Experience the monarch butterfly migration: Top spots near Mexico City

Photo: Shutterstock

Every year, the arrival of the Monarch butterflies in Mexico paints the forests in hues of orange and gold — a fleeting yet unforgettable natural wonder. It’s a moment of pure magic, a gift only nature can bestow. If you’ve never witnessed it, now’s the time to plan a getaway and immerse yourself in this extraordinary migration — a journey that retraces the ancestral routes of generations before them.

Where to see monarch butterflies near Mexico City

Each autumn, millions of Monarch butterflies travel thousands of kilometers from southern Canada and the northern United States to the temperate forests of central Mexico. They seek the warmth and shelter of pine and oyamel trees, mainly in the states of Michoacán and Estado de México, where they rest until spring.

Cerro Prieto Sanctuary

Beloved by the butterflies for its mild climate, this sanctuary opened in 1990 and offers visitors a front-row seat to one of nature’s most moving spectacles, surrounded by sweeping plains and breathtaking scenery.

Located in Zitácuaro, Michoacán (near Angangueo), it’s accessible by taxi or bus — you can take a direct route from Zitácuaro to Tlalpujahua, arriving at Llano de las Papas, where the sanctuary entrance is located.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

El Rosario Sanctuary

Nestled in the municipality of Ocampo, Michoacán, El Rosario is perhaps the most famous of all Monarch sanctuaries. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, an interpretive museum, video screenings, eco-friendly facilities, and local handicrafts — making it a dream destination for nature lovers.

Located within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, just a few kilometers from Angangueo, you can reach it by taking the Federal Highway #15 from Mexico City through Toluca and toward Morelia, until you reach Zitácuaro.

Open from November to March, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

La Mesa Sanctuary

One of the most scenic sanctuaries, La Mesa offers not only butterfly viewing but also full tourist facilities including cabins, lookout points, and guided hikes. Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking through the pine and oyamel forests while marveling at thousands of fluttering wings above.

Located in San José del Rincón, Estado de Mexico, it can be reached via the Villa Victoria–El Oro state highway.
Winter season hours (November–March): 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

El Capulín Sanctuary

Located near Toluca in the State of Mexico, El Capulín offers postcard-perfect views of conifer forests — the Monarchs’ favorite place to hibernate from November to March.

Less than three hours from Mexico City, it’s easily accessible via Federal Highway No. 15 toward Morelia.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Piedra Herrada Sanctuary

From the highway leading up to the sanctuary, you’ll start to see hundreds of butterflies gliding through the air — a preview of the breathtaking experience that awaits.

Part of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site in 2008, Piedra Herrada is an absolute must for anyone who loves nature in its purest form.

Located in Temascaltepec, near the Nevado de Toluca and just a short drive from Valle de Bravo, it’s about 2.5 hours from Mexico City.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where to Stay During Your Monarch Butterfly Adventure

Mexico City offers a range of excellent hotels to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as your visit to the sanctuaries.

Camino Real Aeropuerto – A modern and elegant hotel directly connected to Benito Juárez International Airport. Perfect for travelers who value convenience and luxury, with spacious rooms and premium amenities that promise a restful stay before or after your journey.

Camino Real Polanco – Located in the chic Anzures district, near Chapultepec Park, the Anthropology Museum, and the city’s main landmarks. Originally built for the 1968 Olympic Games, this hotel is an architectural gem designed in modern Mexican style—vibrant, artistic, and timeless.

Camino Real Pedregal – Ideal for combining business and leisure. This hotel features state-of-the-art facilities, a fully equipped gym and spa, elegant meeting spaces, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home until the very last moment.