La Luna Voyages: The Monarch Butterflies’ Journey To Michoacán

Scientists still don’t know exactly how the monarchs are able make their journey but recent studies have pointed to an internal compass that allows them to navigate based on the sun’s position. We know that they come for Michoacán’s lush forests because they provide temperate weather for the butterflies to breed as they wait out the colder temperatures up north. Or maybe they’re like us and have a nose for mezcal.

In Michoacán the most well known sanctuary is El Rosario in Angangueo, a couple hour bus ride from Morelia or Mexico City. The importance of these sanctuaries and the work done by local people to maintain them year-round is even more crucial as the effects of climate change, pesticides and deforestation pose threats to the species. Providing sanctuary for the monarchs also has wider effects for ecosystems by preserving other species like nectar plants and other animals that share the same habitats.