Best Time to Visit:<\/strong> Mid-January through February is the peak season, offering the most active, flying colonies.<\/p>\n What to Expect:<\/strong> High-altitude, guided tours are available, including options for hiking or horseback riding. The butterflies create a spectacular, dense, orange-and-black blanket on the trees.<\/p>\n Combined Experience:<\/strong> Trips often combine the sanctuary visits with exploring the nearby, culturally rich towns of Zit\u00e1cuaro, P\u00e1tzcuaro and Janitzio Island.<\/p>\n Cultural Significance:<\/strong> Local residents believe the butterflies are the souls of their ancestors returning for the Day of the Dead, a tradition closely tied to their arrival.<\/p>\n The sanctuaries are located in the mountains surrounding the valley, and many visitors stay in Zit\u00e1cuaro, P\u00e1tzcuaro or Morelia to access them.<\/p>\n This is really a two-day trip. The drive time from Cuernavaca is between 4 to 5.5 hours by car, and considerably longer by bus. It is best arrive at the location of your choice the day before and spend the night, arising early to view the butterflies. That way you can leave by noon and be back in Cuernavaca before dark.<\/p>\n The closest hotel to El Rosario is the Rancho Cumbre Monarca, which is a 2-star hotel priced at MXN$2,129 (US$123.84<\/span>) per night. There is a greater selection of hotels and restaurants in Zit\u00e1cuaro, which is 1 hour south of El Rosario. Many people spend the night in Zit\u00e1cuaro.<\/p>\n There are two routes from Cuernavaca. The shortest route has tolls, making it more expensive. The longer route that takes adds another hour or so to the trip, but has no tolls. Either way, you should not drive these routes during the nighttime.<\/p>\n
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