Monarch Butterfly Reserves Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and more in Monarch Butterfly Reserves in Michoacan, Mexico.


Introduction to Monarch Butterfly Reserves

Monarch Butterfly Reserves is a natural wonder located on the Pacific Coast in Michoacan, Mexico, North America. It is home to over 200 million monarch butterflies that migrate from Canada and the United States to Michoacan every year. Monarch Butterfly Reserves is a protected area covering over 56,000 hectares, comprising several sanctuaries, including the El Rosario sanctuary and the Sierra Chincua sanctuary.

Visitors can witness the breathtaking sight of millions of monarch butterflies, which is undoubtedly the main reason why tourists travel to this destination. However, there is much more to explore beyond the butterfly reserves. This comprehensive guide will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the Monarch Butterfly Reserves, including where to go, what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Monarch Butterfly Reserves

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Morelia: The capital city of Michoacan, which features ornate colonial buildings, the iconic Morelia Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the city’s history and arts museum.

  • Tzintzuntzan: Once the capital of the Tarascan Empire, Tzintzuntzan is a historic town located on the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro. It houses several cultural sites, including the Templo Mayor, which is considered a significant zone of Archaeological Monuments by the Mexican government.

Natural Attractions of Monarch Butterfly Reserves: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sierra Chincua: This sanctuary is an excellent spot for hiking, a popular activity amongst tourists. Sierra Chincua offers spectacular views of the Oyamel forest and the monarch butterflies in flight.

  • Valle de Bravo: A charming town located just outside Monarch Butterfly Reserves, which is famous for its stunning natural scenery, mountains, and lakes. Tourists can hike the mountains, cycle the various routes, or enjoy water activities like kayaking and paddle-boarding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Monarch Butterfly Reserves

  • El Rosario Sanctuary: There are several hiking routes in the El Rosario Sanctuary, which require visitors to hike for around 45 minutes to an hour. The sanctuary offers a unique sensory experience, with water flowing in the streams, the butterflies fluttering, and the forest’s peacefulness.

  • Sierra Chincua Sanctuary: Visitors looking for a more challenging hike should try the Sierra Chincua sanctuary. The hike can take up to three hours but offers a superb scenic view of the monarch butterflies and the Oyamel forest. Tourists can also cycle this route.

Best Things to Do in Monarch Butterfly Reserves: Activities and Tours

  • Butterfly Watching Tour: The main attraction in Monarch Butterfly Reserves is butterfly watching, and many tour operators offer butterfly watching tours to witness the spectacular sight of millions of butterflies in flight.

  • Hot Air Balloon Tour: A popular tourist activity, which provides visitors with a unique panoramic view of the Reserves, the Monarch butterflies, and the towns surrounding the Reserves.

Week-Long Itinerary for Monarch Butterfly Reserves

Day 1: Arrival in Morelia and city sightseeing.

Day 2: Visit Tzintzuntzan and explore the town’s cultural sites.

Day 3: Explore El Rosario Sanctuary and hike the various hiking routes.

Day 4: Visit Sierra Chincua Sanctuary and hike the various hiking routes or cycle.

Day 5: Visit Valle de Bravo and hike or enjoy water activities on Lake Avándaro.

Day 6: Take a hot air balloon tour over Monarch Butterfly Reserves.

Day 7: Departure from Morelia.

Food and Drink Scene of Monarch Butterfly Reserves

Must-Try Dishes

  • Corundas: A traditional dish made of corn dough, wrapped in corn husks, and served with salsa.

  • Carnitas: A popular Mexican dish of seasoned pork cooked until crispy and served with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa.

Local Beverages

  • Mezcal: A liquor made from the agave plant that is similar to Tequila but has a smoky taste.

  • Charanda: A sugarcane liquor that is unique to Michoacan and made from fermented and distilled sugarcane juice.

Where to Stay in Monarch Butterfly Reserves: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Mansion Iturbe: A boutique hotel located close to the El Rosario Sanctuary and the town of Morelia.

  • El Mirador Hotel and Spa: A luxurious hotel situated on a mountaintop with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and Lake Avándaro.

  • Hostal Tzintzuntzan: A budget hostel located in Tzintzuntzan town, which offers private and shared rooms.

What to Buy in Monarch Butterfly Reserves: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Mexican Folk Art: The town of Patzcuaro is famous for its unique Mexican folk art, including clay bird whistles, wooden masks and toys, and ceramic cooking ware.

  • Charanda: A popular souvenir among tourists, which is a unique Michoacán liquor made from fermented and distilled sugarcane juice.

Local Culture and Customs of Monarch Butterfly Reserves

Monarch Butterfly Reserves is a significant cultural site for the indigenous Purépecha people, who have lived in the region for centuries. Visitors should respect the local culture and customs by being polite, courteous, and dress modestly when visiting sacred sites.

Best Time to Visit Monarch Butterfly Reserves

The best time to visit Monarch Butterfly Reserves is from late November to late February when the monarch butterflies migrate to the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Monarch Butterfly Reserves

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs, including dress codes when visiting sacred sites.

  • Hire local guides to learn about the culture and sites.

Don’t:

  • Interfere with the natural habitat of the monarch butterflies.

  • Litter or damage the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Monarch Butterfly Reserves

The Reserves are generally safe for visitors. However, tourists should take precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping valuables secure.

Health in Monarch Butterfly Reserves

Visitors should ensure they have updated vaccinations before travelling to Monarch Butterfly Reserves. It is also advisable to carry insect repellent and sunscreen while on tours or hikes.

Getting to Monarch Butterfly Reserves: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Monarch Butterfly Reserves

  • Morelia International Airport: It is located about 100 km away from Monarch Butterfly Reserves and is the nearest airport to the destination.

Bus Stations Near Monarch Butterfly Reserves

  • Morelia Bus Station: The Morelia bus station is a central hub connecting various destinations in Mexico and is a short distance from Monarch Butterfly Reserves.

Other Options

  • Tour operators in Morelia and other nearby towns offer tours and transportation options to the Monarch Butterfly Reserves.

How to Get Around in Monarch Butterfly Reserves

Visitors can rent a car, hire a tour guide, or use public transportation to move around the Reserves.

Where to Go Next from Monarch Butterfly Reserves: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lake Patzcuaro: A beautiful lake near Tzintzuntzan that is famous for its fishing and unique Mexican folk art.

  • Tepotzotlan: A historic town located north of Mexico City, which features several colonial buildings, a museum of religious art, and an El Pueblo Mágico designation.

Conclusion

Monarch Butterfly Reserves in Michoacan, Mexico, is a natural wonder that attracts millions of tourists worldwide to witness the breathtaking sight of the monarch butterflies in flight. Visitors can also explore the numerous other cultural and natural attractions in the region, making Monarch Butterfly Reserves an ideal destination for a unique and immersive travel experience.