Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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5.0
70 reviews
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58
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8
Average
3
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1
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0
Joe E
Seattle, WA11 contributions
Feb 2020
So many butterflies you can HEAR them fluttering! Imagine a full-grown tree, with limbs so heavy with buterflies that they touch the ground! NOTE - The reserve is at 11,000 ft in elevation. Strongly recommend you get from the parking lot to butterflies via horseback unless you are in amazing shape. Cheap to rent and someone leads the horse the whole way.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gardenbloomer1
Madison, WI39 contributions
Jan 2020
It was not easy to find and I would recommend hiring a tour guide. it took us awhile to figure out where to go so we were running out of time when we arrived. We decided to take horses up and walk down which was a wise decision since it was after 3 when we got there. Even though it was a cloudy day, the monarchs in the trees were mesmerizing. They were sleeping and hanging in huge bunches. We intend to go back one day and make sure it's sunny. The walk down was lovely, along a well paved path. It was lined with red lobelia and there were hummingbirds everywhere. We loved it.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey W
Newport, UK146 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
We visited these two locations on consecutive days, both of which were sunny, so the butterflies were in the air as well as on the trees.
We have to disagree with the Lonely Planet guide on this one but perhaps we were just lucky. We visited the Sierra Chincua reserve on a midweek afternoon in early February. Two small parties were descending the route as we we walked up to where you see the butterflies and when we got there, we were the only two there. It was a stunning experience, butterflies all around us, even landing on us!
It is a pleasant and relatively easy uphill stroll, you really don't need to go by horse. The walk is mainly through an open airy woodland. Our guide spoke a limited amount of English but was excellent and when I told him we were also interested in the birds he gave us a small bird watching booklet with the main species in it. He was also superb at spotting birds in the forest and identifying them. He took great pleasure in showing us the birds and 'his butterflies'.
On the following day we went to see the butterflies at Cerro Pelon. I do agree with the Lonely Planet guide in terms of the route. It is long, and near the butterflies extremely steep. If you are happy on horseback use one! We enjoyed the walk but you have to be fit, it is steep, long and at high altitude. Although far from crowded there were more people there than at Sierra Chincua. Sadly, the butterflies are in a more dense area of woodland and were more difficult to see in the air. If in doubt ask me a question.
We have to disagree with the Lonely Planet guide on this one but perhaps we were just lucky. We visited the Sierra Chincua reserve on a midweek afternoon in early February. Two small parties were descending the route as we we walked up to where you see the butterflies and when we got there, we were the only two there. It was a stunning experience, butterflies all around us, even landing on us!
It is a pleasant and relatively easy uphill stroll, you really don't need to go by horse. The walk is mainly through an open airy woodland. Our guide spoke a limited amount of English but was excellent and when I told him we were also interested in the birds he gave us a small bird watching booklet with the main species in it. He was also superb at spotting birds in the forest and identifying them. He took great pleasure in showing us the birds and 'his butterflies'.
On the following day we went to see the butterflies at Cerro Pelon. I do agree with the Lonely Planet guide in terms of the route. It is long, and near the butterflies extremely steep. If you are happy on horseback use one! We enjoyed the walk but you have to be fit, it is steep, long and at high altitude. Although far from crowded there were more people there than at Sierra Chincua. Sadly, the butterflies are in a more dense area of woodland and were more difficult to see in the air. If in doubt ask me a question.
Written 11 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julievida
Golden, CO225 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
This is an easy trip to do on your own by public bus. From San Miguel De Allende or Guanajuato, you can take a first class bus to Celaya (1 hour), then Omnibus De Mexico has a first class bus from Celaya to Zitacuaro (4.5 hours), then frequent buses to Angangueo (1 hour). Most people say you need to go thru Morelia but this is much faster and cheaper way to do it. Angangueo is an adorable mountain town to stay in. But bring warm clothes as it is very cold at night. There is a tourist information booth near the Jardin with an english speaking guy. There are cheap (30 p) buses direct from Angangueo to El Rosario (45 mins), the Monarch Butterfly Reserve.
Its 45 p for entrance fee which includes a guide. You are only allowed 30 minutes to view the butterflies but for most that is enough. We went first late morning. Then had lunch and went back again around 2 pm. Its much better in the afternoon after it warms up. There were what seemed like millions of butterflies both on the trees and flying around. It was amazing!!!!! Bring lots of camera batteries as you will want to video it. We were told this year that El Rosario is THE reserve to go to with the best butterflies.
Its 45 p for entrance fee which includes a guide. You are only allowed 30 minutes to view the butterflies but for most that is enough. We went first late morning. Then had lunch and went back again around 2 pm. Its much better in the afternoon after it warms up. There were what seemed like millions of butterflies both on the trees and flying around. It was amazing!!!!! Bring lots of camera batteries as you will want to video it. We were told this year that El Rosario is THE reserve to go to with the best butterflies.
