens and distillery.

Is the tour available year-round?
Yes, it’s open from November 2024 through October 2026, Monday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

In summary, this tour offers a neat little package: a chance to see butterflies up close, learn from biologists, and sample local tequila—all in a brief, guided experience. It’s best suited for curious travelers who appreciate educational outings and cultural tastings without spending a whole day out. While it’s not the most in-depth or luxurious experience, it provides a nice snapshot of Mexico’s natural beauty and traditional spirit-making—definitely worth considering if it aligns with your interests and schedule.