Senguio

Travel Guide

Up to 1 billion monarchs winter in the mountainous pine-oak forests of central Mexico after completing one of the most spectacular migrations on Earth.

From November to March they hibernate here, waking only long enough each day to sip water and gather pollen. As the weather warms they fatten up and mate. The males die quickly, but the pregnant females head north to Texas in search of a milkweed plant on which to lay their eggs.

Four days later each egg hatches into a tiny caterpillar that feeds non-stop for two weeks before molting into a small cocoon-like chrysalis. Hormonal changes lead to the "birth" of the next generation of monarch, which continues the northward migration. Over the course of the spring and summer three successive generations of butterflies repeat this cycle on their northward trek. By the time the fourth generation emerges it is once again time to head south - a journey last undertaken by this generation's great-great-grandparents.

The El Rosario sanctuary is open to visits, but it's a long drive from Zitacuaro and you need to get here early in the day to catch the monarchs when they are active. It also requires some steep hikes at elevations great than 10,000ft (3,000m).
Up to 1 billion monarchs winter in the mountainous pine-oak forests of central Mexico after completing one of the most spectacular migrations on Earth.

From November to March they hibernate here, waking only long enough each day to sip water and gather pollen. As the weather warms they fatten up and mate. The males die quickly, but the pregnant females head north to Texas in search of a milkweed plant on which to lay their eggs.

Four days later each egg hatches into a tiny caterpillar that feeds non-stop for two weeks before molting into a small cocoon-like chrysalis. Hormonal changes lead to the "birth" of the next generation of monarch, which continues the northward migration. Over the course of the spring and summer three successive generations of butterflies repeat this cycle on their northward trek. By the time the fourth generation emerges it is once again time to head south - a journey last undertaken by this generation's great-great-grandparents.

The El Rosario sanctuary is open to visits, but it's a long drive from Zitacuaro and you need to get here early in the day to catch the monarchs when they are active. It also requires some steep hikes at elevations great than 10,000ft (3,000m).
Villa Clauss

Villa Clauss

3 out of 5
19 Dolores Centro Tlalpujahua MICH
$66 nightly
The price is $78 total per night from Feb 12 to Feb 13
$78 total
Feb 12 - Feb 13
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Tlalpujahua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions López Rayon Brothers Museum and Sanctuary of ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (131 reviews)
Outside of the hotel says Hotel Huerta so it was confusing where is located. People at the hotel very busy, they do not gave good instructions about where is the looby and parking lot. Rooms are really cold, heater is not working properly or not enough to heat the room.

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025

Villa Clauss
Hotel Ex Hacienda el Molino

Hotel Ex Hacienda el Molino

3.5 out of 5
Carretera Ciudad Hidalgo-Tuxpan S/N Ciudad Hidalgo MICH
$42 nightly
The price is $50 total per night from Feb 13 to Feb 14
$50 total
Feb 13 - Feb 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ciudad Hidalgo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Tziranda Grotto and El ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (113 reviews)
The property was charming, the room was great. The buffet at the place next door included with you room was fantastic. Different both days we were there. Close to a lot of things to do including the Butterfly sanctuary. The staff are so nice. Enjoyed our stay very much.

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

Hotel Ex Hacienda el Molino
Cabañas Esperanza

Cabañas Esperanza

3 out of 5
Avenida Trigueros s/n Tlalpujahua MICH
$46 nightly
The price is $55 total per night from Feb 12 to Feb 13
$55 total
Feb 12 - Feb 13
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this cabin in Tlalpujahua. Enjoy daily housekeeping, a garden, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions López Rayon Brothers Museum and Sanctuary of ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (113 reviews)
Está bonito y tiene chimenea

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2024

Cabañas Esperanza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cabañas Esperanza

Cabañas Esperanza

3 out of 5
Avenida Trigueros s/n Tlalpujahua MICH
Stay at this cabin in Tlalpujahua. Enjoy daily housekeeping, a garden, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions López Rayon Brothers Museum and Sanctuary of ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (113 reviews)
Está bonito y tiene chimenea

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2024

Cabañas Esperanza
La villafranca del Cid

La villafranca del Cid

3 out of 5
Domicilio conocido mesa de cedano Zitácuaro MICH
Stay at this villa in Zitácuaro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Station House and Independence Hill are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Una finca muy linda.segura y limpia. El servicio excelente

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

La villafranca del Cid
MR Hotel

MR Hotel

2 out of 5
42 Av. Lázaro Cárdenas Ciudad Hidalgo MICH
Stay at this aparthotel in Ciudad Hidalgo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions The Sulfurs and Bicentennial Plaza are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Súper bien

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

MR Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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