Mexico Opens the 2025–2026 Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Season in Michoacán

Mexico officially opened the 2025–2026 season of the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries in Michoacán, marking the beginning of one of the world’s most spectacular migrations and boosting tourism and community activity in the region.

Minister of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora led the ceremony at the Sierra Chincua Sanctuary, accompanied by Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, and emphasized that the opening of the sanctuaries is part of the Michoacán Plan for Peace and Justice, promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.

“This strategy strengthens tourism in Michoacán, supports the social development of its communities, and protects the natural treasures that set us apart in the eyes of the world,” she said.

The Minister explained that, as part of the federal government plan, 300 million pesos (US$16.23 million) will be invested in basic tourism infrastructure across the state’s seven regions, in addition to launching the permanent #MichoacánSeVive campaign, promoting the International Festival of World Heritage Cities, and presenting a new Community Tourism Experiences Guide.

During her meeting with the local tourism sector, Rodríguez Zamora emphasized that responsible tourism in the region strengthens conservation of the Oyamel forest —the monarch’s winter habitat— and promotes training for service providers.

Communal land authorities and environmental officials agreed on the importance of maintaining balance between conservation and economic development.

The Sierra Chincua Sanctuary, located in Angangueo, is part of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, which spans more than 56,000 hectares across Michoacán and the State of Mexico.

Every winter, millions of butterflies from Canada and the United States arrive at this site to hibernate. “Visiting the sanctuaries is a unique encounter with nature and helps us understand the responsibility we have in preserving it,” Rodríguez Zamora said.

The tour included hiking up to the Paraje Monera Alta, environmental walks, interagency meetings, and an encounter with service providers at the Sierra Chincua Tourist Center.

The head of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) also visited community routes that promote traditional cuisine, local art, and conservation projects.

Michoacán’s Director of Tourism, Roberto Monroy García, hailed the joint work between authorities and communities, noting that “Michoacán proudly welcomes the monarch butterfly and all visitors; this natural phenomenon is a source of pride for the state and the country.”

Rodríguez Zamora reiterated that Sectur will continue working with communities and local governments to consolidate a sustainable tourism model.

“The monarch butterfly is one of the most powerful symbols of Mexico’s natural wealth, and its conservation is also an opportunity to drive local economies,” she stressed.