Butterfly Monarch Tour from Mexico City
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Mexico City, Mexico
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience Mexico’s spectacular monarch butterfly migration on this convenient small-group day trip from Mexico City. Escape the city with a memorable visit to the monarch sanctuary, where these colorful butterflies spend their winters after traveling as much as 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) from the United States and Canada. This hassle-free outing includes lunch and transfers from hotels in the Polanco area or a central meeting point.
- Witness the monarch butterfly migration on a day trip from Mexico City
- Escape the city and enjoy a day of hiking among colorful butterflies
- A small group means more attention from your guide
- Enjoy an authentic lunch of Mexican specialties in Michoacan
What's Included
- Local guide
- Transport by private vehicle
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (IMPORTANT: hotels located in Reforma Avenue and Polanco)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.6:30 am
Itinerary
1
Sierra Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary
5 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Megan_W
If you're debating about making this trek, stop hesitating. My 10-year-old daughter and I had an amazing visit. We will never forget the magic of all those butterflies! The ride was long, the hike was dusty, but really not all that strenuous for us. The scenery was beautiful, even without the thousands of fluttering wings. Our guides were kind, knowledgeable, and flexible, and we felt well-cared for. I highly recommend- no regrets for spending a day of our CDMX trip visiting the sanctuary.
Reviews
4.8
based on 64 reviews
Megan_W, Mar 2026
If you're debating about making this trek, stop hesitating. My 10-year-old daughter and I had an amazing visit. We will never forget the magic of all those butterflies! The ride was long, the hike was dusty, but really not all that strenuous for us. The scenery was beautiful, even without the thousands of fluttering wings. Our guides were kind, knowledgeable, and flexible, and we felt well-cared for. I highly recommend- no regrets for spending a day of our CDMX trip visiting the sanctuary.
Nicolas_L, Mar 2026
One of the most beautiful and fascinating tours we’ve been on. It was well worth the drive and hike. Our tour guides were super knowledgeable and friendly. Would highly recommend!
Anna_S, Feb 2026
Marta was SUCH an incredible guide. I feel so fortunate to have had such a knowledgeable, kind, friendly guide to lead us through this magical experience. On the hike we linked up with a local tour guide who works at the sanctuary and he showed us so many plants used for herbal remedies and animals that are native to the area. It is an experience I will never forget. It is worth every penny and more.
anne_b, Feb 2026
Travelers should know there is a steep climb to and from the area where butterflies can be seen high in the pine trees. The altitude is 11,000 ft and may affect one’s ability to make the climb. The trail is dirt and rocks with no ropes or railings along the way. Plan on taking a pair of sturdy hiking sticks and boots. Horses are available to guests over the steepest, rockiest part of the trail - though even after the ride, the terrain can be demanding.
In spite of the rigor of the hike, seeing the gray masses of dormant butterflies hanging on tall pine branches awaiting the sun to fly away was breathtaking.
And, importantly, the guides that accompanied us all the way to and from were fabulous! Extremely knowledgeable about the biosphere housing the butterflies, the continued preservation of it, and the pine forest, our expert guides shared their dedication to their work and inspired us to support where we could.
One suggestion for this tour would be for the biosphere managers to engage with the guides regularly about bad spots on the trail so repair or alternate routes are made available. It will prevent falls.
It was a great tour notwithstanding the notes above and very popular with the local population.
Ali_A, Feb 2026
Amazing to see so many butterflies! Martha was a great guide along with Daniel. I definitely recommend this tour for anyone who has time for a day trip out of CDMX.
Hannah_m, Feb 2026
It was a beautiful experience. I enjoyed the lunch, hike, sanctuary and getting to know others on the tour.
Danelle_R, Jan 2026
Excellent trip from CDMX to see the monarch’s. Marta and Olanso were great. We really enjoyed it. Thank you.
archana_r, Jan 2026
From mexico city it takes about 3.5 hours by car to reach the destination and another hour of hiking to 11000 ft elevation to view the monarchs. We were picked up at our hotel which was a bit out of the pickup zone, which was awesome. The car itself was uncomfortable with no leg room. There were 6of us and felt very cramped. The drive itself was uneventful and flavorless. No talks, explanations , small talks, nothing. Just driving from point a to b. The hike was strenuous but so worth it to see the monarchs. The provided lunch was spectacular. The drive back was straight 3.5 hours in silence. We were dropped an hour away from our destination and that is just not acceptable. We had to pay another 300 pesos for uber.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Archana
We remind you that your hotel was outside the pickup area, and we made an exception by picking you up at your hotel at no extra cost.
When we informed you of this situation, we mentioned that we could pick you up at your hotel in the morning, and on the return trip, we would drop you off at our meeting point.
Keep in mind that your hotel was only 15 minutes from the pickup area; in the afternoon, due to traffic, it might have taken you an hour, which is why you paid $300 for Uber.
The explanation and talk about the butterflies takes place at the sanctuary, not on board the vehicle, since it's a tour that leaves very early, and passengers are usually asleep.
Regarding the transportation, there were 4 people, not 6. We will take your comment into consideration to make the trip more comfortable.
