Monarch butterflies in Mexico

Monarch Butterfly is the symbol of the central State of Michoacan in Mexico. Each year, millions of butterflies reach the woodlands to mate and rest from a grueling trip from Canada and the United States.

Monarch Butterfly is commonly found in USA and Canada. They are well known for their beautiful color scheme combining orange and black, and their incredible migration trip to the south before the winter months. They fly up to 60 miles per day. The migration process exceeds by far their life span (average 6 weeks) and nobody has really figured out how these tiny animals can reach the forests of Michoacan where they ancestors were born, several generations before. Some suppose that they use a combination of circadian rhythm and the position of the sun to guide them.

It is common to observe groups of more than 600 animals flying toward their destination.
When they reach Michoacan (early October) they start mating and resting, living the whole winter in Mexico. At the beginning of March, they start again their migration back North to reach the border between Canada and the USA , where they spend the summer.

The sanctuary of the Monarch Butterfly is located near the city of Angangueo, 100 miles west of Mexico City, in the state of Michoacan. You can arrive to Morelia’s airport, or by bus from Mexico City. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between Oct 15th and Feb 15th. You will be able to watch millions of butterflies covering the trees and plants of the area. Besides observing the Monarch Butterflies, you will have a great day in this natural reserve. The only access is following a small trail on horse or walking. This trip takes you through some great grasslands and pine trees forests in the mountains of central Mexico.

There are several rules to follow in the reserve. Please respect them as it’s with your help that we will protect this species.
You cannot hunt nor collect any species from the reserve. It is prohibited to litter, to smoke, to eat or drink. You are however free to film and take as many pictures as you want.