In the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, these lepidopterans arrive each year from Canada and the northern United States. The reserve covers over 16,100 hectares and is located in the municipalities of Contepec, Senguío, Angangueo, Ocampo, Zitácuaro, and Áporo in Michoacán, and Temascaltepec, San Felipe del Progreso, Donato Guerra, and Villa de Allende in the State of Mexico.

To observe this beautiful spectacle, various sanctuaries can be visited.

In Michoacán:

El Rosario: Accessible by walking or horseback riding, surrounded by pine, cedar, and fir forests. The site features handicrafts, snacks, and restrooms.

Sierra Chincua: The path is lined with large trees filled with butterflies, offering scenic viewpoints where one can see ravines and streams.

In Estado de Mexico:

El Capulín Ejido Sanctuary: Located on Cerro Pelón, near Valle de Bravo. The area is forested, and horse rentals, snacks, and cabins are available.

Piedra Herrada Sanctuary: Requires traversing a forested path, located on the slopes of Nevado de Toluca.

La Mesa Sanctuary: Located on the border between Michoacán and the State of Mexico. There is a tourist stop with cabins, restaurants, bike paths, and viewpoints.