Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Los Saucos, Quintana Roo, 77534
With fewer visitors than other butterfly reserves and handy proximity to Mexico City, the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the best spots to admire the orange-and-black creatures. Hike or ride a horse through the forest to reach the butterflies, which coat the fir trees before bursting into flight and fluttering among the treetops.
The Basics
Travelers can easily explore the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Reserve in just one day from Mexico City, although a visit can be combined with a stop in Toluca or an overnight stay in nearby Valle de Bravo, one of Mexico’s many "magic towns." You can also take an organized excursion to Piedra Herrada—these trips typically include round-trip transportation, English-speaking guides, and sometimes even personal photographers. Both shared and private options are generally available.
Things to Know Before You Go
Monarch Butterflies descend on Mexico between the months of November and April each year, although the best time to see them is from roughly January to March.
It’s important to stay very still and quiet when observing the butterflies; those traveling with very young children may wish to skip the butterfly sanctuary.
There are vendors, bathrooms, and a children’s playground at the entrance to the sanctuary.
Take cash to pay for snacks, guides, and horse rental.
Prepare for a roughly 1-hour hike to reach the butterflies and wear closed-toe shoes and layers—the forest can be cooler than you might expect.
Due to rough and unpaved ground, Piedra Herrada is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
How to Get There
Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is situated just a 2-hour drive west of Mexico City and around 45-minutes from the nearby town of Valle de Bravo. Most visitors find it easiest to arrive via private vehicle, although you can save yourself the hassle of driving by opting for a monarch butterfly tour that includes round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The best time to see Monarch butterflies at Piedra Herrada is from roughly January to March. As the butterflies prefer calm, warm weather and a quiet atmosphere, aim to arrive in the early afternoon and visit midweek to avoid the largest, potentially disruptive crowds.
Where Else to See Monarch Butterflies
Monarch butterflies congregate in sanctuaries across Michoacán and the State of Mexico and there are four publicly accessible reserves where you can see them. Among the most popular reserves are El Rosario and Sierra Chincua in Michoacán, while in the State of Mexico you can admire butterflies at Piedra Herrada and Cerro Pelón. Some multi-day tours make stops at some or all of the above.
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