Location of Adventure
Mexico
Group Size Limit
Approximately 15 Travelers
A very important feature of this adventure is the limited group size, as butterfly encounters are best experienced in a quiet, intimate setting. Small groups also mean our environmental impact is light.
Specialized 4x4 Land Rovers and Land Cruisers
Our Private Leaders
Included
Accommodations, meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the final day, drinking water, soda and beer with meals, services of NHA Expedition Leaders, all airport transfers to and from the Camino Real Polanco Hotel, horseback riding at butterfly sanctuaries, most gratuities, all permits, entrance fees and taxes.
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end points of trip, early arrival or late departure airport transfers if extra hotel night(s) are booked at a hotel other than the Camino Real Polanco, alcoholic beverages (except beer with meals), some gratuities, passport fees, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, internet, etc.), optional travel insurance, required medical evacuation insurance and optional activities.
Physical Requirements
Moderate
Visiting the butterfly sanctuaries requires walking for approximately two miles at a time at altitudes up to 10,660 feet, on very steep inclines and sometimes over rough, rocky terrain, in some cases walking up and down over 600 steps to reach the butterflies. The physical exertion involved can be considered strenuous for people who are less active. Horses are available to ride for some portions of certain trails at the sanctuaries, though trails are narrow and rugged, and riders must be alert to maintaining balance. Due to the small stature of the horses that are 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, as well as their personal physician for an appraisal of their suitability for the demands of this itinerary.
Important Information About This Trip
The monarch butterfly sanctuaries in central Mexico are a wonder that no nature lover should miss! Observing the movements of the monarchs is a truly moving experience. This trip can be more strenuous than most, however, so please read carefully the section on 'Physical Requirements' above.
Mandatory Insurance
Since the areas we travel to are remote and wild (that's why we go there!), we require that all guests have medical evacuation insurance for this program. If you decline the medical evacuation insurance coverage offered by Natural Habitat Adventures (NHA), we require that you send us documentation of the independent coverage you have selected. We recommend that your chosen independent insurance plan includes at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage. Please note that we will add the cost of NHA's medical evacuation policy (currently $48 per person) to your tour invoice until you provide our office with proof of coverage including your insurance company's name, phone number and your individual policy number. Thank you for understanding that our policy exists exclusively in the interest of our guests' safety.
To protect your investment and to provide peace of mind while you travel, we also strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Plans may cover everything from medical treatment to trip cancellations and delays and lost luggage. Please contact our office if you would like more information about the medical evacuation and comprehensive travel insurance policies we offer by calling 800-543-8917.
Getting There & Getting Home
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 we are 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.