Mariposa Monarca

Nature preserve · Ocampo ·

Mariposa Monarca

Nature preserve · Ocampo ·

World Heritage site with millions of monarch butterflies overwintering

Information

Michoacán, Mexico Get directions

@travelleisure

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Best Times to Visit Mexico for Good Weather and Affordable Prices

"A sanctuary where millions of monarch butterflies migrate and spend the winter, offering a magical sight of golden-orange butterflies." - Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-time-to-visit-mexico

Mariposa Monarca

@afar

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"A rabble of monarchs Every autumn, millions of Monarch butterflies make their way from Canada and the northern US to the pine forests of this corner of Michoacán, where they hibernate for the winter. Seeing these little creatures fly in swarms over hills and highways and canyons, flutter in front of your face, and completely cover the trunks of all the pines in front of you is a surreal and beautiful experience. There are three areas of access to Michoacán's Monarch Butterfly Reserve--el Rosario, Sierra Chincua, and Cerro Pelón. Butterfly season is October and November."

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Photo by Photo by Scott Clark/Flickr

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

@silverkris

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The world’s greatest animal migrations - SilverKris

"I watched descriptions of tiny monarchs—about 10 cm across and weighing less than a gram—arrive by the thousands to huddle on oyamel fir branches and trunks in towering orange-and-black clusters, where they spend winter together until spring and then begin multi-generational journeys back north; the phenomenon is centred on Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, with popular sites including El Rosario, Sierra Chincua, Cerro Pelón and Piedra Herrada, and the season runs from November through March." - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/nature-adventure/sightseeing/5-massive-animal-migrations/

Mariposa Monarca

Google

We visit this Monarca in January and didn’t see any butterflies flying. They were all cocooned together on the trees. However we returned on Friday, 28th of February. When arriving they assigned us a guide. We first weren’t to happy about it. We took the horse for 170 pesos per person to go up. When arriving upstairs our guide was already there waiting for us. He truly was amazing and told us many things about the butterflies. We also had many questions and he answered everything with so much interesting information. Also he made our tour very pleasant. Gave us space when and was always ready to tell us more about the Monarca and the wildlife there. We went up by horse around 1:30 pm. It takes around 20 min to get to the final stop where you have to wake through the wood by feet. The walk is easy and on the way we already saw many butterflies. In general we enjoyed ourselves so much. The best time to go is when it’s hot and as less as possible clouds. Because the butterflies like to be in the sun. We’re planning to go back next year too. We will definitely contact our guide to give us an other tour! At the entrance/ exit we had mango and mais at number 31. It’s just on the left size the moment you exit. We had quesadillas and tacos at number 19-21. We loved it all. Don’t give money to the children, they’re like piranhas that never have enough 😂. Better get the food/candy.

Tracy M.

Google

We had such a wonderful visit! The millions of butterflies!! I didn't realize how many stairs there were to get up to the top. I should've gone by horse but my daughter didn't want too. We had a great visit and memories for a lifetime.

Wendy J.

Google

This is a truly magical and sacred space. We had an amazing experience, the butterflies were everywhere even before we got to the reserve. We arrived around 11am, had a quick bite before going inside. The quesadilla was delicious with a homemade blue corn tortilla. The paring attendant kept an eye on our dog inside the car. Once inside we opted to use a local guide and hike up. The hike was more of a walk, but be aware you’ll be going over 10,000 feet. The air is much thinner than sea level. Our guide did a great job explaining the whole lifestyle of the monarch and did it in basic Spanish so we could understand. We were there yesterday (2 March) and the butterflies were swarming and even mating. I’d definitely recommend this place to visit. It only took us about an hour total to hike up, see the butterflies at the top and hike down.

Aluce J.

Google

We were way too early therefore only seen a few Monarchs Butterfly also our guide was not interested to take us further up the mountain which the local tourist who speak English told us that we should have stayed a bit longer up the mountain we might be able to see more. The entry fee was a bit strange as we’ve been charged MX$600.00 for (2) he only gave us (2) entry receipts which stated Mx$150.00 p p & (1) Mx$150.00 guide charges receipt There’s a bit of problem with transport to get back to town as we don’t speak Spanish & I think there are buses & combi to nearby town but we weren’t informed. Just a notes for others who want to visit (1) Go to Angangueo town or stay here to make day trip (2) From Zitacuaro catch a local Combi to Angangueo then Combi to El Rosario. Mx$40pp

Tania G.

Google

It's a hard hike so bring trekking boots and poles. Don't forget water and day snacks. It will take you around 3 to 4 hours to make it to the butterflies. I highly recommend renting a horse, but keep in mind that is a hard ride up and even harder to go down. You have to leave the horse and do a 30 minute hike up to the butterflies. Once you are there you must be quiet and sit down. It’s a magical experience. I absolutely recommend it.

Virginia M.

Google

A magical place, we were fortunate to have beautiful weather which makes a big difference in your experience.

Monica O.

Google

The most magical experience in the world. The walk is a bit long but quite bearable and definitely worth it. The forest is amazing and the views are breathtaking. But absolutely no words can describe the beauty of the sanctuary and the greatness of the place

Ricardo R.

Google

Nice place to visit, and of course you need to visit during the winter. The temperatures in December are about 30°F at night and 55°F during the day. The best time of the day to visit the sanctuary is 12:00 noon, we went to "Sierra Chincua" near Angangeo. The entrance fee is cheap, $30 pesos per person if I remember. As you enter you are assigned a guide, a little boy or girl, at the end you give them a tip. They suggest you to rent a horse to go to the sanctuary, they charge you $100 pesos per person each way. The way up is doable taking a few breaks, the way back is really easy. If you don't have good condition you can rent a horse on your way up, but for sure you don't need it in your way back. There are like 12 small restaurants in the area, all are the same, they are local and they prepare local food, cheap and delicious, you need to try it. Hope you enjoy your visit.