Monarch Butterfly Private Tour (Morelia)

We were two girlfriends (Americans) traveling together, and seeing the monarchs was the ultimate reason for our trip to Mexico, so we were willing to splurge a bit to see them. In reality, while the cost of this tour seemed like a splurge at the time of booking, when you take into account the distance from Morelia to the sanctuaries, it would have been very difficult to find a better deal that was both as convenient and as efficient as this tour was. We had read such fabulous reviews about Alfredo as a tour guide, and we were excited to meet him, but instead he brought in his partner Rubén to serve as our guide for the day. However, Rubén was amazing, and we had a wonderful time with him. He was friendly, funny, hospitable, and even helped me practice my Spanish a bit! He spoke English well (he lived on the south side of Chicago for many years!) and we were able to communicate easily (I have some Spanish, but my travel partner had less, so I was specifically looking for an English tour so that she would not miss out on any aspect of the experience). Alfredo and Rubén both communicated with me via WhatsApp before our tour so that we would know what to expect. We were picked up and dropped off directly at our hotel in Morelia, which was awesome and unexpected as the booking listed Burger King as the meeting point. Rubén was right on time for pick-up. The booking indicated that meals would not be included, but we stopped for breakfast about halfway through the drive in Maravatío. When my friend and I went to pay, Rubén informed us that breakfast was included. Another nice surprise! We had packed snacks, so we did not end up stopping for lunch, but I am confident that Rubén would have taken us somewhere for lunch if we had asked. He did a great job of offering at multiple points during the trip to stop for bathrooms or water. Notably, I am prone to motion sickness, and the drive was at times steep, windy, and absolutely full of speedbumps - but I never felt the least bit sick the whole drive - a testament to Rubén's smooth driving! The drive was between 3 and 4 hours each way. We visited El Rosario and not Sierra Chincua - Rubén told us that Sierra Chincua is more "rustic." When we arrived, Rubén left us in the capable hands of the guides that El Rosario provides to each group hiking or riding horses up the mountain. Our wonderful guide was Elvia, who has been serving as a guide at El Rosario for 22 years! Fair warning: If you are not used to altitude, the hike is strenuous and challenging! But it is relatively short (just over 1 mile to the top, then 1 mile down), and you can choose to ride a horse to the top if you don't wish to hike. The horses would have cost an additional 300 MXN/~17 USD, but admission to the sanctuary was included in the cost of the tour. After the tour, Rubén sent us some great photos he had taken of us and some recommendations for the rest of our brief stay in Morelia. We couldn't have asked for a better way to see the monarchs!

Great experience - Alfredo is a very knowledgeable guide and a local with decades of knowledge. We had an amazing time and Alfredo got us there safely and quickly. I would recommend this tour to anyone - with this, you are also supporting local businesses and Alfredo as well.

We had the most wonderful experience visiting El Rosario Monarch Sanctuary with Alfredo. He took us a day later than our original reservation since we had a travel delay, which we are so grateful for. He made a stop for breakfast on the way in a small town and then a lunch place in the mountains. It was great to meet people that he knows and also enjoy a taste of the real Mexican food and culture. He has so much knowledge and insight, and spoke English so well! We are so appreciative for the experience with him and seeing the Monarchs was a dream of ours. It was a dream come true! Thank you ever so much, Alfredo. If we return to Morelia we will definitely see you again!

We traveled a long distance to see the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary site (as far as the butterflies travel!). It was important to us, after such an investment, to have a quality private guide. Alfredo was perfect. He is top notch. He did an excellent job of communicating with us prior to the tour. His English is absolutely flawless, very easy to understand. His knowledge of the butterflies is extensive. He provided a comfortable vehicle for us and is a safe and careful driver. Alfredo is commited to providing a top notch experience. He selected restraurants that serve local and regional specialties. He will engage in any topic you wish to discuss and cheerfully answer all your questions. He is in tune with what his guests need every step of the way. He is patient and kind. I have hired many private guides over the years and feel Alfredo is among the best. He provides excellent value for the fee and you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The day was perfect. Keni was a great guide. He brought us to the santuario after a good breakfast where we saw so many butterflies. It was an unforgettable experience.

I can’t begin to express how life-changing this experience was! I have set up milkweed plants and different parts of my yard and have made sure so that my pups and cats stay away from these beautiful creatures when they are going through their metamorphosis. I learned so many new things not only about but about how the migration happens and how brave these little creatures are despite the odds. Definitely a line to cross off my bucket list and very, very happy I was able to come while I’m still

Seeing the Monarchs wake up and fly around when the sun hit the trees where they rested was a remarkable experience. Everyone was in awe, silently witnessing the flights - and taking great photos and videos, of course. Our guide, Kenny, was very good at navigating the way. It’s a strenuous trek up to 11,000 feet elevation but it is so worthwhile.

