Walking Into Mexico's Firefly Forest

In Tlaxcala, Mexico, about two hours east of Mexico City, the forests of Nanacamilpa light up every summer with one of the largest firefly gatherings in the Americas. Tens of thousands of fireflies rise over the mountainside at dusk, turning whole slopes into a pulsing green sea. The Santuario de las Luciernagas runs guided night walks through the dark forest, with strict no light rules to protect the display. The season runs late June through August, peaking in mid July. Most visitors stay in Nanacamilpa town, a short drive from the sanctuary, or in cabins inside the forest itself. It also works as a night trip from Mexico City or Puebla.