Senguio Travel Guide

Tourist 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).

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La villafranca del Cid

La villafranca del Cid

3 out of 5
Domicilio conocido mesa de cedano Zitácuaro MICH
The price is NZ$63 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$63
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this villa in Zitácuaro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Station House and Independence Hill are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
The price was great, the property was beautiful, the staff were friendly and helpful. The room was nice and had everything we needed, but was a bit cold in the evenings and we had to ask for extra blankets.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

La villafranca del Cid
Hotel Ex Hacienda el Molino

Hotel Ex Hacienda el Molino

3.5 out of 5
Carretera Ciudad Hidalgo-Tuxpan S/N Ciudad Hidalgo MICH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$90 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
NZ$90
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ciudad Hidalgo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Tziranda Grotto and El Relicario ...
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 21 Jan 2026

Hotel Ex Hacienda el Molino
Villa Clauss

Villa Clauss

3 out of 5
19 Dolores Centro Tlalpujahua MICH
Stay at this hotel in Tlalpujahua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions López Rayon Brothers Museum and Sanctuary of ...
Villa Clauss
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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Station House and Independence Hill are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
The price was great, the property was beautiful, the staff were friendly and helpful. The room was nice and had everything we needed, but was a bit cold in the evenings and we had to ask for extra blankets.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

La villafranca del Cid
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 ...
Cabañas Esperanza
MR Hotel

MR Hotel

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

Reviewed on 12 Mar 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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