10 Tips For Visiting The Monarch Sanctuaries in Mexico

If you've always wanted to visit the Monarch Butterfly overwintering grounds in Mexico, it may be easier to get there than you think! Millions of monarchs migrate to the Oyamel Forests in Central Mexico every year around the first of November and stay until the beginning of March. 
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Follow these tips to make the most out of your trip to the Monarch Butterfly Preserve in Central Mexico!

​If you are looking for a more detailed guide, check out my other blog A Guide to Visiting El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary.

Monarch nectaring at El Rosario sanctuary. Photo by Rebecca Chandler

Plan to stay the whole day!

Make sure to arrive between late morning and early afternoon for best chance at midday sun and a truly magical monarch experience as they fill the skies in flight!
If you visit when it’s at least 60°F and sunny, you’ll witness the monarchs being the most active. If it is a cloudy, cooler day don't let that deter you! They may not be as active, but they will be roosting which is a still a magnificent sight to behold. 

Roost of Monarchs at Sierra Chincua Sanctuary. Photo by Rebecca Chandler

Go on a weekday!

Weekends will naturally be busier visitation days. If you can, plan to visit during the week when there will be less people. Then you will be able to focus on the butterflies and get a much more personalized experience! ​

Dress in Layers

​Bring an extra jacket because it will always be colder in the sanctuary which is at an elevation of almost 10,000 ft or 3000 m. If taking a horse, you can ask to tie the coat onto your saddle. Also, don't forget sunscreen and a hat!

Drink a lot of water and bring snacks!

​Bring a water bottle, as it is important to stay hydrated, especially in higher altitudes. You can also buy bottled water at the sanctuaries.

​You may want to stay with the butterflies as long as possible so pack a few snacks. At both Sierra Chincua and El Rosario, you have the option of eating delicious traditional foods at the entry to the sanctuary. 

Help Your Horse Out

​​These horses work hard everyday so try to help them out as much as possible! On the uphill, help your horse out by leaning slightly forward in the saddle. On the downhill, press your feet into your stirrups and lean back slightly to stabilize your body and avoid being as sore the next day. 
The guide will lead your horse for you but you can hold the reins and give your horse lots of praise and pats!

One of the loyal horses at Sierra Chincua. Photo by Rebecca Chandler

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Don't underestimate the hike.

​The elevation makes hiking much more difficult than it appears if you aren't used to it. You may want to opt for the horseback ride and you don't even need any prior horseback riding experience! The horseback rides are 150 pesos ($8) each way and you can always ride a horse up and hike back down. 

Tip your guides!

For many locals, they make their living and support their families by guiding butterfly tours. By supporting ecotourism, it helps to deter illegal logging and supports butterfly conservation. Generally, you don't need to pay the guides upfront but a 100-300 peso tip (about $5-15 USD) is customary. If you can, find a guide that speaks your own language! ​

Dress like a flower!

It is considered lucky if a Monarch lands on you and they are much more likely to do so if you dress in bright, flower-like colors!

Take a nice camera

You want to make sure and capture this once-in-a-lifetime-experience! A nice camera phone can sometimes make for great photos but also consider a DSLR wide-angle and/or telescopic lens. 
If you only have a phone, try the video feature. Better yet, use the slow motion video feature for some very cool footage! 

Watch where you are stepping!

​It would be a shame to come all that way and accidentally step on a butterfly! Walk carefully, especially in areas where the monarchs are 'puddling'. Puddling means that they are landing on the ground where it may be moist so they can acquire minerals and water from the soil.