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Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

If you're looking for something to do in Mexico over the holidays, a fantastic sight would be the monarch butterfly migration to Michoacan. They should be there all winter, before heading back north.

http://www.surf-mexico.com/states/Michoacan/monarchs/monarch_article.htm

Apparently, the forrest is covered by a thick canopy of monarch butterflies. I've never been, but plan to go this season.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

I was thinking of going the day after our get together in DF. Do you think they'll still be around then? I thought they were all gone after the end of November...

MO39 · Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 8:43 pm Post subject:

I've been thinking of signing up for a tour, which is part of the INAH's Turismo Cultural program visits the butterflies in Michoacan on Sunday, December 18. I've gone on tours with this outfit before, and they've always been more than worth the cost (250 pesos) and the early departure time (usually around 8 a.m.). You can find more information at this website: www.inah.gob.mx. There's also an office at the Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park.

jseens · Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 21

Probably the most amazing thing I've ever seen. If you have the opportunity to go I definitely recommend it.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

My wife and I, along with a few teachers, are trying to organize an outing to see the monarchs on Saturday, Dec. 4th if anyone is interested. I'm going to check with INAH and the museum to see about a group tour, but if not, I think we're going to get a bus up there.

MO39 · Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2005 6:15 pm Post subject:

Yes, yes, yes. Please include me in your plans for a trip to see the butterflies this coming Saturday, the 3rd I believe, not the 4th.

MO

sickbag · Joined: 10 Jan 2005 Posts: 155 Location: Blighty

Thread resurrection.

Just wondered if anybody actually went in the end. I'm thinking of going this year. Apparently, the butterflies are around until Feb, so says LP. Does anybody have any idea?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

We didn't end up going, but it's always a good idea to make the trip out. As far as I know, it's good all through February.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

Man... I keep forgetting to check that out... HERE

http://www.pacificgrove.org/dirpages/butterflywatching.htm

Guess I'll have to see it in Mexico.

JTS · Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Posts: 9

Still well worth doing - I went mid-February last year and my guide said they stay around up to March.

business2300 · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 60

Guy, you do think heading there now, today is Jan 14, there will still be an abundance of Monarchs there?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Yeah, they are there...apparently, they arrive as early as late-October. Dec/Jan is probably the best time to see them, so I've read.

business2300 · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 60

Thanks

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

I was there just before Christmas and there were a lot of butterflies. It was absolutely gorgeous, and quite awe-inspiring. I'd definitely recommend it.

sickbag · Joined: 10 Jan 2005 Posts: 155 Location: Blighty

Just wondering where exactly people went as I gather there are 10 or more possible places to see them.

We're planning on going next weekend - driving from Puebla. Obviously, the less the driving the better and it seems that the closest site is San Francisco Oxtotilpan - not too far from from Toluca. Has anybody made it to this place? Or are they more spectacular further afield?

Thanks in advance.

Interestingly, the butterflies made it onto this list, published today:

http://travel.guardian.co.uk/article/2007/jan/28/wildlifeholidays.ethicalholidays.green#more-article