Julie_P, Jan 2026
Martha and Alonso were excellent guides. Do not hesitate to book this tour, as it will not disappoint. We have been to other butterfly tours and this will be our favorite. It is a steep hike but doable. We chose to ride the horses up and it was so worth it. As it was going to cloudy later in the day, we chose to eat after our hike up which was a very wise choice. The monarchs were plentiful and with each burst of sun they would get active. It was so exciting to see. We were given lots of time for photos and both guides answered our questions and taught us so much. The food after was amazing. Blackberry Atole and Chile Relleno were delicious. A+ highly recommended
Elizabeth_C, Dec 2025
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The guides were so kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. Since the butterflies are only viewable a few months out of the year, I feel so fortunate to be able to have seen them.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Elizabeth,
We are glad to know that you enjoyed this magic experience, thank you!
esthela_a, Nov 2025
The trip met our expectations 100%. Our guide and driver; Martha and Alfonso were both very knowledgeable and professional. We couldn’t have asked for better experts to take us to Sierra Chincua and see the gorgeous Monarch butterflies in the habitat. The entire trip was outstanding.
Joe_N, Feb 2025
This tour to the Sierra Chincua butterfly sanctuary was an unforgettable adventure! The 3-hour drive was smooth, and upon arrival, we began a 45-60 minute guided hike to witness thousands of monarch butterflies in their natural habitat—an absolutely breathtaking sight. The local guide provided great insights into butterfly migration, local fauna, and wildlife. Horses were available to rent for part of the hike, making it more accessible. Lunch was included at the sanctuary, which was a nice touch. The entire experience was well-organized, and we felt comfortable throughout. Highly recommend this incredible tour!
daunn_r, Jan 2025
Our guide and experience were excellent. I would highly recommend it. The butterflies were magical and it is only two months out of the year.
Shota_S, Feb 2024
It was a wonderful experience in the deep mountains of Mexico! Martha and Alonso were so kind and professional! We went there with our kids (7 and 3 years old), and they had a great time. Unfortunately, it was cloudy bit cold so we didn't see many butterflies flying, but it was a mystical and wonderful experience! Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Shota
Thank you and your beautiful family for joining us on this magical adventure.
Nancy_R, Feb 2024
An amazing hike to the top of the mountain on a beautiful warm day where thousands of monarchs swirled around you. Our guides, Marta and Daniel were the best. Very friendly, compassionate ( the altitude and hike were too strenuous for my friend), and helpful. We truly enjoyed their company. The entire tour was well organized, from pickup to return. Tour sizes are small you get personal attention. It was only 2 of us that day. I highly recommend this tour, but only if you are physically prepared to hike uphill over rocky paths at 9000-11,000 ft elevation. Walking poles and hiking boots are helpful.
Cathy_S, Feb 2024
What an amazing trip! The car ride was long but it was very comfortable. The guide we had in the car with us was so nice and she really enjoys and appreciates sharing the site with her guests. And the butterflies! We saw several trees covered with them. The food was good, they might decide to have you eat breakfast instead of lunch so that the temperature rises and the monarchs are more active. There were many roosting in the trees and many flying around as well. The climb up isn't too bad, and this is from someone who doesn't do well with uphill climbs, especially at 11,000 feet! It's cold there in the morning so wear a jacket or sweatshirt. At the restaurant get the traditional hot drink. It's amazing!
Laura_D, Feb 2024
We had a great day with Martha, Daniel and our wonderful driver who I'm sorry I don't recall his name. It was a special time to be able to see the monarch butterflies with such wonderful guides. Our lunch was delicious. We highly recommend this tour!
Vernica_S, Jan 2024
We had an excellent experience with Marta, Alonso, and Daniel! We had a smooth drive there and back to the city, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast (and later lunch) in the community at the foot of the hill. We felt very welcome by the community and were happy to support tourism that works with and supports the local community. The hike was short and relatively easy if you don’t have significant health or mobility issues. We learned about the flora and fauna of the area, including the monarch butterflies. And they were so majestic. Seeing so many of them fly around, rest in the trees, and to hear their wings flap amid total silence was a spiritual, beautiful, and once-in-a-lifetime experience. I highly recommend it! Being led and taught by Marta, Alonso, and Daniel was so lovely, as we share the same values and it was wonderful to see their passion for serving and collaborating with the local community (which Daniel is a part of), providing sustainable and educational tourism practices, and just respecting and loving this unique natural environment, and knowing it deeply with all the complexity it deserves. You should definitely do this trip!
Luke_J, Mar 2023
Fantastic tour - the butterflies and scenery was incredible. I believe that this reserve is the best to visit (good blend of mountains + a lot of butterflies). Staff was great and very informative.
cheryl_s, Mar 2023
What an utterly fantastic trip . Our guide ( Martha ) and driver ( Alonso) were perfect . Martha was so knowledgeable …..we learned so much . But best of all we’re the butterflies . So beautiful . Daniel and Martha gave us so much time to watch / marvel and absorb . Walking to the special place made the anticipation grow . The sanctuary was very special and we enjoyed a lovely breakfast and lunch too . Thank you so much for helping to make the whole day quite magical ….
