Monarch Butterfly Tour Mexico: Visit Sierra Chincua and Angangueo (12 h)

Overview

The Monarch Butterfly Tour Mexico has the main purpose of watching a marvelous natural show performed by thousands of butterflies in UNESCO-listed Michoacan Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and visiting the charming town of Angangueo, a classic example of a Mexican mining town with large churches, tiled-roof houses, and verdant mountains.

Highlights

Itinerary

Join us on the Monarch Butterfly Tour! Where your adventure begins with a picturesque drive through the Valley of Mexico. As we journey through this stunning landscape, you’ll witness the gradual transition from the bustling city to the serene beauty of the Mexican countryside, surrounded by mountains, lush forests, and wide-open fields.

Our destination is Sierra Chincua, one of the five official monarch butterfly sanctuaries located in Michoacán. This region is known for its exceptional natural beauty and impressive landscapes, and it is the only destination for the annual migration of the Monarch butterflies. From November to March, millions of butterflies make their incredible journey from Canada and the United States to the warmth of this high-altitude sanctuary.

Upon arrival at Sierra Chincua, you can take a hike or a horseback ride (at an additional cost) to reach the butterfly colony. The hike will take you through the beautiful mountainous landscapes, where you’ll walk beneath towering trees and enjoy the clean, fresh air of the mountainous region.

Once you reach the Monarch butterfly colony, prepare to be amazed by the sight of millions of butterflies covering the trees and fluttering through the air. The spectacle is so awe-inspiring that it often feels as though you’ve stepped into another world. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the Monarch butterfly migration, explaining the ecological significance of this event and the importance of preserving the sanctuaries where these butterflies return year after year.

After experiencing the marvel of the Monarch butterfly colony, we’ll head to the nearby “Magic Town” of Angangueo, known as the “capital of Monarch Butterfly Reserve”. This charming town has a rich history, having once been one of the most important mining towns in the region.

During your visit, enjoy a walking tour around Angangueo, where you’ll learn about the town’s mining heritage, its local culture, and its current role in the Monarch Butterfly Reserve. The town is also home to local artisans who produce beautiful crafts and handmade goods inspired by the Monarch butterfly and the natural surroundings. You may also have the opportunity to taste some local treats and explore the town’s cultural riches, all while soaking in the atmosphere that makes Angangueo a true gem in Michoacán.

After a day filled with nature’s wonders, cultural exploration, and gastronomic delights, we’ll take you back to your accommodation in Mexico City. Here, you can relax in our vehicle while reflecting on the unforgettable memories of this extraordinary adventure.

How is this tour different?

Authentic

  ?How this tour provides an actual image of the destination, life, and practices of the host community.

We do our best to make our trips educative and fulfilling, in which travelers can interact with local populations, learn about their traditions, and culture, and connect with their core values.

A tour with impact

  ?How this tour positively affects the destination and local communities on economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions.

We support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Our tours are aligned with SDG 8 and 12, focusing on empowering local communities and promoting sustainable consumption and production practices. We take tourists to underdeveloped regions, creating opportunities for economic growth while respecting local traditions and educating communities on sustainable approaches.

Other

  ?Other advantages this tour offers to travelers.

• We will spend the time of the tour purely on activities and sightseeing: no visits to souvenir shops or restaurants.
• (For) private tour:
  • An ideal choice for small groups: the price of the tour is fixed and varies just slightly depending on the size of your group.
  • We are flexible: we can adjust the program and route to your interests while the duration of the tour can always be extended for an extra fee.

Prices

• This tour is private: only your group will participate.
• The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).

Inclusions

Included ✅

Local Expert Guides

Service of a multilingual local guide:

• Small-group tour: English & Spanish (our guides are bilingual). 
• Private tour: Spanish & English + other languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, Portuguese) upon prior request (based on availability).

Transportation

Round transportation from Mexico City:

• Small-group tour: Shared (with other participants in the group tour) pickup from a defined location.
• Private tour: Private (just for your group) pickup from your accommodation or another place of choice in Mexico City.

The type of vehicle depends on the size of the group and may include a car, 7-seater, or minivan.

Meals

Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Activities

Entrance and guided visit to Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary; walking tour in Magic Town of Angangueo.

         

Excluded ❌

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included: find the one exactly for you.

Personal expenses

Flights

Flights are not included: check our partner deals.

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.

Tips

Details

Customization ? The way how tour organizer can customize this tour for you

We can do the following customizations on your request (subject to availability and needs to be confirmed before the tour):
1. Adjust the starting time of the tour.
2. Adjust the time you spend at each destination of the tour.
3. Add extra places of your choice (e.g. attractions, restaurants, etc.) to the itinerary on a complimentary basis if those visits.
(1) fit the default duration of the tour, (2) don’t involve a significant change of the route and extra fees (e.g. entrance tickets, tolls, parking, etc.).
Changes other than those will involve an extra fee and must be communicated to the tour organizer at least 72h before the tour (e.g. in the “Special Requirements” field during the booking or via email).

Cancellations

This and most of our 1-day tours can be canceled up to 48 hours before the departure (see cancellation policy for more info).

Frequently asked questions:

How do I book?

To reserve the tour, select a date and complete the booking form. Afterward, you will receive a confirmation email.

How can I contact the tour organizer?

The tour organizer's contact phone number and email can be found in the confirmation email. If you have any other questions you can also contact us.

Cancellations & Modifications

You can review the full terms and conditions of each tour organizer before completing your booking. To cancel or modify your booking, contact the organizer directly using the email or phone number provided in your booking confirmation. Cancellations and modifications are subject to availability and approval by the organizer, based on their terms and conditions, which will be provided during the booking process.

Unless explicitly stated (when "Tour Organizer" is listed as Vibe Adventures), the tour and activity providers ("Tour Organizers" – see the tour widget for more details about each organizer) are independent third parties and not agents or affiliates of Vibe Adventures. Therefore, Vibe Adventures is not liable for any injuries, illness, accidents, delays, negligence, fraud, weather conditions, or expenses related to the Tour Organizers, their tours, or their affiliates. If the tour does not include insurance, travellers are responsible for obtaining travel insurance, as well as having valid passports, visas, and necessary vaccinations.

If you have any other questions please contact us.