Monarch Butterflies Sanctuary

Monarch butterflies are the pride and symbol of the state of Michoacan. This beautiful Lepidoptera are found in the west of the state, in a perfect place to escape from the cold temperatures during winter in the south forests in Canada and north of the USA.   

Michoacan offers the appropriate conditions in terms of vegetation and temperature for hibernation and reproduction of the butterflies, hosting approximately 60 million butterflies from October to March who travel each year for 4000 kms from North America to Michoacan.

El Rosario and Sierra Chincua Sanctuaries

You can watch the amazing union of butterflies in the Monarch Sanctuaries. The only sanctuaries opened for public are El Rosario and Sierra Chincua, who receive visitors from all over the world during fall and winter season from 9:00 to 17:00. The members of both communities guide each of the groups visiting the sanctuaries.

These sanctuaries with three more are part of the Monarch butterfly Biosphere Reserve, declared in 1986 as a protected natural area.