We did see butterflies, but driving there and back was 6 hours on very winding roads. Entire day was 10 hours which is more than we planned for. Also, our guide spoke little English which made conversation extremely difficult. However, he was very good with helping us see the butterflies.

Alfredo was a phenomenal guide. The communication with him was clear and consistent. The personal car ride was enjoyable. He is very knowledgable and a great conversationalist. We had originally booked Alfredo for 2 tours, but enjoyed our time with him so much, we booked a 3rd day with him. Without Alfredo we would not have experienced nearly as much in Michoacan.

We had the best time! I booked this tour for my birthday and can't think of a better way to have spent it. From the moment we were picked up to the moment we were dropped off, Alfredo was kind, helpful and so knowledgable about the area and the monarch butterflies/migration sharing facts and telling us stories. The whole day felt like a roadtrip with a good friend. Highly recommend anything he offers and would book this again in a heartbeat!

Alfredo was an amazing tour guide. He not only told us so much about the butterflies but he also told us of the cultural significance of the area. You’ll really feel welcomed on this tour and it’s honestly a once in a lifetime experience. It is a long day but it goes by super quickly. We were lucky and it was a bright sunny day which means the butterflies were super active. Since it’s a private tour you really can go at your own pace. Alfredo made sure we didn’t feel rushed and was very patient with us and made sure we were okay multiple times throughout the hike. I would absolutely recommend and book this tour again if you’re in Morelia

Alfredo was an incredible tour guide! He was super knowledgeable about the Monarch’s and the history of the reservation, as well as Morelia, the geography of the area, and Michoacán! My parents and I had a wonderful time! Highly recommend booking this tour!

This was such an amazing experience. Alfredo was so knowledgeable, and kind. He went above and beyond to make the trip to see the butterflies memorable. Everything went extremely smooth, given that he is an expert in what he does. He also accommodates breakfast and lunch with local restaurants, so you truly get an authentic experience. I 10/10 recommend Alfredo for anyone looking to experience the Monarch sanctuary!

Spectacular experience! Raymundo was so patient with the pacing for my young daughter. One of the most memorable experiences with the natural world I have ever had

I took the Monarch Butterfly tour with Alfredo yesterday. Alfredo is a very knowledgeable guide with a good mastery of English and shared many informative things about the biological aspects of the migration and the monarch butterfly species, in addition to wonderful insights of life in Morelica, Michoacan, and Mexico as a whole. He has curated a very lovely tour and is mindful of providing a full day experience, from the places he has chosen to eat, to the timing of the tour to maximize the potential of participants to see the best part of the migration. This is a wholly unique experience that is not replicated anywhere else in the world and it is a must see.

Alfredo did a great job. In the afternoon, he picked up my wife and I from a hotel in Mexico City, drove to overnight in Zitacuaro, and then next morning drove us to El Rosario Butterfly Reserve. The butterflies were amazing even though their numbers were less than I had imagined( their numbers are no where near their historical highs) The butterflies were concentrated in 17 big fir trees. We spent about an hour at the top watching the spectacular display. After a fantastic lunch( on site) at a restaurant recommended by Alfredo, we drove back to Mexico City. Alfredo was a very knowledgeable guide and a good driver. His insights on the butterflies and life in Mexico were very much appreciated. I can recommend Alfredo for your next trip.

Climbing El Rosario on horseback and on foot with Alfredo providing us with everything we needed and handling every detail and transaction. The excitement of getting closer to the clusters, and the cathartic release at the apex of the climb. The comradery of the people.

I am so happy I booked a tour with Alfredo while staying in Morelia for only one weekend. It was a highlight of my trip! The entire day with Alfredo was a great experience. I've learned so much about the monarchs and about Michoacan state. The visit to Rosario forest Sanctuary was nothing short of a Spiritual experience! Thank you, Alfredo, for making it possible!

Alfredo was an amazing tour guide and made the experience so great. He is very knowledgeable about the butterfly preserve but also about Morelia as a whole, and the entire day was enjoyable with him as our guide. We would 100% return and have Alfredo as our guide again. We highly recommend the experience.

A wonderful trip with a FABULOUS guide!! Alfredo took us to see Morelia, Patzcuro, and then up to the mountains to see the amazing butterflies! A WONDERFUL experience!

Alfredo is professional, organized, knowledgeable - and fun to be with! We not only went on a magical trip to see the Monarch butterflies with him, but we also went on a day trip with him from Morelia to the island of Janitzio and the town of Patzcuaro. In both cases we learned lots and had a much richer experience than if we had tried to do these excursions on our own. This included meeting local vendors and restaurant owners and trying different foods. Highly recommend!

