Although it was a little difficult to find the ride there was an experience in itself. The views from the mountain were spectacular. Once you get there you immediately feel welcome. Maria the owner of the property was warm and gracious. We learned a lot about the butterflies and got to buy 2 and take them home. Overall it was truly a great experience.
A lovely butterfly farm and the perfect way to spend a few hours in Cali! The host is incredibly pleasant and patient, allowing lots of time for photos and explaining everything you could want to know about the flora and fauna. You can hold caterpillars and cocoons. The cocoon I held actually moved and jiggled! The whole area is set up as a garden with creative and unique art and an awesome 3D map of Colombia. Be sure to bring a few thousand pesos for the jewelery they sell at the end. Beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings made from real butterfly wings (and don't worry, the butterflies died of natural causes :).
Andoka is a great Colombian local spot to visit by world Change Makers and Innovation Thinkers. It is a really exclusive space where people can learn about butterflies, hummingbirds, community inclusion, environmental sustainability and also get inspired and challenged to reach a better life quality for themselves.
We came here last year and this year it was even better ( if possible ). The tour was just as amazing and even more because they have been adding more incredible things. We have been talking about Andoke since the first time we came. Coming the second time didn't take away the wonder of seeing the beautiful hummingbirds and butterflies flutter around while you feel overwhelmed by the breathtaking view. They also have the astounding map of Colombia which helped me remember what an attractive country this is. My favourite part was when the huge butterfly landed on my hand to eat. All in all it is an astonishing and inspirational place. Very highly recommended.
It is a magic place to be in contact with nature, butterflies, birds, flowers, very nice but difficult to find it and to reach it when you don't have car. Transportation should be improved. Few local people know where is located. Could help more signs.
The Andoke butterfly farm is probably the least known (and best of) Cali's many surprises. If you are looking for a striking collection of zoo creatures at a structured and accessible location, you should run to the city zoo, which is conveniently located as close major city traffic as you can imagine. But if you prefer an intimate experience with nature, one that is full of organic beauty, then you should take to the nearby hills leading to Cristo Rey, and veer off into a half-mile-long twisting and unpaved road leading to this secluded place. It's been built with artful creativity over a period of more than two decades by Maria and Alejandro. They are the inspired (and inspiring) couple responsible for a unique place that kept me wishing I had more than one full day to visit. It is advertised as a butterfly farm, but it is much more than that. It combines nature, art, creativity and hands-on learning, with opportunity to go at your own pace, and having time for careful observation, reflection, and even meditation. You don't need special walking shoes in this two-acres or so park.The entire place has been molded with mossy stones, plants and flowers of all kinds. There is a scaled map of Colombia made of stone that you can climb over and explore. Butterflies belonging to nearly two-dozen species fly around three levels of space beautifully arranged for a most relaxing experience. Every corner deserves enough time for careful attention; you get the sense you are visiting someone's home (nature's home). A striking collection of local birds visit this location, attracted by its tropical fruit offerings, the benign and colorful insects, the many water fountains, and the Noah’s Ark environment appeal to every living creature. Hummingbirds flutter in front of you while quietly resting on a hammock, among mini biosphere experiments adorning the wooden structure that has been set up for observation. And then, most importantly, there is the human component, which is a perfect match for everything else. Maria is a patient guide whose loving entanglement with nature is contagious. Alejandro is a wood sculptor, in addition to the architect to this nature mini park and the house where the couple lives. This is a place to rush to, not rush through!
A unique concept demonstrated by the owners of this place. Young children,teenagers, adults could learn various things over here such as geographical places in colombia, butterflies and plants. Thank you for your tour, MariaRegards,Akasha Bin Md NoorMalaysia
It's a bit difficult to find and I was surpriced that no one of the hostels staff I stayed at knew about this place, but it is definitely worth the trip! I'm 29 and I felt like a child there seeing all the butterflies and getting to know about them. Maria the owner is a true nature child, they recicle everything and seeing that is a true inspiration. She only speaks a little bit of english and for me who don't speak spanish she wen't an extra mile to make herself understandable. Just amazing and friendly place. Highly recommended!
This amazing park is about batterflies in a perfect environment. You can see hummingbirds and butterflies from really close and you can touch almost everything. The service is also perfect, the guides are very friendly and helpful, they offer good cakes and juices. It is not easy to find by Taxi because it is not well known among the drivers, but you are navigated by signposts on the road to Cristo Ray.