Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Overview

Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is a breathtaking natural wonder where millions of monarch butterflies congregate during their migration. The sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness one of nature's most remarkable phenomena.

Home to one of the most significant monarch butterfly colonies in the world, contributing to global biodiversity and ecological research.

Nature Reserve Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

Address

Los Saucos, Quintana Roo

Neighborhood: Mountain area

Coordinates

18.893100, -98.905900

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$150 MXN

Children

$50 MXN

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November-March

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Butterflies are most active, fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4 hours

Full Experience

Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

• New growth in the forest

summer

Hot and humid

• Lush vegetation

autumn

Cool and pleasant

• Arrival of monarch butterflies

winter

Cool, occasional frost

• Peak butterfly population

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book guided tours in advance
Bring ID
Check weather conditions

What to Bring

essential

ID Water bottle Hiking shoes Guided tour ticket

seasonal

Rain jacket Sun hat

not allowed

Food Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate, some hiking involved

• Altitude may affect some visitors
• Stay on marked paths

Medical facilities: Basic first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

Mexican Peso

Typical Costs

entry $150 MXN

guided tour $500 MXN

parking $50 MXN

food $100-200 MXN

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, Layered clothing, hiking shoes, Sturdy hiking shoes recommended, Inappropriate clothing for nature

Booking Tips

• At least 1 week
• Official sanctuary website
• 48 hours in advance
• Available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Tour booking, Educational content

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport (MLM)

Distance: 150 km

Travel Time: 2.5 hours

Rental car

Varies 2.5 hours

Shuttle service

$500 MXN 3 hours

From City Center

Distance: 120 km

Bus

$200 MXN 2.5 hours

Private taxi

$1500 MXN 2 hours

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique natural phenomenon, educational value

Historical Significance: Ancient migration routes, ecological importance

Insider Tips

Early morning guided tours have fewer participants
Best butterfly viewing is just after sunrise

Local Recommendations

• Visit nearby local markets
• Try traditional Mexican hot chocolate

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola

thank_you Gracias

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?

beautiful Hermoso

ticket Boleto

Guide Languages: Spanish, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Butterfly Cluster Viewpoint

Best Time: Late morning

Tips: Wide angle to capture clusters

Result: Stunning butterfly shots

#MonarchButterflies #NatureLovers

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas None, but respect wildlife

flash photography Not allowed around butterflies

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without special permit

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed but use discretion

Nearby Attractions

Cerro Chincua

Distance: 5km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Butterfly Sanctuary

San Jose del Rincón

Distance: 20km

Walking: Not walkable

Type: Town

Nevado de Toluca National Park

Distance: 50km