Monarch Butterfly Photo Expedition

A very important feature of this adventure is the limited group size, as nature photography expeditions are best experienced with a small group of travelers. On this adventure, your Expedition Leader is not only a naturalist, but also an expert photographer adept at helping you capture outstanding images of the butterflies. Ask all the questions you want, and get expert advice for improving your photos when you need it. Fewer people also means quieter, closer photo encounters, as well as the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in a way that maximizes photo opportunities and helps you better understand and photograph the marvels of the monarch butterflies.

Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Photography Expedition Leader(s), all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, some alcoholic beverages, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Moderate / Difficult
Visiting the butterfly sanctuaries requires walking through the forest for approximately 3 to 4 miles round-trip, at altitudes that could reach up to 10,660 feet. Because the location of the butterflies within the sanctuaries changes throughout the season and from year to year, exact hiking distances on each departure can vary. At times, the terrain can be rough and rocky, and we may have to traverse uneven ground and step over or around sticks and branches. Uneven, steep inclines may require us to maintain balance as we watch the butterflies. The effects of altitude should not be underestimated. The physical exertion involved can be considered strenuous for people who are less active.

The entrance to El Rosario butterfly sanctuary can only be accessed via a 30-minute, open-bed truck ride over cobblestone roads, which can make for a somewhat bumpy ride and may be considered uncomfortable for travelers with back or neck issues. Once inside the sanctuaries, horses are available to ride uphill to reach the butterfly colonies, but not down. When riding the horses, we will be led by a local guide through trails that can, at times, be narrow and rugged, so riders must be alert and maintain balance. Travelers should expect to spend 30-45 minutes on horseback at a time. Due to the diminutive stature of the local horses, the maximum rider weight each horse can carry is 260 pounds.

It is important to note that even with the option to ride horses, there will still be some hiking involved while going up to the colonies, as the horses cannot travel the entire length of the trail. After dismounting, travelers will be required to walk a final 1/4 to 2 mile up a steep slope to reach the butterfly colonies. Depending on where the butterflies are located, this final slope can be less steep at times. Anyone who opts not to ride horses will have an approximately 3-mile uphill hike with roughly 1,000 ft. elevation gain. All travelers must hike downhill back to the sanctuary entrance, descending at least 600 steps over approximately 3 miles, with an elevation change of about 1,000 feet.

The monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico's Central Highlands are a marvel no nature lover should miss! Observing millions of monarchs clustering and moving together is a wondrous experience. This trip can be more strenuous than most, however, so please read carefully the section on Physical Requirements above.

Click here to see examples of the hiking and horseback riding activities you can expect on this trip.

Plan to arrive in Mexico City no later than 5:30 pm on Day 1 of the adventure, as there is a group welcome dinner and orientation at 7 pm. You are free to depart anytime on the final day. We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as our staff is intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.