At El Rosario, we were able to get very close to the colonies of monarchs.

Up close and personal with a monarch.

Photo op.

It was possible to get very close to huge groups of butterflies.

During the day, the butterflies flew out of the trees and congregated around water to get a drink.

More monarchs at a stream.

The locals still depend on the forest for firewood.

We rode mules up the mountain at Sierra Pelon.

The trail was very steep and narrow in some places.

Many children were working at the three sanctuaries we visited.

Getting ready to head up the mountain.

It was tough staying on a mule for an hour and a half.

Happy to be at the top.

This is one of our hosts at Alternare.  She came along with us to the sanctuaries.

The ride up Sierra Pelon was worth it.  In terms of the number of butterflies we saw, it was by far the best sanctuary we visited.

Monarchs on Oyamel fir branches.  They will only congregate on this species of tree.

By the time we got to the top of Sierra Pelon, it was midday and the monarchs were very active.

The butterflies flew down from the trees and started to cover much of the undergrowth.

Some fed when they could find nectar.

There were so many butterflies, you could hear their wings beating around you.

Some regulations are in place to help preserve the habitat of the sanctuaries.

Having breakfast at Alternare.  Our hosts were extremely gracious and treated us like part of the family.