Butterfly viewing from Zihua

I checked the site index before posting my questions; most of the entries were several years old. I am looking for some basic current info on the following:
1. Any recommendations for a good guide from Morella who would provide transportation to the monarch reserve and back?
2. Any recommendations on a guide from Mexico City close to Benito Juarez Airport to the monarch reserve?
3. Is it practical to ride by bus 1st class Zihua to Morella and return to Zihua in 3 days -72 hours? Gracias

Regarding question #3 : we are booked on Parhikuni business class this Saturday at 8 AM arriving in Morelia in afternoon. Daylight travel was paramount so we settled for business vs premium which gets in latter after dark in a city we are only a little familiar with. Sunday we are going to see butterflies it is arranged through hotel so am not sure with whom. Monday we leave for San Miguel de Allende also by bus so the three day turn around sounds feasible

You could check with Jorge the concierge at hotel Casa Grande. He arranged a tour for us a couple of years ago - not sure but I think the tour guides name was Miguel. He spoke perfect English and was very knowledgable about the butterfly migration. Highly recommended.

In my opinion, you will need another day. The bus to Morelia is clean and comfortable, but it takes 7 to 8 hours. Day 1 would be devoted to bus travel, day two will also involve travel getting to the reserve, and day three would also be devoted to travel. Worse yet, it leaves no time to explore Morelia's historic central district which is worth a trip alone. Hope this info helps you decide.

The bus used to be 4.5 hrs

Have you checked out tourswithcarlos.com he is a knowledgeable, personable guide and he can drive you to Morelia and give you a tour along the way. Check out his website and his email is juanservitaxi@hotmail.com. You will not be disappointed and he takes excellent care of you. Tell him Grumpy said to make him busy.

The 8 AM bus is listed as arriving at 2:05 PM.

Thank you to all for your replies, very helpful

We had a great guide in Morelia for the trip to the refuge. He also took us to several of the towns around Patzcuaro and was able to have access to workshops and homes of several prominent artists. His English is excellent. His costs quite reasonable. If you haven't located someone, let me know and I will dig out contact information.

We did it, took the 8 am bus out of Z and other then the bus breaking down 1/2 hr out of Morelia we made it within 3/4 hr of our eta as another bus was coming up the road. It gave us time to tour around Centro and even take in a fire works show at 845 .

Some notes regarding day trip to see butterflies. It is a 9-10 hour day full turn around. (There are 65-70 topes/ speed bumps between the highway and the parking lot but you do get a peak at a number of small mountain towns) If you speak Spanish you there are more opportunities It is popular so very busy on a weekend. Some tours include food bust not access to park which was an extra 50 pesos. Hiking up starts at 10000 feet so if you can't do 40-60 minutes on a stair climber at that altitude spend the extra 100 pesos and take the horse up you will still have another 10 minute hike when you get off the horse to get to the best area. It is pretty spectacular to experience so do it at your own pace.

Although you might want to spend some extra time exploring this beautiful World Heritage city centro you can do the three day return to Z. We leave for San Miguell de Allende tomorrow by bus.

Nice report Joe, did you stay in Morelia?

Yes we stayed there for two nights in the old district. I wish we had more time it is such a beautiful city. We were there one time before and caught the international classic guitar festival. That was closer to Easter.