Michoacán: Monarch butterfly tour with guide & lunch

Summary

See monarch butterflies fill the sky in Mexico’s mountain sanctuary

You’ll hike into Michoacán’s volcanic mountains with a local guide to witness millions of monarch butterflies filling the air around you. Feel pine-scented breezes as you walk among trees alive with color, then share lunch on site with your group before heading back down — an experience you’ll remember every time you spot a butterfly again.

What’s the experience like?

There was this soft, papery flutter overhead — not quite like birds, more like confetti caught in a breeze. We’d just stepped out of the van at the edge of the forest in Michoacán, and our guide, Martín, grinned at my wide-eyed stare. “Wait until we get higher,” he said, and honestly I thought he was exaggerating. But as we started hiking up the volcanic slope (it’s steeper than it looks), orange wings kept drifting past us, sometimes landing right on someone’s backpack or hat. The air smelled a bit like pine needles and damp earth — I remember brushing my hand against mossy bark just to feel it.

The further we climbed, the thicker the butterflies got. At one point I stopped talking because there were so many monarchs swirling between the trees it felt like walking through a living curtain. Some people around me just stood still with their mouths open — I probably looked the same. Martín explained how these monarchs travel thousands of kilometers from Canada and the US every year to hibernate here, which made me feel weirdly protective of them. There was a moment when one landed on my sleeve and just sat there flexing its wings; I didn’t move for ages.

Lunch was served right at the sanctuary — simple food but really good after all that walking (I think it was sopa tarasca? Martín laughed when I tried to pronounce it). The whole group ended up sharing stories over tortillas while kids ran around chasing stray butterflies nearby. On the way back down, legs tired and shoes muddy, I kept looking up hoping for one last burst of color overhead. Even now I can close my eyes and see those orange wings everywhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monarch Butterfly Watching

• Watch millions of Monarch butterflies in volcanic mountains

Top questions

How do you get to the Monarch butterfly sanctuary from Michoacán?

The tour includes private transportation directly to the sanctuary in Michoacán’s volcanic mountains.

Is lunch included during the Monarch butterfly tour?

Yes, lunch is included on site at the sanctuary after hiking.

Do you need to be fit for this Monarch butterfly day trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness due to hiking in mountainous terrain.

Are tickets or entry fees included in this tour?

Yes, your entry ticket (“boleto de entrada”) to the sanctuary is included.

Is there a local guide during the Monarch butterfly experience?

Yes, a local guide accompanies your group throughout the visit.

What should I bring for visiting the Monarch butterfly reserve?

Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and bring layers for changing weather in the mountains.

Can pregnant travelers join this Monarch butterfly tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to physical activity involved.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from town into Michoacán’s volcanic mountains, entry ticket to the Monarch butterfly sanctuary itself, an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort on winding roads, and lunch served right at the site before heading back down together.