Valle de Bravo, Mexico: visit the Mariposas/Monarcas

25 kms east of Valle de Bravo is the Monarcas' sanctuary. These orange butterflies are coming from Canada every year, to flee the nordic cold weather and enjoy the Mexican sun. Every year, though they've never been in Mexico (it was the generation before) they land next to Valle de Bravo, always at the same place, and always at the same time of year.


To get to see them, take a cab from Valle de Bravo. It should cost you between 50 and 70 pesos ($MX) (less if you are very good at negotiating). From Valle, you will see 4x4 and horses with people on the side of the road in a couple of switchbacks on the side of the highway. These guys are guides from the black market.

If you want to get to the legal guides, keep going with your cab, you will see big log houses on th left side of the road. At that place, it should be 110$MX or a guide, and if you are lazy you can pay for a horse, which is another 110$MX.

The black market guides are asking for more, most of the time 150$MX for each, so don't forget to negotiate!!

The trip is worth it !! You will see butterflies everywhere. The trunks are full of butterflies, and the branches are bending down with their weight. This is amazing! At noon, 1pm, when the sun is high and the air is hot, they will all be flying around. It's the best time to see them. The noise is unbelievable!