Physical Requirements
At Nat Hab, we provide access to some of the most wondrous nature encounters the world has to offer. Many take place in destinations that are wild and remote, with varying physical demands and limited medical facilities. All trips may not be suitable for every traveler. In order to participate in this itinerary, travelers must comfortably and reliably be able to execute all physical requirements as noted below.
Level of Difficulty
- Moderate to Challenging
Trip Pace
4 locations in 6 days
Two long transfer days
Day 2: Four-hour bus ride from Mexico City to Angangueo
Day 5: Four-hour bus ride from Agua Blanca to Mexico City, with a stop in Toluca halfway through
Visiting the butterfly sanctuaries requires walking through the forest for approximately 3-4 miles round-trip at altitudes that could reach up to 11,000 feet
The terrain can be rough and rocky and uneven, steep inclines may require us to maintain balance as we watch the butterflies
The altitude combined with physical exertion involved can be considered strenuous for travelers unused to walking uneven terrain at elevation
Horses are taken partway up to the sanctuaries. Travelers may need to ascend another mile or so to reach butterflies and then descend the full distance of at least 2 miles to reach the base. Horses are not available for the descent
Travel by bus, horseback and pickup truck with bench seats
Access to one of the butterfly sanctuaries requires a 30-minute open-bed truck ride over bumpy cobblestone roads, which may be uncomfortable for travelers with back or neck issues.
Travelers must be able to ride a horse
Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers or canes
Travelers must be fully mobile and physically independent
Travelers must be able to walk 3-4 miles through a forest, and descend more than 600 steps at an altitude above 10,000 feet
Travelers must have good balance and be able to navigate uneven trails with inclines
Daytime temps range from 50–70°F
Overnight temps often drop into the 30s°F
Generally dry with little rainfall; mornings can be foggy
Hike to ~10,000+ feet to reach the butterfly colony
Below are example photos of walks and hikes from our Monarchs Photo Expedition.
