Reserva de la Biósfera Santuario Mariposa Monarca — Attraction in Michoacán

You come to a sleepy town of Aporo, west side of the butterfly Mountain. On the way to Aporo you expect to see heavy duty trucks with minarels - red color - may be Iron Ore . From Aporo you will see one sign with picture of butterfly to go to the mountain - keeping the town market and the big church on your left. No name of the road on the ground or on Google map. Roads are so small and very little used you may feel that you are at the wrong place. My mind was already expecting to se some butterflies -- wandering to or away from the mountain but nothing except the picture. Keep going east - you will come to a T-juction. You will see lots of pictures telling you to go left as well as to the right. I thougt there are different spots - take a random choice - my wife helped by telling me to go right . This road has a name on Google map - San Filipe Alzati. Road goes trough lots of turns and up and up - dark even during the day. Few no business hotels and a state park toll - 50 peso - only for out siders. My wife felt they are unauthorized - I was not sure - I told her to pay. You do not want to get into conflict with 5/6 man in a remote jungle ! Kept going - came out of the forest to a little settlement or you can call a mountain town. What happened to the butterflies ??? We did not see any. When we ask any one - they say " you will see butterflies, they are there, just keep going. Now people are telling us to drive up again - kind of out of the mountain -- suddenly a big parking lot on our right with many stores. We got swampt by people not butterflies, not the live ones. 50% of those selling plastic butterflies made in China.Rest are with manu to sell food, horse ride etc. Mothers with groups of kidds with colorful dresses selling butterfly songs too. I was so tired and frustrated that no one ( I did meat many Mexicans who told me that they came ) told me any clue about what I was going through and bigger surprises still waiting. I got out of the car - streched - pushed everyone with no care. It was already over 5 hrs of driving for me from San Miguel. Went to an office looked like an authorized establishment. They allready took off a ticket and asking for money and telling me I must start claiming becasuse day light is about to end. Well , I did turn them down by saying I am here to get some information - not to climb a mountain by foot .I am 61 year old -- did not do mountain climbing for some time - I am not sure if my heart can take a 3000 ft climb -- that is where butterflies are -- at an altitude of about 8,000 ft. I returned with a kind of experience with out seeing the butterflies. I hope this can give you heads up - at least know before you go. Get there early morning, at least before noon. You can have horse take you up for pay but you must be a good rider, have a good luck to get an well trained horse. There are risk of falling off or horse...

The Reserva de la Biósfera Santuario Mariposa Monarca, or Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, is a breathtaking natural wonder and a sanctuary for one of the most incredible natural phenomena in the world. Located in the highlands of central Mexico, this biosphere reserve provides a crucial habitat for the migration and hibernation of millions of monarch butterflies.

The reserve spans over 56,000 hectares and encompasses the core wintering grounds of the eastern population of monarch butterflies. Every year, these delicate creatures embark on an epic journey from Canada and the United States, traveling thousands of kilometers to reach this sanctuary. Here, they cluster in dense colonies, covering the trees with their vibrant orange and black wings, creating a mesmerizing sight that is truly awe-inspiring.

Visiting the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a truly magical experience. Walking through the forested trails, you'll be surrounded by a tranquil atmosphere and a chorus of fluttering wings. The sight of countless butterflies fluttering around, clustering together, and taking flight is a testament to the resilience and beauty of nature.

Guided tours are available to ensure the preservation and conservation of the delicate ecosystem. Knowledgeable guides provide insight into the life cycle, behavior, and conservation efforts surrounding these remarkable creatures. They share information about the ecological importance of the reserve and the challenges faced by monarch butterflies in their annual migration.

Beyond the butterflies, the reserve is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. The forested areas provide habitat for a range of wildlife, including various bird species, mammals, and reptiles. Exploring the reserve allows visitors to appreciate the rich biodiversity and the delicate balance of the natural ecosystem.

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is not only a sanctuary for these migratory insects but also a testament to the importance of conservation efforts. The reserve plays a vital role in raising awareness about the fragility of these species and the need to protect their habitats. It serves as a model for sustainable tourism, ensuring that visitors can experience the wonder of the monarch butterflies while minimizing their impact on the delicate ecosystem.

In summary, the Reserva de la Biósfera Santuario Mariposa Monarca is a captivating and significant natural reserve that hosts the breathtaking migration and hibernation of millions of monarch butterflies. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness this extraordinary spectacle of nature and serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. A visit to this sanctuary is an unforgettable experience that inspires awe, wonder, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the...

I just want to add a few details that might help future visitors. First is that this location on Google is accurate to the location of the parking area for El Rosario. We followed Google directions from Morelia and found them to be perfect. If you are approaching from Angangueo (northwest) you will find the road narrow and winding. We went up this way in a Chevy Traverse and while it was a little difficult at times the views were tremendous. We went down in the other direct toward Ocampo (south/west) and the road was wider and easier to navigate. The tour buses go up this way so any car can easily make the trip.

From either direction, as you near El Rosario you will find a couple people standing near the road with a rope tied to a post to block the road. They are going to ask if you're going to El Rosario and ask you to pay for parking. The guy we paid had a vest that said he was a conservation officer and looked quite official. We paid something like 50 pesos to park and continued on our way.

The parking area is surrounded by shops and restaurants. You walk a little up the hill to the taquilla and pay per person for entrance. If you choose to walk the path is paved stairs. You will have an opportunity to hire a guide. At some locations in the reserve the guides have a fixed price but at Rosario the guide are paid only on tips. Some may speak English but ours didn't and that was fine for us. Omar de Jesús was great! Very friendly and knowledgable.

The distance varies depending on where the butterflies are concentrated. In mid February of 2019 we went 600m from the entrance in walking distance and were told it was about 200m UP. It was tough but you will see countless butterflies during the while ascent. The highest point was a great view but I don't think you will miss a ton from the experience if you get exhausted and stop part of the way up and turn back.

If you want to rent a horse you buy your ticket then head over to where the horses are. Those from our group that took horses paid 100 pesos each way. They paid for each leg at the completion of that leg. Each horse includes a guide that will lead your horse of the trail for you. There is a platform at the bottom which makes getting on and off the horse very easy. There is no platform at the top but they will help you. IMPORTANT: if you rent a horse they will not allow you to stay at the top for more than 15 minutes. They will follow you around to keep you on schedule. If you walk up you can stay as long as you like. One of our group rode a horse up but wanted to walk down. She still paid for the return journey since the horse and guide were at the top but they otherwise had no problem letting her walk down.

I hope this helps, if you are looking to see countless monarchs fluttering around in a beautiful and peaceful forest them you will not be...