Mexico City Firefly Tour Review: Nanacamilpa Forest, Tlaxcala

Mexico City Firefly Tour Review: Nanacamilpa Forest, Tlaxcala

Mexico City Firefly Tour Review: Nanacamilpa Forest, Tlaxcala

Thinking about doing something unique? So, a trip to see the fireflies in Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala, near Mexico City, might just be it. Very, very year, sometime around June and August, these little bugs put on a crazy show, turning the forest into some sort of light spectacular. Basically, I went on one of these tours and will give you the real lowdown so you know if it is worth going to see it for yourself.

Mexico City Firefly Tour Review: Nanacamilpa Forest, Tlaxcala

What’s the Deal with Nanacamilpa and those Fireflies?

You know, Nanacamilpa is this little town a bit away from Mexico City, specifically in the state of Tlaxcala. It’s not just some town though, very year, and for a brief time, it becomes the stage for an event put on by the fireflies. I mean, literally millions of them. Apparently, they’re there to do their mating thing, and they use their light to attract partners. Basically, the males light up so the females will be interested. Honestly, it sounds very similar to a nightclub, now that I think about it!

Nanacamilpa Tlaxcala map

Getting There, or How Not to Get Lost

Now, getting there is like half the adventure. Actually, you can drive, and it is probably around a three to four-hour drive from Mexico City, depending, you know, on the traffic and what route you go. So, that trip might get kind of long. Yet, you can also hop on a tour, and that takes away the trouble of you having to drive yourself. That trip can be nice because very often the tour people know the very best routes and also stop at nice places where they have local cuisine. It’s almost a win-win!

driving to Nanacamilpa Forest

Picking a Tour—Do Your Homework

Okay, so choosing a tour to use, is that difficult? A little bit, arguably. Many different groups all give these tours, so doing your research is worth the time spent. Arguably, look for ones that take you to legit spots, as well as those that preach being good stewards of the environment. Still, don’t skip reading those reviews! Basically, seeing what others thought might point you to if that tour operator is any good, or whether they just stink at operating.

firefly tour operators Nanacamilpa Forest

What to Expect Once You’re There

Once there, expect…darkness. It is dark out there, so just so you know. You’re also going to see lots of trees, maybe a dirt path or two, and then? Bam! Lights! That night is super magical; is that just me? That shimmering effect from all those bugs is rather striking, is that the word? It makes everything in that spot seem like it just came straight out of a storybook. I mean, it’s extremely stunning to see!

fireflies Nanacamilpa Forest at night

Rules to Keep in Mind, That

Here’s the deal, because it is a super fragile area, there can be rules. Just listen to the people guiding you, or very soon the bugs will go away. That might mean staying on the paths, no flash pictures, and things like keeping noise levels at a minimum. This kind of behavior all protects their space and guarantees that other people may enjoy seeing it, very.

firefly tour rules

What to Bring, or What I Wish I Had

What must you pack for it? Well, layers should do, since mountain nights have this way of turning cold even if days might be warm. Moreover, bringing walking shoes and insect repellent makes sure you aren’t among the itchy, miserable people out on the trail. Just a bit, that could make the time you are experiencing just way more fun if your trip wasn’t miserable!

packing for firefly tour

Photo Ops—Yes or No?

Okay, so remember the camera bit earlier? Arguably, you should leave fancy stuff back home. Typically, the tours don’t allow using flashes, plus getting good pictures would be kind of difficult anyway because light is needed for that. That way, it might just be better to savor what is right in front of you rather than try to get Instagram material from this kind of excursion.

firefly photography tips

Making the Most of Your Trip to Tlaxcala

It turns out, Tlaxcala has neat things going on. You can also check out the old ruins in Cacaxtla or wander right through Tlaxcala city itself. Honestly, those stops may turn just seeing fireflies into experiencing something a bit broader in nature. Besides, maybe it is cool for you and some other people going with you to appreciate seeing the land instead of a bunch of sparkling bugs.

Tlaxcala tourism

Is It Worth Your Time? (Spoiler: Probably)

To see those fireflies at Nanacamilpa? I want to say it just might need to go on anyone’s list of lifetime sights. That sort of natural wonder melds something pretty amazing with dedicated conservation attempts, especially, right? So that may result in this whole memory which might hit home. In other words, if the opportunity opens? Take it, I’d say.

is firefly tour worth it

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