Written 1 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthVancouverBarbM
West Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
Feb 2014 • Friends
This is a must see if you're in the region! Seeing thousands of butterflies on the trees and alight in the pine forest is a magical sight to behold. Jaime Olalde of Tours Mexico Colonial made the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve an easy and delightful day trip from San Miguel. His experience and knowledge of the region and the butterflies added considerably to a very special day. Highly recommended!
Written 11 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david h
Brecon Beacons National Park, UK788 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
This trip us truly one of the wonders of the animal kingdom. My girlfriend and I travelled by car to Valle de Bravo, stayed the night in this charming lakeside town and after a hearty breakfast we visited the reserve just outside Valle the next morning .
The first sight of these beautiful butterflies were the numerous millions flying over the roadway. I kid you not...there are so many the police impose a 15km speed limit. At the reserve we then paid the 100MP park fee, rented two horses and a guide for 400MP and off we went up the hill for an hour or so. High up in the forest you dismount and walk amongst this natural phenomena and it's truly wonderful. The Monarchs are all over the place, in the tries, in the air, in your hair....it's beautiful. It's also nice watching humanity being so delicate and careful with nature. After the ride we also visited a nearby water feed station where the reserve lets a small hose to drip on the floor. Here millions more butterflies come to water. All in all it was a wonderful natural spectacle with no hassle or misgivings about the guides, locals or prices. A thoroughly enjoyable experience and a delightful romantic weekend....faultless trip!
The first sight of these beautiful butterflies were the numerous millions flying over the roadway. I kid you not...there are so many the police impose a 15km speed limit. At the reserve we then paid the 100MP park fee, rented two horses and a guide for 400MP and off we went up the hill for an hour or so. High up in the forest you dismount and walk amongst this natural phenomena and it's truly wonderful. The Monarchs are all over the place, in the tries, in the air, in your hair....it's beautiful. It's also nice watching humanity being so delicate and careful with nature. After the ride we also visited a nearby water feed station where the reserve lets a small hose to drip on the floor. Here millions more butterflies come to water. All in all it was a wonderful natural spectacle with no hassle or misgivings about the guides, locals or prices. A thoroughly enjoyable experience and a delightful romantic weekend....faultless trip!
Written 8 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovetotravel2618
Orlando, FL65 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
One of the most amazing things you will ever see. But unlike another review, I would go when it is somewhat cloudy, with good chance of sunshine later. When it is cloudy, the butterflies cling to each other on the trees-they look like bee hives. When the sun comes out, every one of these beautiful creatures flee from the trees, blocking the sun. THAT was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Be aware. The trip to the butterfly area is a 45 minute"hike" up rough terrain-steep, rocky, and muddy even when dry. The horses that go up and down kick up massive amounts of dirt. As such, bring a face mask to keep the dirt and dust out of your nose and mouth; bring some kind of walking stick/ski pole for climbing-down more than up; don't wear white! and plan on possibly throwing away your socks! Or having a big laundry bill! Bring wet wipes of sorts, and change for the. Little children who will wipe off your shoes and pant legs when you come back down. Water is always a good thing to have with you-there are rest rooms at the base of the hill for a small fee. From what we heard, the best time to go is between December and February. Don't miss it. It is magical, spiritual (you may even have to sit down and just watch after taking pictures) breathtaking.
Written 16 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cheryl p
portsmouth35 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
I visited Cerro Pelon reserve which I hear is the least accessible site to see the butterflies from and also the place you can see them the closest. You are required to have a guide go with you which you can hire at the gate. I don't speak Spanish well but it seemed like each person needed a guide (not just one per group) but it was not expensive and I figure either way the money goes to the community and gives them ownership in protecting this gem of nature. We told them we preferred to walk but they followed us with horses anyway in hopes of making more money when we couldn't walk the whole thing which was a little annoying. But basically it worked. I gave up after 2 miles, and I'm in good shape. I paid them another approx $10 (USD)and took my horse. The horses looked well taken care of, which was very important to me. The hike is doable, but it is very steep for miles. VERY steep. I decided that spending hours getting up it just didn't make sense. I had to keep stopping as the altitude got to me and I couldn't breathe easily. Also using the horses gets you off the dusty trail (be sure to bring a bandanna to cover your mouth). It was nice to look around rather than focus on breathing, and hey... I walked 2 of the miles! And by the way, regardless of if you take horses, you have to do the last half mile on your own because the horses can't get up it. It's tough but worth it. Bring walking sticks if you need them and lots of water. We of course got the one and only cloudy day, so the butterflies stayed bunched in the trees. But even that was amazing. Perhaps not as dramatic as some people expect, but an incredible sight of nature. The sun popped out for a few minutes finally and it sent many of them into the air. We watched from mid way down as it overlooks a little valley and you can see them flying. You really can't understand the feeling from just seeing this on TV, it's truly wonderful to see in person.
