Today, we headed to El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary, where 40% of the overwintering monarch population typically roosts. After arriving at El Rosario, we each mounted up on a caballo (horse) and headed up the mountain.

Although there was a hiking trail, we needed to ride horses because the Sanctuary is at nearly 11,000 ft. This is a huge increase in elevation from our hotel in Jungapeo, which is at 4,480 ft. As you increase in elevation, the amount of oxygen in the air decreases, and it is harder on the body to try and take in enough oxygen, thus the horses would help aid us in this journey. Our guides led us up a steep trail, sometimes at what seemed to be a 45 degree angle. To make the journey easier on the horses, we were instructed to lean forward and have our feet firmly placed in the stirrups.

After riding the horses, we hiked the final distance to the entrada (entrance) to the monarch roosting area. At first, we noticed a few monarchs gliding around. The temperatures warmed up, and the sun was shining, which made a perfect day to see the monarchs — when it warms up, they start fluttering around in search of some water or nectar. Hiking further up the mountain, we started encountering greater numbers of mariposas (butterflies). Large clumps of monarchs still roosted in the trees, while others eagerly glided about. We spent about two hours hiking and observing the magical sight of the mariposas.

On the way back down the trail, we encountered several unexpected sights. A highway of butterflies flew across the trail, over our heads; hundreds of butterflies all flying in the same direction. This got us curious: Where are they all going? What mechanism is making them move in the same direction? Further down the trail, we saw a flutter of monarchs on the ground. These monarch were at small rivulets of water running downhill. This was amazing to witness!

We concluded the night with a bonfire, where we were joined by some of the other guests at Agua Blanca. Mini taught us about about the music of Michoacán. She then taught the group how to dance Bachata, a dance from the Dominican Republic.