Every autumn, millions of monarch butterflies cross the American continent to reach the temperate forests of central Mexico. It is one of the longest and most fragile migrations in the world: a journey of up to 4,500 kilometers from Canada and the United States to the sanctuaries of Michoacán and the State of Mexico, where they hibernate protected by fir trees.
The migration of the monarch butterfly has not only profound ecological value, but also symbolic value. In Mexico their arrival coincides with the celebrations of the Day of the Dead and for the Mazahua community of Crescencio Morales, in the State of Mexico, these insects represent the return of souls to the world of the living between November 1st and 2nd.
The migration season began this year at the end of October. It is in November that the first butterflies begin to concentrate in the forests of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a natural area protected by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) and recognized as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2008. The sanctuaries officially open to the public in mid-November and remain accessible until the end of March 2026.
During these months visitors can see how colonies of these insects cover the trees in shades of orange and black. The period of greatest activity usually occurs between January and February, when the butterflies flutter among the sun’s rays in search of water and nectar, before returning to the north with the arrival of spring.
Where to see monarch butterflies
The main observation point is the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, which covers more than 56,000 hectares on the border between Michoacán and the State of Mexico. Within this reserve there are three sanctuaries open to tourism that have local guides, trails and rigorous conservation measures.
El Rosario, in the municipality of Ocampo (Michoacán), is the most famous and concentrates the greatest number of butterflies in every season. It is located near the magical town of Angangueo, where residents have developed a community ecotourism network. The climb to the observation area requires a walk of about 40 minutes, but the view is worth the effort: millions of wings flapping in unison over the oyamel forest.
Another emblematic site is the Sierra Chincua, also in Michoacán. It’s a less crowded alternative with a quieter atmosphere, ideal for those looking for a more contemplative experience. From the entrance, the journey to the main colonies takes about an hour on foot or on horseback.
In the State of Mexico, the sanctuary of Piedra Herrada, located in the municipality of Temascaltepec, is the most accessible for those traveling from Mexico City. The journey takes about two hours by road and the area is equipped with parking, certified guides and rest areas.
Responsible tourism: how to care for the monarch butterfly
The success of this natural phenomenon depends on the conservation of the forests and the migratory route that the species follows. The National Commission for Protected Natural Areas and organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Mexico) have warned that wintering range has been dramatically reduced over the past decade due to illegal logging, climate change and the loss of milkweed (the plant where monarchs lay their eggs) in North America.
Although the area occupied by butterflies in Mexican forests doubled in the 2024-2025 season compared to the previous year, recovery remains fragile and requires the commitment of visitors and communities.
When going to the sanctuaries, the authorities recommend maintaining silence, not using flash or drones, not touching the butterflies or the branches where they rest and respecting the marked paths. The goal is not to alter their behavior during the hibernation period.
At home or in urban spaces, each person can contribute by planting milkweed and native flowers, avoiding the use of pesticides and supporting reforestation projects. In the United States and Canada, where monarchs breed, several communities have already established pollinator gardens to ease their passage on their journey south.