Written 6 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ERIC S
St. Petersburg, FL326 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We visited the Capulin Butterfly Reserve as part of a G Adventure tour. The reserve is also called Cerro Pelon and was suppose to be one of the newer reserves. There were a few buildings and signs at the entrance and a room appeared to be for school groups with butterfly paintings on the walls, but I did not see any information in English anywhere. Admission was 45 pesos which included the guide. The trail here is quite long and steep and a horse was recommended. There seemed to be unlimited men with horses in the trees at the entrance. The fee was 200 pesos roundtrip. The trail was long and steep and muddy in places so the horse proved worthwhile. Coming down was uncomfortable, as you had to hold on a lot on the steep descents. There was also a lot of erosion and rocks on the trail. One person in the group walked both ways but said it was not easy walking and her legs hurt. There was a nice viewing area roped off at the top but not as big as at Rosario. I was surprised at the number of people there as the guidebook said this reserve was not yet as popular as the better-known ones. Also, the horses and men wait fairly close to the viewing area which tends to give the feeling of being overcrowded. We had a sunny day and at times there were thousands of butterflies in the air. There were some bushes flowering and the butterflies were attracted to those. It was a spectacular site similar to Rosario. The guides took the groups one at a time into the woods beyond the roped area to see the butterflies clustered on the trees. This is also an impressive site and it is hard to comprehend how many butterflies there are. The reserve is well worth a visit if you have time. Due to the time it takes on the trail, we could not spend as long here as at Rosario. If you can just go to one reserve, I would recommend Rosario. I did not see any eating stalls once back at the entrance but there were some local ladies selling souvenirs. A visit to any of the reserves in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is an experience never to be forgotten. Anyone thinking of visiting the butterflies should definitely go.
Written 9 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tam Z
Valle de Bravo, Mexico72 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
It's a must!!
If you want to see a wonderful spectacle don't miss this sanctuary of the monarch butterflies in Mexico.
Go to a beautiful town that's call Valle de bravo, stay in one of the hotels in town, have diner at la taberna de leon and drive the next day early in the morning to the sanctuary of the monarch butterflies, about 30 min. from the town of valle (on the road from valle de bravo to temascaltepec with beautiful views of the Nevado de Toluca)
Walk or ride a horse to the sanctuary and wait for the sun to shine on the trees and all of sudden you will see how the butterflies open their wings and the sky will turn orange, it's breathtaking!!!
The guides are great and they know all about their migration and their lives.
Don't miss it
If you want to see a wonderful spectacle don't miss this sanctuary of the monarch butterflies in Mexico.
Go to a beautiful town that's call Valle de bravo, stay in one of the hotels in town, have diner at la taberna de leon and drive the next day early in the morning to the sanctuary of the monarch butterflies, about 30 min. from the town of valle (on the road from valle de bravo to temascaltepec with beautiful views of the Nevado de Toluca)
Walk or ride a horse to the sanctuary and wait for the sun to shine on the trees and all of sudden you will see how the butterflies open their wings and the sky will turn orange, it's breathtaking!!!
The guides are great and they know all about their migration and their lives.
Don't miss it
Written 25 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be visiting San Miguel de Allende in mid February.
Are there tours to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve at that time leaving from San Miguel?
What is the adult cost for the tour?
How long is the tour:?
Do you leave the tour bus?
Is there a qualified tour guide and naturalist?
What are their qulifications?
Written 12 December 2022
Hi, I see where the most recent review is from February of 2020. Anyone know if the reserve is even open (as of July 2022)?
Written 6 July 2022
Hola! Estará abierta la reserva este domingo 24 de enero del 2021?
Written 22 January 2021
How long of a bus ride is it to the Reserve? Do the buses take you close to the site?
Written 9 January 2020
3 hours to the town of Angangueo from Mexico City. I think you’d have to find local transportation from there or maybe a tour bus to take you to the reserve.
Written 16 February 2020
Hi Mark et al,
What entrance are you suggesting is better to view the monarchs? Where did you have this poor experience? Was this a day trip from Mexico City or did you stay nearby? Thanks for any help!
Deb
Written 13 June 2019
How would the hike be for a relatively fit 79 year old? Also, how did the altitude effect your breathing/ stamina?
Written 10 April 2019
How can we tour the biosphere from San Miguel?
Thank you,
Carol
Written 26 February 2019
We booked our excursion through the San Miguel Biblioteca rather than a private firm. It was more economical and well organized. It was a day trip, a four hour drive each way from San Miguel, and ideally you would want a warm, sunny day or the butterflies will cling to the trees and not fly. A bagged light lunch enroute was provided, and various food stalls were open at the site after viewing the area.
Written 6 March 2019
We can’t take a horse. how long does it take to walk from the car park?
Written 17 February 2019
Assuming you are reasonably fit, it took us less than 30 minutes to walk the 1/2 kilometre. Remember that the altitude is over 10,500 ft, so we did not walk quickly. Bring water, take your time, camera and you'll enjoy the short journey.
Written 6 March 2019
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