6 Days / Starting From $2,995
Kingdom of the Monarchs
The Amazing Migration of 300 Million Butterflies
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 autumn, up to 300 million monarchs set flight on a remarkable 3,000-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 butterflies finds it anew each year is still an enigma. Join our small group to experience this moving phenomenon, enhanced by Mexico’s premier naturalist guides.
- Walk with our renowned Expedition Leaders to remote forest groves where millions of brilliant monarchs congregate for the winter
- Listen for the sound of butterfly wings as thousands take flight together in a swirl of orange
- Support conservation and traditional culture through eco-tourism in the village of Angangueo
Location of Adventure
Mexico
Mexico
Group Size Limit
Approximately 15 Travelers
A very important feature of this adventure is the limited group size, as nature expeditions are best experienced with a small group of travelers.
Included
Accommodations, meals from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 5, bottled water, soda and beer with meals, services of NHA Expedition Leaders, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 (and early arrival transfers if extra hotel night(s) are booked through NHA), horseback riding option at Chincua and Piedra Herrada, park entrance fees and all taxes (except Mexico’s departure and airport taxes).
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end points of trip, early arrival transfers if you book your own extra hotel night(s), meals on Day 6, alcoholic beverages (except beer with meals), some gratuities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, internet, etc.), airport and departure taxes and optional travel insurance.
Physical Requirements
Moderate / Flexible
Visiting the butterfly sanctuaries requires 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. Generally, trips later in the season tend to be less strenuous since the butterflies move down the mountain. Horses are available to ride in Chincua and in Piedra Herrada, but not in Rosario, often the steepest ascent. Due to the small stature of the horses local to the Mexican highlands, the maximum rider weight each horse can carry is 260 pounds. Travelers concerned with their physical capabilities should contact our office for further details on the exact physical requirements of this trip, and their personal physician for his/her opinion. Our Expedition Leaders are adept at handling groups with widely varied ability levels so that all travelers are accommodated.
Important Information
The monarch butterfly sanctuaries in central Mexico are a wonder no nature lover should miss, as watching the breathtaking flight of the monarch is an incredible experience. This trip can be more strenuous than most so please read the section entitled 'Physical Requirements' above.
Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive in time for the 7pm welcome dinner on Day 1. You are free to depart anytime on the final day. We can best serve you if Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk makes these reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 1-800-543-8917.
