kacollier

We are considering Mexico City for a few days to celebrate 50th b-days as well as seeing the butterfly migration in January. Has anyone been to this area and can provide more information? Is it worthwhile and is it safe to visit this area after the recent news reports of gang wars? Thank you.

glover

We went several years ago to the sanctuary at Chincua(?) and all really enjoyed it. We were there in early February. We had stayed several days in Morelia, which is a beautiful city with lots to do.
4 of us hired a driver and guide I found on Internet who was out of Morelia I believe. It's true there have been problems in state of Michoacan in the last couple years.

Besides checking here I would do as much research possible to find out current safety situation, numbers of butterflies arriving at various sanctuaries and timing - as all of these vary somewhat from year to year. The numbers were supposedly way down last year. But it's a relative term! Numbers were down in our year too, but for sure we had never seen so many butterflies in one place before - and you won't have either! I was surprised to see an article somewhere recently that hoped, based on observations on the migratory path, that this would be a good year. But generally of course the numbers are decreasing.

I know a couple who went last year, and they were somewhat concerned about safety. They ended up
Going with a high end , I think, group. They also had a wonderful trip. I may have a trip report here on fodors from that trip. I'll check

tangwah

I travelled alone to see the Monarchs in January this year, took the public bus from Mexico City to Angangueo where I stayed for 3 nights and visited two monarch reserves. It was magical. I felt very safe and was greeted by friendly waves. Being female, petite and asian made me stand out in the small village of Angangueo. I barely speak Spanish and had to sign often but managed to get around. After Angangueo I took the bus to Morelia which I really liked as well and stayed there another three nights before taking the bus back to Mexico City to catch my flight home. Ideally would have left from Morelia airport, but it was a scenic bus ride thankfully. Tripadvisor has some useful posts and tips.

tangwah

It was cold in the mornings, and I regretted not bringing my fleece jacket, but was glad I brought my hot water bottle as I stayed in an unheated room because of my budget.

tangwah

I went to the reserves on my own and was glad that I was not part of the tour groups as they left at 1230 pm for lunch and I was alone and the butterflies really warmed up and started flying towards and around me. Later that evening I met one group (high end) having drinks at the hotel lobby and a guy was mentioned he was disappointed and I told them they left too soon before the Monarchs became active. I would bring a packed lunch with you.