Every winter, between November and March, millions of monarch butterflies dress the forests of central-western Mexico in orange, whitish, and black tones. After traveling thousands of kilometers from Canadian lands, this little flier arrives at the Mexican states’ forests.
For over 40 years, these beautiful creatures have been coming here to reproduce and find their new home. The most famous sanctuary, Piedra Herrada, was constructed to protect this unique biological phenomenon. This place is part of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, which was declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. Currently, the reserve covers an area of over 16,100 hectares shared by 10 municipalities in two Mexican states.
Note: The reservation schedules and dates from the sanctuary may vary due to Mexican celebrations, the COVID-19 pandemic, or external factors on the part of the personnel working on the reserves. Likewise, we recommend that you always bring the following to make your visit to any of the following sanctuaries more comfortable:
It is located very close to Angangueo. Here, you will find experienced guides who will provide you with information about the animals and plants of the place.
Monarch butterflies stand out for living around 9 months, much more than others. To arrive at this sanctuary, you need to hike around 2.5 km. But don’t worry; you will be fully rewarded as you will see numerous breathtaking views along the way. The facilities include a restaurant, a parking lot, and a particular camping area.
Departing from Mexico City is approximately a 3-hour drive. You should travel by bus (departure times to this destination are at the Obsertvatorio bus terminal) to Zitacuaro. Once you arrive in Zitacuaro, ask a taxi to take you to Angangueo, this mini-magical town with butterflies on the poles that will guide you to the Sierra Chincua Sanctuary.
| Monday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Thursday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Friday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Saturday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 8:00–17:00 |
On average, access costs 35 pesos (1.94 USD) with a guide, and to go up on a horse round trip, the price ranges between 80 pesos (4.43 USD) and 100 pesos (5.54 USD).
You can reach this sanctuary on Cerro Pelón Mountain on the 4-km hike. The area is a total of beautiful landscapes with impressive forests that attract millions of monarch butterflies to hibernate here yearly. Here, you will find horse rentals, tables for family meals, and typical snack stores. Affordable cabins are available, and it is perfect for being close to nature. El Capulín is located in Donato Guerra, 80 km west of Toluca.
Departing from Mexico City, this place is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away. As in Sierra Chincua, the best way to get to Zitacuaro is to leave the Poniente bus terminal (Observatorio). For a visit to the sanctuary, it is best to rent a taxi from Zitacuaro, and in 30 minutes, you will be at the sanctuary enjoying the monarch butterflies.
| Monday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Thursday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Friday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Saturday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 9:00–17:00 |
Fees vary, but general admission is $80 per person. These rates may increase if you want to guide or rent a horse. Beware of scammers, and go with a guide you trust.
El Rosario is one of the most beautiful sanctuaries of the Monarch butterfly. This reserve will take you through the interior of a dense mixed forest of pine and fir.
The hills are home to millions of Monarch butterflies in their thick trunks and leafy branches, making these trees their home each year. To reach this site, you must ascend the mountain for approximately 2 kilometers. You can do it either on foot or on horseback.
We also recommend hiring a local guide. In addition to getting to the exact place where butterflies live, you will learn about their characteristics and other curious information. This is the largest reserve in Mexico, so you will not regret it.
The distance between Mexico City and El Rosario Sanctuary is 3 hours. To get to Sierra Chincua, you have to follow the steps we mentioned. The only difference is that when you get to Angangueo, ask a cab to take you to this shrine, which is a little further ahead of Sierra Chincua.
| Monday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Thursday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Friday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Saturday | 8:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 8:00–17:00 |
The entrance fee to this sanctuary is $80 pesos (4.43 USD) for Adults – $50 pesos (2.77 USD) for Children.
To get to the sanctuary, one has to walk for 40 minutes up the slope of the Nevado de Toluca volcano. The landscape there consists of imposing mountains of more than 3,000 meters in altitude. Butterflies are attracted by omels, a local species of pine trees. These trees are essential in providing them with the necessary conditions to grow and reproduce.
It is the closest sanctuary to Mexico City since it is only 1 hour and 59 minutes away and can be reached from Mexico City or Valle de Bravo. If you travel by car, take the Toluca highway to Temascaltepec, then turn off towards Valle de Bravo, and you will find the road to Piedra Herrada.
| Monday | 9:00–16:00 |
| Tuesday | 9:00–16:00 |
| Wednesday | 9:00–16:00 |
| Thursday | 9:00–16:00 |
| Friday | 9:00–16:00 |
| Saturday | 9:00–16:00 |
| Sunday | 9:00–16:00 |
Admission to the sanctuary is 100 pesos (5.53 USD) for adults and 70 pesos (3.87 USD) for children; if you want to rent a horse, it costs 300 pesos (16.59 USD).
Located at the foot of the mountains that separate Michoacan and the State of Mexico, this sanctuary is home to thousands of monarch butterflies in winter. There is a tourist hostel with cabins, restaurants, viewpoints, and trails ideal for biking. Furthermore, you can rent horses and hire local guides where butterflies stay.
This sanctuary is also one of the closest to Mexico City. If you travel by bus from Mexico City, it is best to leave from the Poniente Bus Terminal (Observatorio). Take the bus to Villa Victoria and San Jose del Rincon. At Guadalupe stop (parada de Guadalupe) board a local taxi that will take you to the sanctuary.
| Monday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Thursday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Friday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Saturday | 9:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 9:00–17:00 |
This sanctuary, which has an entrance fee of $50 pesos (2.77 USD), is perfect for nature lovers and has a deer hatchery inside, which is perfect for kids.
One of the main reasons for this annual trip is that monarchs are highly vulnerable to climate change. Temperature sets the tone for their reproduction, and a drastic change can break their life cycles. On the way to the oyamel forests, three generations of monarchs are born and die. Once born in Mexico, they undertake their return to the United States once winter is over.
Alongside this information, some people are not sure if Michoacan or its surroundings are an excellent option to travel to due to the insecurity of Mexico. Nevertheless, in this country, there are many contrasts and not only negativity. For example, I will cite the article by Partyingtraveler:
“Seeing millions of monarchs fluttering about is something that I hope everyone can experience in their lifetime. Of all the things I’ve seen in my travels, witnessing the monarch butterfly migration in Mexico has nothing else I could compare it to”.
Another important note to take into account is the next one: for butterflies to enjoy their stay in Mexico, you should not touch or disturb them but rather appreciate them in silence and with respect. If you are going to travel as a family, it is an excellent opportunity to teach the little ones to respect all species of nature.
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