Recommendations for visiting the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries

Recommendations:

• The sanctuaries open from November 20th to March 20th.
• The largest aggregations of butterflies can be found in Michoacan, either at Senguio, Chincua or El Rosario (the largest, and the closest to us). 
• None of the sanctuaries are easily accessible. Your best bet is to get a taxi from wherever you are staying. There are very rustic accommodations close to the sanctuaries, which are very cold at night. Or you could stay with us and enjoy the warmer weather.
• Pack a pair of binoculars, it makes the experience 10x40 times better.
• It’s not worth getting there too early. The butterflies are at their most active when the sun is at its highest in the sky. Plan on being in the area for more than a day, in case you get a cloudy day. It’s definitely worth getting to see them fly. Here are some other things you can see in the area (link a Local Attractions). If you do get a cloudy day look for the predators of the Monarchs coming in to feed on them in the trees. 
• Once you get to the parking lot of the sanctuaries, it’s still a hike to get to the butterflies. 1 to 2 miles at an incline at 10,000 ft elevation. Take your time, enjoy the magnificent firs, winter flowers and variety of hummingbirds. Drink lots of water. Take a horse up, it definitely helps. 
• Once you’re in front of the butterfly colonies, do a little meditation, take a couple of deep breaths, and try to hear the fluttering of a million butterfly wings. Drink in the magic.
• Hire a local guide at: +527151243474.