Mexico City and Explora Monarch Tour (Teotihuacan, Sierra Chincua and El Rosario monarch butterfly sanctuaries, Angangueo, Valle de Bravo, Toluca) late February/early March 4.5/5 I was dreaming of going to visit the monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico for many years. It finally happened in 2024.
I was intrigued by the fact that a super generation from Canada and the U.S. could fly all the way to their overwintering grounds in the Sierra Madre mountains.
We purposely chose the end of February and early March for our trip as there was a possibility of more butterfly action in the forest. My butterfly friend Carol highly recommended a small-group tour with Explora Latin America. They did not disappoint.
I learned a few things along the way: My husband and I spent a few days in Mexico City before the actual tour began. I highly recommend this as there’s so much to experience in this fascinating city. It also helps you to get acclimatized to the altitude.
We explored the area around the immense Zocalo (main square), Bellas Artes, Diego Rivera murals and the National Museum of Anthropology. Pre-purchasing tickets online for the Frida Kahlo Museum is highly recommended. The neighbourhoods of Coyoacan, Roma and Condesa are worth a visit.
We lucked out with beautiful weather, but be prepared to dress in layers, wear a hat and have a water bottle in your day pack. Lots of walking on this trip, so comfortable shoes are a must. We met our fellow monarch enthusiasts (13 of us) at an.
