The May rains brought an unexpected surprise: the 2026 firefly season began earlier than expected in various forests in central Mexico. Some sanctuaries in Tlaxcala and Puebla are already seeing early activity and began offering night tours weeks before the usual date.
Amid damp trails, fir forests, and pitch-black nights, thousands of tiny green flashes once again illuminate one of summer’s most breathtaking natural spectacles. And yes, several of these sites are relatively close to Mexico City, and reservations are already open so you don’t miss out.
Firefly Sanctuary (Land of Adventure)
Where to see fireflies near Mexico City first? This venue offers two package options so you can enjoy firefly season however you prefer. The standard package includes admission to the sanctuary, a guide, a snack, parking, and restrooms; and the VIP package, which for an additional $200 pesos includes extra perks like a bonfire and priority access to the trails where these luminous insects can be found.
Here you’ll find nighttime tours through the forest, a three-course dinner, and the option to camp for an additional 300 pesos. Alpinia is a nature and adventure park located in a forest that looks like something out of a fairy tale, on the slopes of the Iztaccihuat volcano.
Santa Rita Firefly Sanctuary
When you book your visit, you’ll enjoy a safe guided tour through the forest with trained local guides, access to rest areas, eco-friendly restrooms, parking, and places to eat. You can also choose to spend the night at campsites or opt for a package that includes eco-friendly lodging and meals.
If you’re looking for an option very close to the city, you can experience fireflies at Hacienda Panoaya, with guided night hikes, workshops, and a camping area just an hour from Mexico City.
If you’re looking for one of the most popular places near Mexico City to see fireflies in 2026, the Bosque Mágico in Nanacamilpa is a sanctuary that offers nighttime tours among pine, oak, and oyamel trees. Options range from guided tours to packages that include lodging and spa services.