Firefly Sanctuary, Nature reserve in Nanacamilpa, Mexico

The Firefly Sanctuary is a 200-hectare forest reserve in Nanacamilpa de Mariano Arista, Tlaxcala, Mexico. It is the only reserve of its kind in Mexico and the Americas, and one of two in the world alongside North Island in New Zealand. Visitors watch fireflies at dusk from June through early August.

The sanctuary opened officially to the public in 2011. The following year, the Secretariat of Tourism and Economic Development (SETYDE) began promoting it with billboards in Mexico City, and it was presented at national fairs with support from SEMARNAT, SEFOA and state security agencies. In 2014 a basic services unit was built and the protected areas certified by SEMARNAT were reinforced.

The reserve is the only one of its kind in Mexico and the Americas, and one of just two in the world, alongside New Zealand's North Island sanctuary. Visits take place at dusk during the June-to-August season, when the fireflies' display lasts about 40 minutes.

The firefly viewing takes place at dusk and lasts about 40 minutes, from June through the first weeks of August. Bring a flashlight, a backpack, food and water, and wear sturdy footwear for the forest paths. A services unit in the area has bathrooms, shaded areas, small shops, parking and guided tours with authorized staff. Fishing and hunting are prohibited.

The reserve covers 200 hectares of forest in Nanacamilpa de Mariano Arista, Tlaxcala, and according to the sources it is the only one of its kind in Mexico and the Americas, with just one other in the world, on New Zealand's North Island. The firefly display lasts about 40 minutes at dusk.