Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Sierra Chincua - Michoacán and Estado de México

Monarch Butterfly

Sierra Chincua - Michoacán

Season ● November to March

Schedule 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Operator Ejido Los Remedios

Biosphere Reserve of the
Monarch Butterfly in Sierra Chincua

Your reservation is direct with the natural area and its community, without intermediaries.
Pay securely online and contribute to its conservation

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THE TERRITORY

The hibernation sanctuary of the world's most widely-traveled butterfly

The Llano de las Papas Visitors Center belongs to Ejido Los Remedios and is the starting point to live the Monarca experience. A site of natural and historical richness that has received visitors from all over the world since 1986.

The Monarch butterfly travels more than 4,000 kilometers from Canada and the United States to this forest in central Mexico. The Reserve was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its unique ecological importance on the planet.

UNESCO Heritage

Annual migration

Oyamel forest

Mariposa monarca posada sobre flores en el santuario Sierra Chincua

Mariposa monarca con alas abiertas en la Reserva de la Biósfera de la Mariposa Monarca

Mariposa monarca alimentándose de flores en Sierra Chincua, Michoacán

Mariposa monarca sobre flores blancas en el santuario Sierra Chincua

Bosque de oyameles en la Reserva de la Biósfera de la Mariposa Monarca

Bosque de oyameles y pinos en Sierra Chincua, Michoacán

Visitantes en sendero guiado del santuario de la mariposa monarca

Grupo de visitantes en la cima del bosque en Sierra Chincua

WHAT YOU CAN DO HERE

Visits designed to connect with the place.

Each visit is operated directly by the local community, with certified guides and under a responsible tourism model.

Butterfly sighting

Walk the sanctuary's trails with certified guides from Ejido Los Remedios to observe the congregation of millions of monarch butterflies.

Guided hiking

Explore the oyamel, pine-oak and cedar forests accompanied by local guides who share the history and ecology of the area.

Sala de juntas para eventos en el santuario Sierra Chincua

Meeting or event room

Boardroom available for meetings, workshops, corporate retreats and events in a unique natural setting within the Biosphere Reserve.

Ready to live this?

When booking you will be able to choose the activities you want to include in your visit. Space is limited. Please reserve in advance.

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WHEN TO VISIT

There is something extraordinary
in each season.

The star experience occurs in certain months but the place has a lot to offer all year round.

JAN

FEB

SEA

ABR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AGO

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

SEA

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High season

Partial season

Out of season

What does Sierra Chincua offer outside the butterfly season?

The oyamel forest is open year-round for hiking and ecotourism. Outside of the migratory season the area offers hiking through its pine-oak forests, resident and migratory bird watching, and the experience of living with one of the most authentic ejido communities in Michoacán.

YOUR HOSTS

Ejido Los Remedios:
17 families who take care of the sanctuary.

The Ejido Los Remedios, made up of 17 ejidatarios and their families, welcomes you to the Llano de las Papas Visitor Center, within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

They have certified guides that will nurture your experience with data and information about the migratory phenomenon that everyone should know.

Guía mostrando información sobre la mariposa monarca en el bosque

How to get to Sierra Chincua, Michoacán?

From CDMX or Toluca

Take the México-Toluca-Zitácuaro highway. In Zitácuaro continue towards Ciudad Hidalgo. At the San Felipe de los Alzati junction turn right towards Mineral de Angangueo. Cross the town and continue on the mountain road until the entrance to Sierra Chincua.

From Guadalajara or Morelia

Take the highway to Maravatío. Continue towards Ciudad Hidalgo and before Irimbo take the detour to Aporo. Continue towards Mineral de Angangueo and follow the mountain road to Sierra Chincua.

What to bring on your visit?

Lightweight, waterproof jacket

Comfortable, slip-resistant footwear

Hat or cap with sun protection

Water and snacks for the tour

Fully charged camera or cell phone

Camping equipment if you stay at a campsite

PRINCIPLES OF RESPONSIBLE VISITATION

Visit. Enjoy.
Leave no trace.

These principles are not rules, they are the way we can ensure that this place will continue to exist for generations to come.

Plan and prepare in advance to minimize impacts.

Always walk along the marked trails. Do not leave the path.

What came with you goes with you. Don't leave trash in the area.

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not feed or touch animals.

Respect the local community. They take care of this place every day.

Keep the volume low. Sounds are part of the experience.

Book your visit
to the sanctuary of the Monarch

Space is limited and the season runs from November to March.
Reserve in advance.

Make your reservation here →

Frequently asked questions about
Biosphere of the Monarch Butterfly

When is the best time to visit?

From November to March is when the butterflies are present. The peak of congregation is between December and February.

Is it necessary to go with a guide?

Yes, the area's regulations require that the trails be traveled with a certified guide from the ejido.

How difficult is the course?

The hiking is of moderate difficulty. Non-skid shoes and good physical condition are recommended since the terrain is mountainous.

Is there lodging in the area?

Yes, the Llano de las Papas Visitor Center has lodging options operated by Ejido Los Remedios.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed inside the sanctuary.

Can I take pictures?

Yes, but no flash. The flash stresses the butterflies and is forbidden by regulation.

Biosphere Reserve of the Monarch Butterfly in Sierra Chincua