Each year, as winter gives way to spring, monarch butterflies leave the safety of their wintering grounds in central Mexico and migrate north. This means that places like the El Rosario butterfly sanctuary in Mexico are perfect for marveling at the ten of millions of monarch butterflies surrounding you. But the history behind the scientific discoveries and the significance to the local culture are just as fascinating as the butterflies themselves.

Check out the companion video from Joe Hanson from It’s Okay to Be Smart to learn more about these monarch butterflies!    • Unraveling the Great Butterfly Migrat...  

Joe also filmed a VR180 video about the butterflies! Click here to watch that—and remember to look up!    • Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Migration ...  

We got to see these monarch butterflies in February 2019, and we were so excited about it, we’ll be going back in 2020! Keep an eye out for 2020 lineup announcements, or sign up for our Trips newsletter and be the first to know. https://www.atlasobscura.com/unusual-...

Watch our latest video on the hidden megaphones in Estonia's forest here:    • Why Are There Megaphones in This Esto...  

CREDITS:
Director
David Schulte

Writer:
Joe Hanson, Ph.D.

Producer:
Amanda Fox

Director of Photography
Greg Daniels

Additional Footage:
Phil Torres—The Jungle Diaries

Executive Producers
Doug Baldinger
Chris Naka

Editor
Lydia Cornett

Audio Mix
Andrew Schneider @ Acre NY

At Atlas Obscura, our mission is to inspire wonder and curiosity about the incredible world we all share. See where we’re exploring here: https://www.atlasobscura.com

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