Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Butterfly sanctuary and mountain peak in Michoacán and State of Mexico, Mexico
The reserve spans 56,000 hectares across the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, containing dense fir forests where millions of monarch butterflies gather during winter months.
The area gained official protection status in 1980 as a wildlife refuge, advancing to UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2008 for its ecological importance.
Indigenous Otomi and Mazahua communities maintain traditional land management practices that support both agricultural needs and forest conservation within the reserve.
Three sanctuaries in Michoacán and three in the State of Mexico welcome visitors from October to March with guided tours priced at 5 dollars for adults.
Monarch butterflies travel up to 2,800 miles from Canada and the United States to cluster on specific tree branches within only a fraction of the reserve.
Location: Michoacán
Location: State of Mexico
Inception: November 10, 2000
GPS coordinates: 19.38823,-100.26882
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:29
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