 
Kingdom of the Monarchs | Monarch Butterfly Migration
Observe 300 million butterflies! Witness the monarch butterfly migration in Mexico's Highlands.
Trip Overview
- 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 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 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.
Location of Adventure
Mexico
Group Size Limit: Approximately 15 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 (except on Day 6), services of NHA Expedition Leaders, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, horseback riding option at Chincua and Piedra Herrada, park entrance fees, all taxes (except Mexico’s departure and airport taxes).
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip, meals on Day 6, alcoholic beverages (except beer with meals), some gratuities, items of a personal nature phone calls, laundry, etc.), airport and departure taxes, 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. Horses are available to ride in Chincua and in Piedra Herrada, but not in Rosario, often the steepest ascent. Generally, trips later in the season tend to be less strenuous since the butterflies move down the mountain. 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 about This Trip
The monarch butterfly sanctuaries in central Mexico are a wonder no nature lover should miss. 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 7:00 pm 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 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
All U.S. citizens must carry a valid passport or passport card to enter Mexico. Birth certificates and other government-issued photo IDs are no longer accepted for entry.
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6 Days
2011 Dates
Jan 9 - 14
Jan 16 - 21 Jan 23 - 28
Jan 24 - 29
Jan 30 - Feb 4
Feb 6 - 11
Feb 7 - 12
Feb 13 - 18
Feb 20 - 25 Feb 21 - 26
Feb 27 - Mar 4
Feb 28 - Mar 5
Mar 6 - 11
Mar 7 - 12
2012 Dates Jan 8 - 13
Jan 15 - 20 Jan 22 - 27
Jan 23 - 28
Jan 29 - Feb 3
Feb 5 - 10
Feb 6 - 11
Feb 12 - 17
Feb 19 - 24 Feb 20 - 25
Feb 26 - Mar 2
Feb 27 - Mar 3
Mar 4 - 9
Mar 5 - 10
Note: Itineraries for trips visiting sanctuaries in March may vary depending on the movement of the butterflies. All trips will include three visits to sanctuaries; however, if the butterflies have departed from Piedra Herrada, we will visit El Rosario twice.
Custom Departures Customized independent departures can be arranged for this destination. Please contact us for more information and we'd be happy to assist you.
2011 Fees
$2,995
Single Supp.: $545
Deposit: $500
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are given in US Dollars. 2012 dates and fees may change slightly.
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