Fireflies Sanctuary with Private Transport (FROM JULY 1st to 31st)

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM JUNE-JULY

In the heart of the Mexican state of Tlaxcala lies one of the country’s most breathtaking natural phenomena: the Fireflies Sanctuary, located in the forests of Nanacamilpa, approximately 2.5 hours by road from Mexico City.

Every year, between June and August, thousands of fireflies light up the forest at dusk in a bioluminescent spectacle that transcends science and becomes a spiritual and cultural experience.

This sanctuary is not only a protected ecological area but also a place where nature becomes the protagonist of an ancient ritual. In the worldview of many Indigenous cultures, light symbolizes guidance, renewal, and life. Within this context, fireflies can be seen as small mystical beings that illuminate the path through darkness, as if nature itself were lighting its own sacred altar.

The phenomenon occurs during the fireflies’ mating season, when they emit flashes of light to attract partners. This natural dance of lights can only be witnessed under very specific conditions: humidity, total darkness, and silence. For this reason, the sanctuary has adopted a sustainable and respectful tourism model. Visits take place at night, in small groups, without flashlights or artificial light, creating an atmosphere of deep connection with the forest.

Transportation
Car, Minivan after 4 adults or Van after 5 people
Hotel Transfer
Pick up and Drop Off
Payment Method
PayPal or Bank Transfer
Guide
Local Guide + Bilingual host
Language
ENGLISH AND SPANISH
Tour Availability
Available from June to July 31st
Meals
Sweet Bread and Coffee
Walking Hours
1.5-2 hours
Free Cancellation
Before 48 hours
Best Season
JUNE-JULY

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

ABOUT IT

“Available exclusively from June to July 31st”

This is a private and personalized tour only for you and your love ones. The total duration is 8 hours and taking the transfers time. This tour includes private transport, pick up and drop off at your address in Mexico city, your bilingual driver, entrance to the Fireflies Sanctuary, local guide in sanctuary, Bread and Coffee, the walking in the forest is a groupal tour, 1 bottle of water and 1 little bag of snacks per person. After 4 people the vehicle is a new van with air conditioner.

You can personalize this tour.

Highlights

Tlaxcala has the most important natural fireflies sanctuaries in Mexico.
Millions of fireflies, mainly Photinus palaciosi, perform a mating ritual in which the males emit synchronized flashes to attract females.
Enjoy a spiritual and cultural experience while connecting with nature.
This natural phenomenon takes place every year: JUNE-JULY

PICK UP TIME :

AT YOUR ADDRESS IN MEXICO CITY

Your guide will contact you before pick up time. The pick up will be at your accommodation address. You pick up time is at 2:30 pm

TRANSFER TIME :

TO NANACAMILPA TLAXCALA

Usually it takes 2.5 hours from the central touristic areas in Mexico city.

ARRIVAL AT :

NANACAMILPA TLAXCALA FIREFLIES SANCTUARY

Here, according to availability We choose one of the best sanctuaries: Canto del Bosque, La Palangana or Rancho La Soledad. Te arrival is around 5 pm. The rule is before 6 pm to miss the booking.

The staff sabctuary is welcoming to all the guests.

While We wait the tour starting time (7 pm) You can explore the place, use the toilets or even buy and eat local food in the little restaurants in each sanctuary

TOUR TIME :

FIREFLIES TOUR IN THE FOREST

Around 7 pm the staff sanctuary start to organize all the people.

The night is coming and the walking to the forest start. The local guides will explain about the place, the sanctuary and of course, about the fireflies.

As it gets darker, fireflies and their natural light begin to appear among the trees and people. Remember that this is a natural phenomenon and depends a lot on the weather; if it's raining heavily, you probably won't see many, only a few.

At the end of the walking We return to the principal area in the sanctuary. You will emjoy and warm and delicious coffee+sweet bread.

You will receive all the recommendations after your booking.

DROP OFF AT :

ADDRESS ACCOMMODATION

The return to Mexico city begins. It can take 3 hours approx.

The drop off will be at your address or any other place in Mexico city. If the place is far away it can generates extra cost.

FAQs

Expand all

-Cant this tour be done year-round?

No. This tour is only available during a specific season of the year, but you can check out our other options that are available year round

-Is this a private tour?

The transport is private but the tour in the forest is a group tour. This is organized by the sanctuary.

-What type of vehicle?

At this moment We are a small growing agency. Our agency has 1 new vehicle 2025 + 3 new vans 2024. So when the tour is from 1-3 people the vehicle is a car (it can be our new vehicle or the vehicle of your guide). We use a van or minivan after 4 people.

-Is My guide the same driver?

The local guide is provided by the sanctuary. Our driver is our bilingual host who take the tour with you and translate for you

-Have the guides a certification?

Our team is made by local guides, lovers of our culture and destinations. They have a lot of experience in our tours: driving & the story. OF COURSE SOMETIMES WE WORK WITH CERTIFICATE GUIDES. WHEN THE CUSTOMER REQUEST FOR A CERTIFICATE GUIDE WE CAN DO IT (WITH EXTRA COST)

-CANCELLATION POLICY

Full refund cancellation + 48 hours according to pick up time
No refund cancellation – 48 hours according to pick up time
No show by customer = no refund
Bad weather or non fireflies = No refund
Full refund in case We cannot to do the tour according to no show guide, not available vehicles, the place is closed or any situation that We cannot to do the tour
The refund is by the same way You do the payment. Sometimes it can take some days

-Can I personalized this tour?

Of course! Contact us and We can personalized every detail and improve this tour you.