Kingdom of the Monarchs

The monarch butterfly migration to Mexico is at risk, with monarchs now listed as an endangered species. Local communities and WWF are protecting the forests where the butterflies overwinter. Now, we have the opportunity to help preserve monarch habitats here in the U.S.

Each winter, millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the fir forests of Mexico's Central Highlands—watch this visual preview to see what it's like to walk among them, take photos, and listen to the air hum with the vibration of their wings!

Find out how to take amazing pictures of the monarch butterfly migration in Mexico with nature photo expert Court Whelan. Get expert tips and techniques to enhance your photos of these butterflies!

Watch thousands of monarch butterflies gathering in and flying around Mexico's alpine fir forest.

Get ready to be dazzled by some of nature’s tiniest powerhouses! In this colorful presentation, biologist and Expedition Leader Melissa Silva shares her passion for hummingbirds, exploring their unique anatomy, flight abilities, ecological roles, and the challenges they face in the wild. Discover several species found in the mountains of Central Mexico, including some you may encounter on Nat Hab's Kingdom of the Monarchs adventure. You'll also learn how to support hummingbird conservation at home, including important tips for safe feeder use.

Grab your camera and get ready for one of nature’s most spellbinding spectacles: the monarch butterfly migration. Photo Expedition Leader Eric Ramirez shares expert advice on how to photograph these brilliant endangered creatures as they gather by the millions in Mexico’s Central Highlands each winter. Learn how to anticipate butterfly behavior and navigate shifting light in dense fir forests; get tips for composing images that blend wildlife, landscape and local culture; and find out what equipment Eric recommends.

What does it mean to truly connect with the natural world? Daniel Behn—an Expedition Leader on our Mexico Kingdom of the Monarchs adventure—explores the concept of ecospirituality, a practice of engaging with nature through observation, reflection and reverence. Drawing from practices like nature journaling and sketching, birding, mindfulness, yoga, reflective writing, poetry and even dance, Daniel shares accessible ways to engage with nature not just as observers, but as participants. You’ll leave inspired to deepen your relationship with the natural world.