As one more token of the Machu Picchu region extraordinary biodiversity, visitors can also take a time to tour the amazing Butterflies Research and Interpretation Center (Centro de Investigación e Interpretación de Mariposas de Machu Picchu).
The center is active since 2006, in the village of Aguas Calientes, which is the starting place for all tours to the nearby Machu Picchu site. Also known as the House of the Butterflies (Wasi Pillpi in quechua), the Research and Information Center has already some great achievements to show; for instance, more than 300 species of butterflies have been already categorized, and among them Peruvian researchers have found the alpha species of the region, called Battus Madyes Monteban.
Scientists at the Machu Picchu Research and Interpretation Center have also set up a closed, protected area to allow butterflies to freely fly around and eat; besides, in order to foster their reproduction, the place is filled with vegetation and trees, where the butterflies will leave fertilized cells.
In addition to the tour of the protected area, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu center’s visitors will also find what is called the Interpretation space, where specialists will explain at length about butterflies’ ecological importance and benefits for everyday life. Undoubtedly a very interesting and enlightening lesson about this species.
Discover the Andean nature in your next trip
The center is located between the village of Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu site, actually a 20-minute light walk from the village; the guided tour has a 20-minute duration and is not expensive at all. Best time to visit this region is between April-November because it’s dry season in the Andes, so the butterflies are outside, and not hiding from the rain under the vegetation. The whole idea behind the center is to protect this biodiversity, research and educate, therefore they offer tours and workshops, so here’s a golden opportunity to have a great experience by only investing a minimum time!
Here’s one more attraction to add to your Peru travel, the wonderful, typical butterflies at the Research and Interpretation Center in Machu Picchu! Contact now our professional staff at TOUR IN PERU and make your reservation for a great, unforgettable vacation!