Had a very pleasurable day with Alfredo visiting Monarch Reserve. He picked us up on time. Alfedo is warm, friendly,knowledgable, comfortable to be with. Fluent english speaker! First stop, a small family restaurant in a town an hour out from Morelia. I had fabulous Chiliquiles ans traditional mexican olla coffee. Then onto reserve. We lucked out with a great day for viewing. On the riad in we were greeted by thousands if Monarchs seemingly leading ou way in to El Rey Rosario. We took horses up the mountain to the colony's current location and walked back when we were done. Alfredo imparted tons of interesting and amazing info about monarchs migration, choice of home and trees, mating, journey north again . . . His knowledge elevated our experience immensely . We were able to hang at colony's location as long as we wanted to. He showed us how to make ""monkey ears" in order to amplify the sound of fluttering wings. On the way out therevwasvplenty of time to look at souvenirs and have a tasy blue corn quesadilla lunch. Good company and conversation on the way home. Comfortable ride in a Nissan sedan. Alfredo was a careful and confident driver. Highly recommended for a top quality tour!

My husband and I took the Monarch tour with Alfredo in January 2023. It was absolutey wonderful. Alfredo is so knowledgeable about the rich land of Michoacan, and loves to share it with visitors. Alfredo picked us up from our hotel in Morelia and drove us to the Monarch preserve, pointing out sights on the way. We were lucky, and had a perfect warm day on our tour at the El Rosaria Monarch preserve and saw millions of butterflies. It was pure magic. We ended our tour with a beautiful lunch in El Rosario. Our tour with Alfredo was an absolute highlight of our trip to Michoacan, and we would absolutely reccomend a tour with him!

We were so lucky we got Alfredo as a tour guide, and that we were able to have a private tour to the butterflies. Alfredo speaks very good English and is competitively priced, He was able to tell us a great deal about the countryside we passed through as we drove to the butterflies as well as give us great information on the butterflies, their life cycle and their habits once we reached the sanctuary. It was a memorable experience and one we would happily recommend

Alfredo, our tour guide was great. He was very will informed and was very accommodating. We highly recommend his services.

Great private tour with Alfredo who was a fantastic host and very knowledgeable about the area, wild life and butterflies. Great breakfast and lunch suggestions too! Highly recommend!

What a wonderful experience it was to see the Monarch butterflies flickering under the sun amongst the Michoacán pine trees in January! Our trip started in Morelia where Alfredo picked my friends and I to drive us to the Monarch butterflies sanctuary . Along the way Alfredo shared a lot of knowledge about the region, the landscape, as well as informing us about the butterflies and why they migrate to Mexico at this time of the year. We stopped for a very delicious typical Mexican breakfast midway. Once we got to the sanctuary we hiked through the forest and ascended to where the butterflies gather. It was the most magical experience! Out of a dream On the way back and before setting for the road back to Morelia we sat down for wonderful homecooked food made by the local community. We are so happy to have experienced this natural wonder, and so thankful to Alfredo who is the most knowledgeable and kind guide. We strongly recommend this tour !

This tour was unforgettable!! We started out with a beautiful drive winding our way through rural Michoacán. Great conversation along the way and Alfredo speaks wonderful English and knows so much about this wonderful place! The butterfly sanctuary was so peaceful and relaxing. As we made our way up through the big stand of Fir and Pine trees we saw more and more butterflies until we got to the end and there was more than one person could count. Truly an incredible sight seeing them all concentrated in one area. The swoosh noise they all collectively made was a special experience I will never forget! After we came down, we had a very authentic Mexican lunch and away we went! While driving Alfredo made so many more recommendations for other places to visit and travel to in this state!! Thank your for all your wonderful recommendations!! Next time I come back Alfredo will be my tour guide for sure!! Thank you for the wonderful day!!

My husband and I wanted to see the butterflies with a SMART guide! WOW!! We hit the jackpot!! Alfredo was everything and MORE! We arrived in Morelia (such a beautiful city), were met by Alfredo t the airport and our journey began. Once we dropped off our things at the hotel we had lunch together and began learning. The rest of the day was all about Morelia. Friday Alfredo picked us up and took us to Patzcuaro and surrounding areas to learn the history! FABULOUS!! Saturday we left bright and early and drove to the mountains and began our butterfly experience. Alfredo was educating us all along the way... and it was wonderful! We spent the night in Zitacuaro and on Sunday toured other towns before heading back to Morelia. Monday we met Alfredo for breakfast, headed for the airport and flew home. All in all... a FABULOUS trip with a FABULOUS guide! We look forward to many more trips with Alfredo!!

It is a fascinating experience in contact with nature. The reservation very well maintained and cared for. Monarch butterflies in their greatest glory and beauty in the second half of January. Once the tour is over an excellent lunch in the enabled places. Widely recommended and repeatable.

I asked them when I went to see monarch butterflies on a trip to Morelia. Email reply was quick and pickup arrived before time. The tour itself is short, but recommended if you are new to monarch butterflies. It's a private tour, so it's expensive. I think I can go on my own once I get used to it.