El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve
El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve
El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve
4.5
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Observatories & Planetariums
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Located next to the tiny village of El Rosario, this sanctuary is the winter nesting grounds for millions of monarch butterflies that migrate from the U.S. each year.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
167 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
18
Average
4
Poor
4
Terrible
1
GLee
London, UK181 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Couples
Absolute magical place to be seeing nature at with its awesomeness. We visited at March and arrived around 10:00, the clouds shifted and the sun was shining through the forest floor, we were blessed to see the site of thousands and thousands of butterflies dancing. It really is a spectacle that photo does not do justice.
Written April 3, 2023
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.
carole c
Ferrisburgh, VT234 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Solo
The reserve was peaceful and well run. Our group had a guide provided free to point out the best sites. The trail was very well cared for- clean, with many rest stops. People talked in hushed tones. It was not crowded. In early March, there were billions of butterflies to see. The experience was profound. I recommend going up by horseback because it is a long hike up. Going down was also strenuous and I walked down, but going down by horseback might be better!
Written March 8, 2023
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.
dsky227
Concord, NH243 contributions
Mar. 2023
I think this is the largest of the butterfly sanctuaries, with approx 40% of the migrating butterflies hibernating here. Of course, you're restricted to where you can go in the sanctuary... having said that, and we went to more than one sanctuary on our trip, we felt like we were closer to the butterflies than the other sanctuary... and were just able to see so much more. I recommend taking a horse ride up... its fun, saves on walking... and supports the local economy. I also recommend bringing binoculars.
You'll never forget this experience.
You'll never forget this experience.
Written March 7, 2023
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.
Aaron G
Los Angeles, CA256 contributions
Feb. 2023
El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve was our trip's "grand finale," and what a finale it was. Two tips:
1) The butterflies are only there from November to March, so be sure to go then. Their activity peaks in late February, exactly when we went, so try to time it then for maximum butterfly madness.
2) DON'T GO ON A WEEKEND. The crowds make Disneyland look like a picnic. Just stay away until a weekday, when you will have far fewer people to ruin the experience for you.
I could go on and on, but I will simply say that this may be the greatest place I have ever visited in my life.
1) The butterflies are only there from November to March, so be sure to go then. Their activity peaks in late February, exactly when we went, so try to time it then for maximum butterfly madness.
2) DON'T GO ON A WEEKEND. The crowds make Disneyland look like a picnic. Just stay away until a weekday, when you will have far fewer people to ruin the experience for you.
I could go on and on, but I will simply say that this may be the greatest place I have ever visited in my life.
Written March 4, 2023
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.
mayacosmos
Englewood, NJ96 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Couples
An amazing place to witness the miracle of nature of millions of butterfly’s who return each year to mate and create the next generation of monarchs that make their way north in the spring. We had the perfect day as the butterfly’s were everywhere flying around the town, extremely active and visible without having to make the trek up the mountain top. If you are within a drive during this time of year - GO.
The butterfly’s were in constant motion as they swarmed in huge groups of never ending insects in flight. Something that you have to experience as photos can’t capture the beauty of the moment. So worth the five hour drive from San Miguel de Allende. The usual collection of tourist trinket shops and places to eat casual food. The place is well maintained and has a low cost entrance fee.
The butterfly’s were in constant motion as they swarmed in huge groups of never ending insects in flight. Something that you have to experience as photos can’t capture the beauty of the moment. So worth the five hour drive from San Miguel de Allende. The usual collection of tourist trinket shops and places to eat casual food. The place is well maintained and has a low cost entrance fee.
Written March 2, 2023
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.
Godwin L
5 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Solo
Amazing experience, definitely recommend. A few tips:
Try to book more than one day. The butterflies only fly when exposed to sunlight so if you only have one chance and it’s cloudy you miss the best part.
As someone who has lived in Mexico and speak reasonable Spanish, I still had some difficulty taking the local bus out of Mexico City (there’s a direct one from Central Autobuses Poniente run by Zina bus), so it’s a good idea to hire a guide. I hired Oscar Reyes whom I found from a previous review here and would definitely recommend him. He grew up in Angangueo, speaks good English, and will facilitate everything for you - helping book the bus or picking you up directly from Mexico City if you prefer. Contact is rrosco@live.com or by Whats App at +52 715 127 2308.
Stay downtown in Angangueo! The town is picturesque and definitely worth exploring between your excursions to the sanctuaries, and offers a true Mexican experience very different from CDMX. There is one simple but charmingly adequate hotel run by locals, the Hotel Jardin Angangueo, right in the town square, and there’s a great taco stand in front to boot.
Try to book more than one day. The butterflies only fly when exposed to sunlight so if you only have one chance and it’s cloudy you miss the best part.
As someone who has lived in Mexico and speak reasonable Spanish, I still had some difficulty taking the local bus out of Mexico City (there’s a direct one from Central Autobuses Poniente run by Zina bus), so it’s a good idea to hire a guide. I hired Oscar Reyes whom I found from a previous review here and would definitely recommend him. He grew up in Angangueo, speaks good English, and will facilitate everything for you - helping book the bus or picking you up directly from Mexico City if you prefer. Contact is rrosco@live.com or by Whats App at +52 715 127 2308.
Stay downtown in Angangueo! The town is picturesque and definitely worth exploring between your excursions to the sanctuaries, and offers a true Mexican experience very different from CDMX. There is one simple but charmingly adequate hotel run by locals, the Hotel Jardin Angangueo, right in the town square, and there’s a great taco stand in front to boot.
