Since time immemorial, monarch butterflies have taken the long journey of 2500 miles from Canada and the northern U.S. to the Oyamel forest in Michoacan, a southwest state of Mexico. Here they create storybook scenes amongst the enormous fir trees, all two hundred and fifty million of these delicate creatures. The magical beauty of their group movements, highlighted by their shimmering color, will leave you gasping. Imagine the joy of all, from grandparent to grandchild, as they land on your family, coming to rest on your arms and head.
There are many options on how to see this natural wonder, from day trips out of Morelia, to a full week of touring the gorgeous Michoacan country side with its colonial villages and ambling rivers. These Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserves are located about 100 miles east, or a two-hour drive, of Morelia. There is a one-way bus from Morelia run by Autobus de Occidente at +52 4312 0600. You can also reach Zitacuaro, a good jumping point to these destinations, from Mexico City, which is a three-hour drive away.
El Capulín
From Morelia, the capital of the State of Michoacan, you can drive through the beautiful pine forests of Los Azufres National Park until you arrive at the Sanctuary where millions of butterflies will be awaiting you. Also, make sure to take time to visit the first Franciscan monastery in Mexico located right near by. Plus, a little to the south is El Salto de Enandio, a 160 meter waterfall that pours into a tropical garden setting, which is conveniently located near San Felipe, an archeological site complete with pyramids.
Sierra Chincua
Besides the adventures located nearby at El Capulín, Sierra Chincua also offers its own unique natural jewels. For the more daring, you can visit El Casique, a mountain offering one of the highest points in the area just outside Zitacuaro. Here you can rappel along the cliff face and view the countryside from truly matchless vistas. Also for the more athletically inclined is the chance to shoot the rapids on the River Balsas, which is in a desert-like climate making for nice stops for a quick dip in the river along the way.
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