Mexico's Monarch Butterflies

Observe the amazing migration of 300 million butterflies in Mexico's Highlands!

Trip Overview

Walk among millions of brilliant monarch butterflies in the forests of Mexico’s highlands
Listen for the sound of butterfly wings as they take flight in a swirl of orange
Support conservation and traditional culture through ecotourism in Angangueo

One of the world’s most astounding natural events occurs each year in North America, featuring one of its most unlikely creatures, the delicate monarch butterfly. Every November, up to 300 million monarchs set flight on a remarkable 2,500-mile journey from the northeastern U.S. and Canada to their ancestral wintering grounds in the volcanic mountains of central Mexico. Until recently, the location of their breeding grounds remained a mystery. How an infant generation of monarch butterflies finds it anew each year is still an enigma. See their amazing migration and photograph the monarch butterfly in its natural habitat on this one of a kind Mexican expedition. Join our small group expedition to experience this moving phenomenon, enhanced by Mexico’s premier naturalist guides. It’s Mexico nature travel at its best.

Location of Adventure
Mexico

Group Size Limit: Approximately 14 Travelers
A very important feature of this Mexican natural habitat adventure is the limited group size as nature expeditions are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travelers. Watching the breathtaking flight of the monarch butterfly is a Mexico nature travel experience not to be missed.

Included
Accommodations, meals from dinner on Day 1 through dinner on Day 5, soda and beer with meals, bottled water, park entrance fees, horseback riding option at Chincua and Piedra Herrada, taxes and service charges except Mexico’s departure and airport taxes.

Not Included
Travel to and from Mexico City, alcoholic drinks (except for beer with meals), gratuities to Expedition Leader(s), airport and departure taxes, meals on Day 6, and travel insurance.

Physical Requirements
Moderate / Flexible
Visits to the monarch butterfly sanctuaries require walking about two miles at altitudes up to 10,660 feet, sometimes over rough terrain, and can be considered strenuous for people who are less active. Horses are available to ride in Chincua and in Piedra Herrada, but not in Rosario, often the steepest of the sanctuaries. Generally, the later trips in the season tend to be less strenuous since the butterflies move down the mountain. We suggest that travelers concerned with their physical capabilities contact our office for further details on the exact physical requirements of this trip, and their personal physician for his/her opinion.

Getting There & Getting Home
Plan to arrive in time for our 7:00pm orientation dinner at our hotel. You are free to depart anytime on final day. We can best serve you if Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk makes these reservations for you as they are intimately familiar with the special requirements of these programs and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please call us at 1-800-543-8917.

Proof of Citizenship

NOTE: BEGINNING JANUARY 8, 2007, ALL U.S. CITIZENS TRAVELING VIA AIR OR SEA WILL REQUIRE A VALID PASSPORT TO ENTER MEXICO. Please note that birth certificates and other government-issued photo I.D.’s will NO LONGER be accepted for entry.

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A luxury mobile tented safari to the famed Serengeti Plains. Observe the spectacle that is Tanzania's great migration!

Sea Turtle Watching in Mexico
A rare chance for a small group of travelers to view (and participate in) turtle releases on one of only four such turtle beaches in the world.

2009 Dates
Jan 11 - 16
Jan 18 - 23
Jan 19 - 24
Jan 25 - 30
Feb 1 - 6
Feb 2 - 7
Feb 8 - 13
Feb 15 - 20
Feb 22 - 27
Feb 23 - 28
Mar 1 - 6
Mar 2 - 7
Mar 8 - 13
Mar 9 - 14

2010 Dates

Jan 10 - 15

Jan 17 - 22

Jan 18 - 23

Jan 24 - 29

Jan 31 - Feb 5

Feb 1 - 6

Feb 7 - 12

Feb 14 - 19

Feb 21 - 26

Feb 22 - 27

Feb 28 - Mar 5

Mar 1 - 6

Mar 7 - 12

Mar 8 - 13

2009 Fees
$2,895
Single Supp.: $495
Deposit: $500

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Fees may increase for 2010.