Monarch Butterflies

Choose from one of our two tour options (see itineraries at bottom of page) to see one of nature’s most fascinating phenomenons: a spectacular display of millions of monarch butterflies at their overwintering sites in Mexico. From November to March each year, the monarchs inhabit the forests of Michoacan and the state of Mexico, having travelled up to 3,000 miles to escape the cold that hits their summer breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States.

Morelia & Monarchs

The state of Michoacán, meaning ‘land of the fishermen’ in the Purépecha language, has diverse and spectacular geography and abundant flora and fauna. Morelia, the capital of the region, was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991. This 5-day bus tour takes you to the historical centre of the city of Morelia, where you will be pleasantly surprised by the colonial buildings, aqueduct and museums that make Morelia one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico.

From Morelia we head to El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary to see the monarchs in all their glory.

This tour also includes the ‘Pueblo Mágico’ (‘Magic town’) of Pátzcuaro, as well as the copper mining town of Santa Clara del Cobre, the archaeological site of Tzintzuntzan with its privileged views over Lake Pátzcuaro, and an overnight stop in Chapala to enoy the Chapala/Ajijic area.

Valle de Bravo & Monarchs

For those who don’t like a long bus ride – we now have the perfect opportunity for you to visit the monarch butterflies on this 6-day tour out of Mexico City – also available for private groups on the dates of your choice (December to March), subject to availability. Please note, this tour requires good physical condition for the walk to see the monarch butterflies.

This tour includes flights from Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, or Guadalajara to Mexico City, and just a 3-hour transfer to the quaint Magic Town of Valle de Bravo. On this small group tour (maximum 15 people) we enjoy a day at the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Reserve, a day in the Magic Town itself, which is nestled into the hillsides on the edge of a stunning artificial lake, and time for some pampering in a beautiful spa-hotel!

From Valle de Bravo we then transfer back to Mexico City via the Magic town of Metepec, home to some of Mexico’s well known ceramic artisans, and the spectacular stain glass mural display and botanical gardens in Toluca, the Cosmovitral. From Mexico City we take a day trip to the picturesque Magic Town of Tepotzotlán and learn all about the Maguey plant and its uses in Mexico’s past and present, such as in the production of Pulque (a traditional drink), and Barbacoa (stewed meat).

DATES & PRICES

DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

Medium to high* – generally easy going tour, city tours not demanding, but walk to monarch butterflies much more demanding (on both tour options, but more difficult at Valle de Bravo). Horses are available at monarch butterfly sanctuaries, making it a little easier, but still some walking involved at altitude to get to exact location of butterflies. On foot the walk takes approximately one hour uphill to an altitude of approximately 3,250 meters/10,600 feet at a very slow pace (everyone walks at their own pace).

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Sun screen, hat, long sleeves/jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes.

CLIMATE:

Warm during day time, cooler in evenings.

*Please note that each of our tours is tailored to the needs of the over 50s and our difficulty levels are simply comparative to our other tours. If you are in doubt as to whether or not this tour is suitable for you, please contact us for more information.

ITINERARIES: