How to Visit Mexico’s Firefly Sanctuary
Every summer, from mid-June to mid-August, thousands of fireflies light up in unison as they search for a mate in the forests of Nanacamilpa – just two and a half hours from Mexico City.
This natural phenomenon is a bit off the beaten track for your average tourist so it may be tricky to find all the information you need (and finding it in English is probably even harder).
Since we live in Mexico City, we visit the forest and firefly sanctuary every year and know this excursion like the back of our hand.
Through trial and error, we’ve found our favorite place to experience the fireflies – Piedra Canteada Firefly Sanctuary.
I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to visit the famous fireflies of Mexico and how to prepare for this off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Where are there fireflies in Mexico?
Like the famous monarch butterflies of Mexico, the fireflies that put on a spectacular nightly show are found in Central Mexico.
One of the best places to see them en masse is the forests surrounding Nanacamilpa in the state of Tlaxcala.
It’s about two and a half hours from Mexico City, but during rush hour or on a Friday afternoon, it could take at least an hour longer.

When is the best Time to See Fireflies?
Firefly season is relatively short and is from mid-June to mid-August, with July and the beginning of August being the best time to go.
The fireflies like the summer rains that cool off and dampen the forests, so it’s best to wait until July when the region has had a few steady weeks of rain.
If you can, hold out for a new moon in July or early August. The darker the night, the more spectacular the fireflies look as thousands of them blink in unison.
I also recommend going during the week. Not only is it a little cheaper, but the crowds on the weekend can get insane. You’ll also be more likely to book a cabin during the week as they usually sell out months in advance for the weekends.
Where is the best place to experience fireflies?
There are several places in Central Mexico where you can see fireflies in the summer, but there is a reason that I say Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala is the best.
Sure you could see a few fireflies in Mexico City’s Bosque de Chapultepec or in Valle de Bravo, but they don’t come close to the experience that you could have in Nanacamilpa.
The forest surrounding this town is a dedicated firefly sanctuary for a reason. It’s where you can experience thousands of fireflies lighting up the night.
There are plenty of tour options to choose from in Nanacamilpa or you could arrange a tour that will take you from Mexico City and back in one evening.
But the best way to experience the forest and the fireflies is through Piedra Canteada Firefly Sanctuary.

How to Get to Piedra Canteada Firefly Sanctuary
You will need a car to get to Piedra Canteada. It’s located in the middle of the firefly sanctuary so once you make it here, you won’t have to do any more driving until it’s time to go home.
While it’s in the forest and you have to drive a short way down dirt roads, we managed there in our tiny Suzuki Swift and our massive and heavy Sprinter campervan on different occasions and didn’t have any trouble.
Your average car should be able to make it with no problem so no need for 4X4.
Piedra Canteada Firefly Tour
The tour starts in the camping field just as the sun starts to set at around 8pm.
On the weekends there can be hundreds of visitors going on the tour, but once you break up into groups, it gets dark, and the crowd goes silent in anticipation, you would never know there were so many people to begin with.
Each group has about 25 people and is accompanied by a knowledgeable guide with answers to all your firefly questions.
The tour lasts about two hours, including the walk deep into the forest where the most fireflies can be seen.
At the peak of the spectacle, hundreds if not thousands of fireflies blink in unison. They glowed from the bottom of the hills to the very top, guiding your eyes up the mountain.
The walk itself is easy and mostly flat, but you will be walking in total darkness so if you aren’t sure-footed, this might not be the best excursion for you.
The guide will have a red-light headlamp that lights the way a little and is something you might want to consider bringing along too.
White-light flashlights like the one on your phone can’t be used as the light will disturb the fireflies.
Tour Price: $300MXN Sunday-Wednesday / $350MXN Thursday-Saturday
Duration: ~2 hours
Difficulty: Mostly flat walk but lack of light could make it difficult for some.

Piedra Canteada Accommodation
Piedra Canteada offers two options for staying the night in their forest reserve. You can either camp or stay in a cabin, the latter requiring a reservation several weeks in advance.
We’ve only ever camped in our tent or in our campervan as we usually don’t plan enough time ahead to rent a cabin. Also, I don’t think the cabins are worth the price or anything special, so I prefer to camp.
The camping is in an open field and it’s first-come first-serve.
There are a few picnic areas and firepits scattered about that you can share with your neighbors.
The camping toilets are rustic and usually don’t have toilet paper, so bring your own.
Last time we visited, there weren’t any showers so you’ll probably have to wait until you get back to Mexico City to shower.
The price of the cabin or camping is per person and includes the guided firefly tour, and coffee and a pastry after the tour.
Camping Plata(NO camping gear included): $600MXN Sunday-Wednesday / $700 Thursday-Saturday. Price is per person per night and includes tour.
Camping Oro (camping gear included): $950MXN Sunday-Wednesday / $1100 Thursday-Saturday. Price is per person per night and includes tour.
Cabin: $1,550MXN Sunday-Wednesday / $1,800MXN Thursday-Saturday. Price is per person per night and includes tour and breakfast.

Piedra Canteada Reservations
As soon as you know when you want to visit the firefly sanctuary, you should message Piedra Canteada on WhatsApp to make a reservation.
They require a 30% deposit which you can make at most ATMs in Mexico City.
They are open from June 20th-August 10th, 2024.
TIP: If you don’t speak much Spanish just send them a message with the following information:
•Name
•Email
•Date of visit
•Number of persons
•If you’re interested in a cabin, camping, or just a tour
•Additonal phone number
The remainder of the cost will have to be paid in cash once you arrive.
Where to Eat
Piedra Canteada has its own restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.
If you don’t want to bring your own food, I would recommend eating here for dinner as opposed to venturing out of the reserve after dark to find something to eat in town.
The food isn’t anything special but it’s a good chance to try typical Mexican dishes.
They only accept cash and you can expect to pay $100-200MXN per person.
Weather
Even though it will be summer when you see the fireflies, it will be chilly and damp in Nanacamilpa.
Things start to cool down even in Mexico City in July.
And when you consider that Nanacamilpa is 1,500ft higher than the already high-altitude Mexico City, it can get pretty cold!
Temperatures in the firefly forest are usually around 70ºF during the day and drop to around 45ºF at night in July and August.
This time of year is also rainy season so be prepared for constant on and off showers – and that’s a good thing!
The more rain, the better the odds you see lots of fireflies. Just make sure you bring shoes that can get muddy and a raincoat to keep you dry.
What to Bring
- Cash: Piedra Canteada only accepts cash
- Headlamp with red-light feature: White-light flashlights are forbidden on the trail
- Raincoat or poncho
- Boots or shoes that can get wet
- Hat
- Warm layers
- Camping gear
- Toilet paper: camping toilets usually are out of TP
- Snacks
Piedra Canteada Contact Info
WhatsApp: +52 222 324 7397
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City in July or August and are looking to experience the Mexican countryside, I can’t recommend the firefly sanctuary at Piedra Canteada enough.
If you’re looking for more off-the-beaten-path adventures in Mexico or if you’re instead visiting in the winter, you can’t top a trip to see the great monarch migration.