Kingdom of the Monarchs

• Walk among millions of brilliant monarchs 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 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.

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
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.

Secluded Tanzania

Off-the-beaten path exploration of Tanzania's greatest wildlife areas, guided by the best.

6 Days

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

2011 Dates

Jan 9 - 14

Jan 16 - 21

Jan 24 - 29

Jan 30 - Feb 4

Feb 6 - 11

Feb 7 - 12

Feb 13 - 18

Feb 20 - 25

Feb 27 - Mar 4

Feb 28 - Mar 5

Mar 6 - 11

Mar 7 - 12

Mar 13 - 18

Mar 14 - 19

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. 

Customized independent adventures can be arranged to this destination. Contact us for more information.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are given in US Dollars. 2011 dates and fees may change slightly.