Alisa_L, Feb 2023
Pictures really don’t do this experience justice. The day was very long, very worth it and nothing short of magical when we were walking quietly in this beautiful place surrounded by these monarchs. The weather was perfect for this as well, clear and sunny, so the monarchs could warm themselves and fly around. My parents took the horses up, which was perfect for them, and I hiked up with the group, enjoying the amazing scenery. This tour doesn’t go to the other town anymore since covid, so we had more time to enjoy the butterflies and ate lunch there at the communities restaurant; it was delicious! This location is further than many others but they told us this one is better run than closer ones bec the community takes care of it. Proceeds here help the community. Additionally the ride up on horse is only 15 min vs closer ones you’d have to ride for an hour and it’s much steeper. We went on a Monday and it was very empty and amazing! Martha and Alonso were great guides!
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hi Alisa!
We love to know that you really enjoyed this experience.
Thank you for your visit, it is the way in which we can support the community and at the same time enjoy one of the most beautiful experiences in the world.
Noel_H, Jan 2023
We really enjoyed this trip, and thought it was well-worth the long drive. Having been on my bucket list for some time, seeing one of the monarch butterfly overwintering sites was fantastic! We had a local guide at the sanctuary show us the trail to the site, along with some explanations of their behavior and background history behind the insects and Mexico. Our driver and guide were very helpful, and took us to get some tea on the way to the sanctuary as well!
Andrena_M, Feb 2020
Wonderful experience. Quite a long day from Mexico City (over 12 hours) but guides were very good, had plenty of time to view butterflies while walking and stationery (close to an hour). Recommend horses if a bit unsteady on feet. Nice lunch included.
Response from Host, Mar 2020
Thank you for your comments!
It was a pleasure share this experience with you
Teresa K, Mar 2018
The trip to the butterflies was 3 hours with pick up along the way. We then had to walk a total of 8,5km to get to the butterflies - so not just a 45 min walk. If you have people on the trip that are unfit and too old to walk this, by the time you are back for lunch they have not even got half the way. We then had to sit 2,5 hours to wait for them to come back and have their lunch. We then got taken to a town El Oreo to see some buildings waste of time when you are already almost 3 hours delayed. By the time we got back to the city it was 8h30 at night - over 13 hours since pick up. I was disappointed to also not see that many butterflies as the season was almost over - mid March. Would not do it again
Response from Host, May 2022
Teresa
We so sorry to know this experience was not what you expected.
In a shared tour, we cannot advance the activities.
RADUVASILE_B, Feb 2018
The guide and the driver was very friendly and gave me a lot of information. Though you can not see the butterfly very good the trip is very interesting.
Response from Host, May 2022
Thanks for your comment.
We regret that the weather conditions have not favorable to see butterflies.
Kitti_S, Jan 2018
I was disappointed with this tour. It is stating that a local guide is included but I'm not sure about the definition. My guide picked me up at my hotel on time, he didn't speak much English but he had a translator so it's OK. But when we arrived the butterfly sanctuary, I was told I had a local guide there. i was confused and I'm still confused why I needed a local guide there. That local guide didn't speak English at all and you really don't need anyone to show you the way you should walk because the trail is very obvious so it's very difficult to get lost. And if it was easy to get lost there, the guide who picked me up should know the way. And in the end, I had to tip that local guide! For what???? For walking by my side?
Response from Host, May 2022
We are so sorry that this tour was not what you expected.
We appreciate your comment, it help us improve our service.
Amy B, Nov 2017
This was the best tour we took! It was a relaxing day out of the city with a fresh delicious lunch. There was horseback riding and not to forget the miraculous butterflies. It was amazing to see.
Response from Host, May 2022
We are so happy to know you enjoyed this amazing experience!
Thank you so much
Michael F, Feb 2017
Really good experience. Guides picked us up on time at our hotel and brought us to Sierra Chincua reserve. The driver/guide provided by the company was not that knowledgeable but the guide that we met at the butterfly reserve was very knowledgeable.
Response from Host, May 2022
We are glad to know you enjoyed this experience, thank you so much!
Mayda_G, Dec 2022
La excursión y los guías fueron maravillosos, sin embargo la transportación provista fue pésima y por lo tanto no recomiendo esta compañía. Prepárense a viajar en un incomodo auto por 7 horas. Lo único que los salvo fue el guía que fue fantástico. El lugar de las mariposas y los guías fueron maravillosos.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Hola Mayda
Agradecemos tu visita porque de esta forma impactamos de manera positiva las comunidades que visitamos.
Como te comentamos, el transporte se asigna de acuerdo al número de personas, consideramos que para 3 personas el auto es suficiente.
Lamentamos que tengas un problema de salud en la columna que te impida viajar largos trayectos, sin embargo esto lo supimos hasta el día de tu visita, si nos hubieras comunicado esto al momento de tu reserva podríamos haber asignado una unidad con las características que requerias.
Esperamos con gusto volver a verte.
From $250.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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