
These small and colorful butterflies make an incredible migration to Mexico. We tell you four Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries where you can enjoy this natural spectacle.
Monarch butterflies are known for the incredible massive migration they make every winter from the United States and Canada to the forests of central Mexico.
They fly up to 2,500 miles, approximately 5,000 kilometers, fleeing from the cold and looking for a place to hibernate.
This species is the only butterfly that makes such a spectacular journey, and only monarch butterflies that hatch in late summer or early autumn are the ones that make the migration.
These little ones make a single round trip and in a way follow the same routes that their ancestors did.
For 41 years the monarch butterfly has arrived in the forests of central Mexico between the months of November and March.
The State of Mexico and Michoacán are privileged to be home to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008.
The reserve is made up of more than 16,100 hectares comprising the municipalities of Temascaltepec, San Felipe del Progreso, Donato Guerra and Villa de Allende, in the State of Mexico; and Contepec, Senguío, Angangueo, Ocampo, Zitácuaro and Áporo, in Michoacán.
If you’ve always wanted to see millions of these colorful little ones in one place and walk through the forest connecting with nature, check out these places just a few hours from the capital. Here you can see monarch butterflies near Mexico City.
About the 2024 – 2025 season
The visiting season to see the monarch butterfly began on November 15, 2024, and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) and the governments of Michoacán and the State of Mexico announced which monarch butterfly sanctuaries will be open to the public this season:
- El Rosario, Michoacán
- Senguio, Michoacán
- Sierra Chincua, Michoacán
- Piedra Herrada, State of Mexico
These sanctuaries will remain open until March 31, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is important to follow the responsible tourist code during your visit:
- During my tour, I respect the established trails.
- I follow the indications of the local guides.
- I do not bring food, alcoholic beverages, sharp objects, firearms, or pets into the sanctuaries.
- I do not take plants, animals, mushrooms, or any other element that is part of the forest.
- I do not smoke or light campfires.
- I respect the access limits for the observation of Monarch butterfly colonies.
- I remain silent during my stay in the sanctuary.
- I do not use flash to take photographs.
- I do not eat any type of food during my stay at the sanctuary.
- I do not disturb, touch or take Monarch butterflies.
- I do not stay more than 18 minutes inside the sanctuary, to give other people the opportunity to live this experience without altering the hibernation state of the Monarchs.
- I do not use sanitizers or antibacterial gel near the Monarch butterfly colonies.
- I do not throw garbage or masks inside the sanctuary.
Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries in the State of Mexico
– Ejido El Capulín Sanctuary
Near Valle de Bravo is an ejido called El Capulín. Here you can leave your car and go with a guided group to Cerro Pelón.
After traveling 4 kilometers of beautiful landscapes of coniferous trees you will find the site chosen by the butterflies as Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. You will find horse rental, Mexican snacks for sale and cabins to spend the night.
How to get there: Head towards Toluca and once in Toluca take highway 15 to Morelia. On the way you will find Villa Victoria, from where you should turn off towards Valle de Bravo. On the road you will see the signs to El Capulín.
– Piedra Herrada Sanctuary
This is one of the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries located in the foothills of Nevado de Toluca.
Here the landscape is made up of mountains of more than 3,000 meters of altitude full of oyamel trees.
To get to the sanctuary you have to walk approximately 40 minutes into the forest to find this magical place full of butterflies.
How to get there: Drive on federal highway 134 towards Temascaltepec. Shortly after passing the community of San Francisco Oxtotilpan you will see a detour to Valle de Bravo. At kilometer 4 you will see Piedra Herrada.
– La Mesa Sanctuary
At the foot of the mountains that separate the state of Michoacan and the State of Mexico you will find La Mesa Sanctuary.
Here you will find guided tours, horse rental, cabins, restaurants, viewpoints and trails for those who enjoy biking.
How to get there: Take federal highway 15 and turn off towards Villa Victoria. Then head towards El Oro and continue past La Providencia. At that point you will begin to see signs.
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries in Michoacán
– El Rosario

El Rosario is one of the most renowned Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries, and it is located in the state of Michoacán.
To get to where the butterflies are found you have to climb the mountain for approximately 2 kilometers. The tour can be done on foot or on horseback.
Here you will find guides, Mexican food restaurants and handicraft stores.
How to get there: Take Federal Highway 15 towards Toluca and Zitácuaro, and once you get close to Zitácuaro, turn off towards Ciudad Hidalgo. From there follow the signs to Angangueo.
– Sierra Chincua Sanctuary
Another Michoacán alternative to see monarch butterflies a short distance from Mexico City. In fact, it will take you no more than three hours to get there. Like other sanctuaries, here you will find facilities for visitors and the possibility of going up to the forests where the butterflies take refuge accompanied by guides. You can do it on foot or even on horseback, an experience that adds excitement to the visit.
How to get there: Drive on Highway 15 that leads to Morelia and Guadalajara but be sure to take the detour to Maravatio. Before reaching the town of Irimbo turn off towards Aporo and drive through Angangueo. On leaving the town you will find the ascent to Sierra Chincua.