January and February are popular months to visit the area because the Monarch population is at a peak at this time, however the weekends do get crowded.
There are several reserves that offer tourists a chance to wander in the forests enchanted by these small creatures. The El RosarioButterfly Reserve, one of the most popular, is in the state of Michoacán, located 130 miles west of Mexico City. Sierra Chincua Reserve is in the town of Angangueo, also in Michoacán.
If you intend on visiting the reserves there are a few things to note. The visit requires a lot of hiking through the forests that the butterflies live in so make sure that you are in good shape. Bring hiking shoes as you most likely be walking a few miles. Most reserves also offer a chance for you to rent horses to go horseback riding through the trails. However, there will still be places that you will have to walk. Also, the morning are cool in the higher altitudes so a few extra layers would be good to wear during this time. Once you are on the trails there aren't places to buy water, so make sure you get some before you go. Stay on the paths and watch your step. The Monarchs are every where and you do not want to crush them.
A few companies offer Monarch butterfly exclusive trips where they take you to several reserves. If you do not feel comfortable traveling on your own and would rather be in a group with a tour guide, this is a very good option.
However, the small town of Angangueo offers many affordable hotels for tourists coming to see the butterflies. Zitácuaro is a slightly bigger town, but farther from the reserves, that also offers reasonable accommodations. If you are up for a longer drive, staying in Mexico City would also be an option.
For more about attractions in Mexico, visit All About Mexico.
Have you been to the butterfly reserves? Tell us about it!
By: Cara Gourley
Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/GVphotography
2 comments:
I remember back in 1964 when I graduated from high school in Laguna Beach, California, my older brother, Mike, invited me to go to the Mexico City College at km. 16 on the old Mexico- Toluca Highway. I would up staying at MCC and graduated in 1970 with a degree in psychology, only to return in the fall to be in the first class at the University of the Americas in Cholulu in the State of Puebla.
During my last year at MCC in 1970, I played in a Rock and Roll Band - The Pop Music Team. I was the only gringo in the band, and there were 6 other band members plus Chui, our "roadie" who drove "Popsi" - our old rickity dodge pick-up.
Our band played with Jim Morrison and the Doors at a nightclub down Insurjentes Sur in the Spring of 1970 - as I recall. If anyone reads this comment and has some pictures of those 2 "magical" days, email me at tedsparkuhl@msn.com.
con muchos recuredos - Ted
Sounds like fun! I hope you get those photos!
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