Monarchfalter-Tour (Abfahrt von Morelia)

Rodrigo Rosales of Yei Tours has curated an excellent day trip to visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Meticulously planned for your enjoyment, it kicks off with an early 6:30am start for several good reasons: 1) You skip heavy traffic getting there, 2) Parking isn’t an issue once you arrive, 3) You avoid the crowds that arrive later in the day (e.g. schools make this excursion part of their curriculum), 4) The butterflies are just beginning to wake up with the warmth of the sun so you get to see tree branches drooping with the weight of 4-5K monarchs, and 5) You return before the hot mid-day sun at an altitude of 11K feet bakes you into the landscape. Having worn shoes fit for a hike, we were nonetheless very appreciative that he offered hiking poles as most of the 3.5 km dirt path to see the butterflies has uneven surfaces (stones, tree roots) and moderate changes in elevation. He supplied us with water, carried a first aid kit for our safety, and provided a box lunch afterwards (sandwich, juice, and cookies). Rodrigo expertly navigated the hairpin curves on the mountain roads; his vehicle is immaculate and comfortable. He takes care of all the transportation from toll booths to entrance fees, etc. Honestly, all you have to do is show up to experience of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders!!

I loved it all! The experience is really one of a kind and Rodrigo is the best guide ever! If you wanna see the monarchs during your stay in Morelia, this is the tour you should absolutely choose : - Rodrigo will pick you up early to make sure you’re the first one site to see the clusters. I saw that other visitors arrived too late to really see the clusters since the monarchs will disperse when the sun hits. - I could observe the clusters for an HOUR AND HALF! That’s so much more than the 20mn others visitors get. And the reason is you’ll be on site at 9am before everyone else show up. Sounds disturbs the monarchs, visitors are not allowed be too many (too loud) on the same spot + there’s not enough space anyways. - Spending so much time in total silence with the butterflies felt like a sacred experience and a privilege. - You will be escorted by the butterflies on your way back to the car. It means that you’ll get to experience both the quietness (on your way up and on site) + the liveliness of it all on your way back. - Rodrigo is the nicest, most helpful, passionate and knowledgeable guide. He even treats you with a lunch box to enjoy on your way back to your hotel. He was so nice to lend me his own binoculars and trekking pole. He really thinks about everything! He will provide you with fresh water from his cool bag. He also offered to keep the bottle of water I had on me in his cool bag for when we’d come back from the hike. I would definitely take his other tours next time I’m back in Morelia.

Did the butterfly tour with Rodrigo today and can't say enough on how amazing this tour was. It was not only the opportunity to be a of this amazing experience, but it extend to our tour guide, Rodrigo. He was so warm and weighing and welcoming. He put us at eaze the entire time. He is extremely knowledgeable in the butterflies and shared many insights about the butterflies and their habits. When we got to the viewing sight he has glad to answer and questions we had making the experience more meaningful. We left the sanctuary with a greater knowledge of these magnificent creatures. He's very intune with his clients needs to make then feel comfortable. He even played music from his play list that was familiar to our age. He is as professional as they get.