Article Menu
Find an Adventure
An Insider's View

Related Resources
Mexico Resources
GORPtravel

online favorites
Summer's Top Parks
Summer Mountain Festivals
Beach Travel Blog
Parks and Outdoors Guide
2008 Summer Buyer's Guide
from Outside Online
DESTINATIONS
Destination Mexico
See the Monarch Butterflies
By Ron Mader


Visit Mexico
Whales aren't the only creatures who head south for the winter. Mexico's most famous protected winter residents are a bit more, uh, delicate. The sanctuaries that protect the winter home of the monarch butterfly are the most famous in Mexico. This species checks out of its Canadian and American homes to take up residence in only a few areas of Central Mexico each winter. The most visited sanctuary is El Rosario, and the best place to base yourself is the town of Angangueo, an old mining town.


How many of these gold-and-black beauties can you see? Let's just say that when the butterflies cling to the branches of the oyamel tree, those branches have been known to break off under the weight (!). Getting there requires an easy two- to three-hour hike, though it's not strenuous. And to fully appreciate these beauts, hire a local guide inside the sanctuary.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Easy
When to go: December-March



Select a Mexico Adventure




Return to * Top


Book an Active Vacation
star Mexico Getaways
Look to GORPtravel to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure.

Best Mexico Adventures
bulletExplore Baja
bulletYucatan Peninsula
bulletPaddling Trips

RELATED GORP LINKS
* Mexico Features
* Latin America Resources
* Mexico's Parks

Related North America Trips

Road Trip Guides

National Park Guides

Hiking Guides

Today's Gear Guy

Gear Guides
[from Outside magazine]