Discover the magnificent Monarch Butterflies as they make their winter home in the oyamel fir tree forests nestled in the mountains just west of Mexico City, from November to March each year.
A tailor-made tour ensures your visit to the butterfly sanctuaries is a seamless experience, allowing you and your companions to savor every moment of this extraordinary migration.
The Arrival and Departure of Monarch Butterflies
For over 15 years, our travel partner has been assisting visitors in experiencing the wonders of the Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries. Their perfectly crafted itineraries are built on extensive experience and strong partnerships with local guides, travel experts, and community leaders dedicated to maintaining the protected sanctuaries.
The Monarch butterflies start arriving in Mexico in November and depart around mid-March. The ideal viewing period occurs from mid-January to late February, when the butterflies are most lively. The stunning oyamel forests rise up to 10,000 feet above sea level in the mountains west of Mexico City. For those who may need assistance, horseback rides are available to reach the sanctuaries.
A Personalized Experience at the Butterfly Sanctuaries
Your customized tour can begin in Morelia (Airport: MLM) or Mexico City (Airport: MEX). These specially tailored tours come with an exclusive guide and transportation dedicated to your group.
Upon your arrival, an English-speaking guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transport you directly to your accommodations, allowing you to settle in and acclimatize to the local environment and altitude.
Each day, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to kick off the day’s adventures. They will also accompany you for your overnight stay near the butterfly sanctuaries.
Custom tours are flexible, offering options ranging from three to six nights to suit your schedule and budget. You can start your tour in Mexico City or Morelia, according to your preference. Shorter itineraries, lasting three nights, generally focus on a single sanctuary, while longer tours of six nights or more allow you to visit two or three sanctuaries and explore additional local attractions.
Monarch Butterfly Tours Starting in Mexico City
When starting your tour from Mexico City, you can expect:
- An overnight stay in the historic downtown of Mexico City
- A visit to the vibrant, forested lakeside region of Valle de Bravo
- Touring one, two, or three sanctuaries, based on your time frame, with at least one overnight stay near a sanctuary
- Optional horseback ascent to the sanctuaries, available upon request for an additional fee
- Flexibility to start in Mexico City and finish in Morelia, or vice versa
Optional Day Tour Activities:
- Guided exploration of Mexico City’s historic center and the outstanding Anthropological Museum
- A visit to the revered shrine of La Virgen de Guadalupe, along with a private trip to the remarkable Teotihuacán archaeological site
- Exploring more of Mexico City, including the artistic district of Coyoacán and the floating gardens of Xochimilco
Pricing for Tours from Mexico City
Prices for customized butterfly tour packages starting in Mexico City start at US$875 per person, depending on the length of stay, and are based on double occupancy. There may be additional charges for solo travelers and single-occupancy rooms. Optional day tours and itinerary customizations can be arranged upon request. Prices are subject to change, so please fill out the request form below for a personalized quote from our travel partner.
Monarch Butterfly Tours Starting in Morelia
Monarch butterfly tours beginning in Morelia offer:
- An overnight stay in the historic city of Morelia
- Visits to two or three butterfly sanctuaries, based on your schedule, with at least one overnight stay near a sanctuary
- Horseback ascents to the sanctuaries available upon request for an additional fee
- Flexibility to start in Morelia and conclude in Mexico City, or vice versa
Optional Day Tour Activities:
- A tour of the captivating folk-art villages around Lake Patzcuaro
- A visit to the ancient Purépecha archaeological site of TzinTunTzan
- A historical walking tour of the regal colonial city of Morelia
- Experience the art of copper crafting and purchase unique pieces in the village of Santa Clara del Cobre
Pricing for Tours from Morelia
Prices for butterfly tour packages starting in Morelia begin at US$1,045 per person, depending on the length of stay, and are based on double occupancy.
Additional charges apply for solo travelers or single-occupancy rooms. Optional day tours and itinerary customizations around Mexico City and Morelia can be provided upon request.
Prices are subject to change. To receive a personalized quote, please complete the request form below.
What’s Included and Excluded in Your Butterfly Tour
No matter the starting point or length of your tour, your package includes:
- Personal greetings with transport to and from the airport
- Accommodation at carefully selected hotels
- A private driver and guide for visits to the butterfly sanctuaries
- Entrance fees to the sanctuaries
- Morning breakfasts and in-tour transportation
Tour package prices exclude:
- Your flights (or other transportation) to the starting point in Mexico City or Morelia
- Meals beyond the provided breakfasts
- Gratuities for your guide, driver, hotel, and restaurant staff
- Travel insurance
Request Your Monarch Butterflies Tour
Complete the form below to receive a quote for a customized tour to witness the incredible Monarch butterflies in Mexico.