Written February 28, 2023
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.
Laura D
9 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Friends
Friends and I stayed in zitacuaro and drove to El Rosario. We made sure to have a good breakfast and chose to hike up to the monarch wintering grounds. We are all in our mid 60s to 70s and in shape and easily did the hike in an hour or so. Sunny day and perfect temp for a hike (a bit cool). Public bathroom at the bottom was very clean. 80 peso to enter the reserve.
We arrived at the top around 11 and stayed for over 2 hours to allow the sun to waken the butterflies deep in the Pine trees. Truly magical experience!!
(Tip: wear white hat or shirt if you want monarchs to land on you)
We arrived at the top around 11 and stayed for over 2 hours to allow the sun to waken the butterflies deep in the Pine trees. Truly magical experience!!
(Tip: wear white hat or shirt if you want monarchs to land on you)
Written February 16, 2023
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.
6711jose
2 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Couples
Was cloudy and cool on our day. Just when we were about to leave, the sun came out and so did the butterflies!! Try to go on a sunny, warm day.
Written February 14, 2023
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.
BoardingPass813146
3 contributions
Jan. 2023
We made the wise decision to hire Oscar Reyes to guide us to the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary outside of Ocampo, Michoacan, Mexico. Oscar spent the day with us, picking us up in Zitacuaro, where we had spent the night. He drove us to the Sanctuary (suggesting that we visit El Rosario instead of Sierra Chincua because it had more butterflies), accompanied us to the butterfly viewing site, took us to Angangueo (a pueblo magico) for lunch, and drove us back to Zitacuaro. Oscar is a knowledgeable and helpful guide who speaks excellent English and was willing to share with us his perspective on life in Michoacan. Visting the butterfly sanctuary can be a challenge but using Oscar took all the worry out of how to get there and back to Zitacuaro. If you want to contact him, he can be reached at rrosco@live.com or by Whats App at 715 127 2308.
Written February 12, 2023
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.
MurphyT99
Providence, RI22 contributions
Jan. 2023
This was such a great experience. Bit of a hike to the top. The guide was friendly. Millions of butterflies everywhere.
Written February 7, 2023
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.
mrstaylor3711
Oceanside, CA5 contributions
My family and I are planning a trip here. When is the best time to visit? And where is the best place to stay and how do we get here? Thank you so much!
Nolagurl1956
New Orleans, LA103 contributions
The butterflies only visit the reserve in the winter. We were there last February and it was spectacular. Hotel Casa Iturbe in Zitacuaro was a fantastic hotel. Small, safe, great pool and great breakfast.
Debbie D
Lambsburg, VA20 contributions
My husband and I, 60 and 66 have booked a trip to the Monarch migration. Can someone please tell me just how strenuous this hike to the sanctuary is? What should we expect? Do we have to be in top notch condition? Thanks.
amadar
Brisbane, Australia362 contributions
Can we drive ourselves easily from lake Chapala/aijic. Are the roads safe? We are hoping that mid January will be a good time
jowegihi
Houston, TX60 contributions
We are hosting monarchs at our home in Texas - we currently have over 30 caterpillars! Our 4 year old is completely into monarchs and we want to bring her to El Rosario. Where should we fly into, where do we stay, how do we get there?
AirstreamR
Bandera, TX353 contributions
We were on a two month Airstream caravan throughout Mexico and took a day trip to the reserve, so can’t help you. I’d google it.
jsliles
Flagler Beach, FL6 contributions
Do you recommend the horse ride for people over 65 with no experience riding horses?
RSGompertz
Bothell, WA645 contributions
I agree with the other comment about doing what you are comfortable with. The pack horses go very slow so riding skill isn’t necessary. If the butterflies are at the higher altitude, this may be a good option.
alittlemermaid
Hong Kong, China55 contributions
I am in Morelia. Can I go there by bus? How? And if join an eng tour, any recommendation? Price range please. Thx
RMEV
San Diego, CA27 contributions
Hi there.. sorry I got your question this late.. I was traveling... hope you got to do it.... but yes... you can get the bus from Morelia...
Sharan P
Arcadia, CA
which is the closest airport and best place to stay?
Mari O
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico33 contributions
Hi Sharon, I am not sure about the closest airport. maybe Google search would be good for that.
I absolutely love this little town. and Rosario Reserve is only a mile outside of it.
Angangueo
Christina H
Redondo Beach, CA62 contributions
Will fuel shortages be a problem this weekend traveling from Mexico City? I will be visiting and am worried by the travel advisories.
RSGompertz
Bothell, WA645 contributions
I can’t predict what will happen with the fuel situation, but if things don’t improve fast, I’d be worried about driving any long distances. I’m told that there’s no issue with Diesel fuel but I’ve seen extremely long lines of cars and people with containers waiting at Pemex stations and wouldn’t want to participate.
Best bet might be to take an organized tour bus. If you hire a driver, make sure he’s got a full tank.
If by travel advisories you mean safety, I can only say that we’ve had no problems, but we aren’t driving.
EL ROSARIO MONARCH BUTTERFLY PRESERVE - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve
- Hotels near El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve:
- (3.63 km) Plaza Don Gabino Hotel
- (3.43 km) Hotel La Margarita
- (8.84 km) Club Campestre Paraiso Monarca
- (3.46 km) Rancho Cumbre Monarca
- (15.92 km) Hotel Villa Monarca Inn