Visit a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Take a day trip from Mexico City or Valle del Bravo to Piedra Herrada Sanctuary, which thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to every winter.
From November to March, thousands of bright orange monarch butterflies escape the cold US winter by migrating to the pine forests in the hills of Michoacan and outside Mexico City. As this species is very particular about its optimal temperature, its rest sites are confined to a select few locations.
One of these is Piedra Herrada Sanctuary, which can easily be visited on a day trip from Mexico City. Starting early, you’ll be transported to the sanctuary where you’ll meet your guide. You’ll walk through the forest, the flocks of butterflies growing thicker and thicker, until you reach their favourite trees.
Huddling together for warmth at night, they coat the branches until the sun is high enough (usually around midday), when they suddenly burst into flight all at once. The swirling cloud of soaring butterflies that fills the skies is one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
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Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
