Have you ever encountered the Monarch butterfly migration? I remember it coming through Northern Nevada as a kid and the butterflies were so great in number that they caused traffic accidents. It’s one of the most impressive migrations in the entire world with individuals traveling in excess of 100 miles each day.
The endgame for the butterflies is to reach central Mexico for the winter months. They arrive en masse and spend the winter breeding and resting in the forests of this region. It’s a spectacular event in a beautiful region.
What is a Monarch Butterfly?
There’s a good chance you’ve seen a Monarch if you spend any amount of time in North America. The range throughout the United States and Canada with a surprisingly wide distribution. The black edged wings with white spots and an inner wing of yellow and gold makes them easy to identify.
You can also find monarch species in South America and throughout a number of different islands. For this article however, we are focused on North America populations and migrations.
As prolific milkweed pollinators, Monarchs serve an important purpose in nature. Populations are in a steady decline which is concerning. The butterflies face a wall of vehicles, pesticides, herbicides and other obstacles along migration routes.
Large numbers of Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the US to the Morelia area of Mexico to breed. Some populations also reproduce in California, Florida and other temperate locals in the United States as well.
Where and When to Find Monarchs in Mexico
I didn’t know anything about the monarchs in Mexico the first time I pulled into Morelia. I was just driving through and stopped for a few nights to explore the area. What I found was pretty amazing.
Morelia and the state of Michoacan celebrate the butterflies. The community created reserves that are protected so the butterflies can breed and occupy the forests in peace. That, combined with the clean cities, colonial architecture and bustling local businesses makes for an amazing visit. I absolutely fell in love with this region of Mexico.
The peak season is winter but you can find Monarchs in Mexico in October, November and December. I think visiting sometime between January and March is ideal for those wanting to experience peak numbers and the height of the migration.
Take a Guided Sanctuary Tour
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan is a naturalist paradise. The locals are extremely cautious and they follow strict rules and guidelines to protect butterfly populations. Expect small groups and educated guides as you visit reserves throughout the region. Valle de Bravo is a favorite location but there are many more to visit in the area. Look at El Rosario and Sierra Chincua as well.
I prefer staying in Morelia as a basecamp but you can find tours originating in Mexico City. The city is easier to reach and tours will arrange transportation from the city. If possible, take a bus or drive yourself to Morelia and stay a while! The food and local culture makes it difficult to leave this Monarch butterfly oasis in central Mexico.
Visitors should inquire about the physical intensity of each tour. Some tours cover trails that require reasonable physical fitness while others are more localized. Always ask and know before you go.
