Firefly Sanctuary MX

Every year, between June and August, the forests of Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala, turn into a unique natural spectacle: thousands of fireflies light up the night with their bioluminescent dance. The Firefly Sanctuary has therefore become one of Mexico’s most magical ecotourism destinations. To enjoy the experience to the fullest, you must arrive well-prepared.

Below you will find everything you need to know before your visit: what to bring, how to dress, what to expect, the tour rules, and why this is the best place to admire these incredible insects in their natural habitat.

What to Expect at the Firefly Sanctuary

Visiting the Firefly Sanctuary is not just watching a visual show; it is immersing yourself in nature in a conscious, respectful, and magical way.

A protected ecosystem
The sanctuary sits in a temperate forest of ocote and pine. The area is protected because of its biological value as the home of several species, including Photinus fireflies—the stars of the show.
A guided walk at dusk
The experience begins around 6 p.m. and ends near 10 p.m. It includes a walk along forest trails with certified guides who explain firefly behavior and how to preserve ecosystem balance.
An unforgettable natural spectacle
From roughly 8 p.m., the forest darkness fills with hundreds—sometimes thousands—of intermittent lights. The sighting lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on weather and the day.

What to Bring to the Firefly Sanctuary

Proper preparation can be the difference between an unforgettable visit and an uncomfortable one.

🎒 1. Small backpack or waist pack
Avoid bulky items. The tour is on foot along natural trails, so a light pack is best.

🧥 2. Warm, waterproof clothing
Nanacamilpa is cool, especially at dusk, and firefly season coincides with the rainy season. Recommended:

Thermal hoodie or jacket
Light raincoat or poncho
Comfortable long pants
Thick socks

👟 3. Proper footwear
Wear comfortable, closed shoes with non-slip soles. Trails can be muddy, rocky, and inclined.

🔦 4. Red-light flashlight
White lights and flashes are forbidden because they disturb fireflies. Bring a flashlight with a red filter or cover the light with red cellophane tape.

💧 5. Bottled water
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the forest, but hydrate before starting the walk.

What Not to Bring

🚫 1. Food or drinks – Prevents litter and protects wildlife.
🚫 2. Drones, cameras with flash, or white-light flashlights – Invasive technology is strictly prohibited.
🚫 3. Speakers or music – Silence is vital; noise can disrupt firefly behavior.
🚫 4. Pets on the trail – Pets are not allowed on the walk. If you stay at the glamping site, they must remain in a carrier and on a leash.

General Recommendations Before Your Visit

📅 Book in advance – High demand on July weekends and early August. Reserve directly on the official Firefly Sanctuary site.

⏰ Arrive early – Be at the meeting point between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to register, enjoy the surroundings, and avoid setbacks.

👨‍👩‍👧 Travel in a group if possible – Some packages are cheaper and the shared experience is special.

🐾 If you bring pets…

Allowed only in lodging areas such as Glamping Octli.
Must stay in carrier or on leash.
Cannot enter the forest trail.

What to Expect During the Experience

🧭 Typical itinerary

5:30 p.m. Registration and welcome
6:30 p.m. Ecosystem briefing
7:30 p.m. Trail entry
8:00 p.m. Firefly sighting
10:00 p.m. Return to starting point

The sanctuary has adequate infrastructure: waiting areas, signage, restrooms, and parking.

Where to Stay

🏕️ Glamping Octli

Safari-style tents with private bathroom
Lunch, dinner, and breakfast included
Sanctuary admission
Private bonfires and extra experiences

🏨 Hotels in Huamantla

Boutique lodging with colonial charm
Packages with sanctuary entry and transport
Located in a Pueblo Mágico 1 h from the forest

🏰 Val’Quirico

European-style themed hotels
All-inclusive packages

🚌 Tour with transport from CDMX

Includes Huamantla city tour, sanctuary admission, and round-trip transport

Additional Activities

Many lodgings offer extra experiences before or after your sanctuary visit:

Corn workshop: learn the history of the tortilla
Pulque tasting: ancestral Mexican beverage
Guided hiking
Pre-Hispanic temazcal
Colored-carpet workshop
Hot-air balloon flight (San Miguel de Allende)

Tips for a Conscious Visit

✅ Be punctual – Trail access closes once the walk starts.
✅ Turn off your phone or switch to airplane mode – Avoid distractions and artificial light.
✅ Keep silent during the walk – Enjoy the forest sounds.
✅ Stay on the trail – Protects fireflies and their habitat.

Real Testimonials

“The experience was magical, and I loved the guide’s explanation of how fireflies live.” — Paulina, Mexico City“We loved staying at Glamping Octli. We slept among trees, dined under the stars, and saw hundreds of fireflies.” — Andrés & Sofía, Querétaro“We booked the tour from CDMX and everything was excellent. Super well organized.” — Marcela, CDMX

Where to Book

Reserve your tour, lodging, and full packages directly on the official Firefly Sanctuary site, where you’ll find available dates, prices, accommodation types, transport, and extra activities. You can also ask questions via WhatsApp with a specialist advisor.

Conclusion

Visiting the Firefly Sanctuary is more than a night walk: it is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, live an unforgettable experience, and learn about the importance of protecting our environment. Going prepared, respecting the rules, and choosing suitable lodging will make your visit comfortable, safe, and magical.

Pack warm clothing, a no-flash camera, and your sense of wonder—get ready for a spectacle only nature can offer.

Book now and prepare for a magical night!
Visit https://fireflysanctuary.mx/ to reserve your spot.

🌟 We await you in the heart of nature, where fireflies paint the forest night with light! 🌲✨

Recommendations for Visiting the Firefly Sanctuary: What to Bring and What to Expect