Dancing with the Monarchs

Most of us have given or received butterfly kisses—fluttering one's eyelashes on someone else’s bare skin so lightly that is just feels like the tickling caress of a butterfly’s wings. Well, here is your chance to experience real butterfly kisses.
 
If you happen to be in the state of Michoacan in central Mexico, between December and February you will have to opportunity to encounter millions of monarch butterflies. The monarchs migrate from eastern North America, some traveling from as far away as Canada, to make this epic journey. These delicate creatures instinctively locate their ancestral winter mating sites, something their ancestors have done for thousands of years. Because of their relatively short lifespan, each butterfly will only make the arduous trip to these Mexican mountains once in its lifetime.
 
Michoacan is one of the few places in the world where you can witness this incredible migration. The easternmost part of the state is an immense monarch butterfly reserve spanning nearly 100 square-miles. In 1986, the Mexican government declared the region a special biosphere reserve where thousands of butterflies cluster together in the early morning and nights, covering whole trees and branches. Several of the monarch butterfly sanctuaries are open to the public, including Sierra Chincua and El Campanario also known as El Rosario. The monarchs will personally greet you, gently resting on your arms and head. If you have the chance to go and see these magical creatures complete the circle of life, it really is an enchanting experience.