Witness Mexico’s Phenomenal Migration of Millions of Monarch Butterflies

monarch butterflies

Every year in autumn, one of the world’s most amazing natural events takes place in North America. Monarch butterflies numbering tens of million embark on a long “flight” of up to 3000 miles from Canada and the north eastern part U.S. to their ancestral wintering grounds located in the volcanic mountains of central Mexico. Before 1977, the location of their breeding grounds had remained mysterious. And even to date, just how an infant generation of these creatures find their way to those grounds afresh each year is still mind-boggling. They assemble in the oyamel fir trees the moment they arrive in Michoacan and Estado de Mexico,

In 2008, UNESCO recognized the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve as a World Heritage Site. This is a protected area covering over 200 square miles.

There are a few areas inside the reserve that are open to the public. Tourists visiting the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve get an opportunity to witness this moving phenomenon of nature. It is really an incredible experience being surrounded by thousands of fluttering butterflies, and seeing them covering the forest floor like a carpet and weighing down the tree branches.

When to Visit the Monarch Butterfly Reserves

 The Michoacan’s Monarch butterfly reserves are normally open every day from mid-November to March, from 9 am to 6 pm.  The Monarch population usually peaks in January and February, making them the most popular months to visit. However, if you plan to go during that time, you should avoid visiting during weekends because it can get crowded.

Every year, a one-week long cultural festival known as the Festival Cultural de la Mariposa Monarca occurs. This normally happens between the end of February and the beginning of March.

If you are planning to visit on a weekend or during the week of the festival, ensure that you make your hotel reservations in advance.  Since this is a very popular time to visit, hotels in Angangueo are likely to fill up.

At the US-Mexico Border

Remember Mexican Auto Insurance Is an Absolute Necessity on Mexican Roads

If you are planning for an expedition to Mexico, you need to understand that although the Mexican and United States traffic laws are very much alike, the differences lie in the way these laws are applied in the two countries. As such, those are the reasons for needing Mexican auto insurance. The basic difference between the two countries’ financial responsibility law is that in Mexico, anyone who gets involved in a car accident must have the means to respond to damages or injuries for which they may be responsible. This would be in the form of either cash or a Mexican auto insurance policy. You can purchase your Mexican auto insurance from this URL.

Though certain policies may cover your vehicle for physical damage, the challenge is that the Mexican authorities do not recognize any non-Mexican insurance policies as valid. Therefore, it is mandatory to have a Mexican auto insurance policy that covers you for your liability in Mexico. Ensure that you buy Mexican auto insurance before you hit the road in order to be on the right side of the Mexican traffic laws.