Know Before You Go

Every fall, millions of monarchs travel from Canada and the United States to overwinter in the mountains of Central Mexico at reserves along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Nat Hab visits the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where dramatic numbers of fluttering butterflies blanket the oyamel fir trees.

The monarch population is at its peak from January through March, with March being slightly warmer as the summer season approaches.

In Mexico’s Central Highlands, the weather from January through March is cool and dry, with average temperatures in the mid 50s. Days are typically sunny in the mountains, but there can be some windy conditions, and nights occasionally drop below 30°F. Mexico City will be warmer this time of year because it’s at a lower altitude than the Central Highlands.

Rain is always possible, so bring a lightweight, waterproof rain jacket. Layers will be important in the mountainous areas, where you’ll need a fleece jacket, hat and gloves, warm sleepwear, a thermal underlayer and long pants. Hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes are also necessary for walking excursions. For further details of what to bring, peruse this helpful packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.

Photo expeditions are adventures for those with a special interest in photography. These trips are led by Expedition Leaders who are also professional nature photographers, so guests at all levels of experience are able to receive personalized guidance.

In Mexico, we’ll stay at a combination of contemporary and historic hotels that offer ample space, comfort and convenience. Our hotel locations range from the heart of bustling Mexico City to small, rustic mountain villages and historic mining towns.

Mexico’s delicious regional food is vastly different than any basic “Mexican” meals you’ve had in America, and dishes will be authentic representations of the areas we visit. Mexican cuisine is diverse and always bold in flavor. Special dietary needs can generally be accommodated if given advanced notice.

While there have been safety concerns in some parts of Michoacan, the areas we travel to have not been affected. We continually monitor the destinations we visit in order to ensure the safety of our travelers, which is paramount on all our trips.

The national currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Click here to see the most up-to-date exchange rate for USD to MXN. U.S. dollar bills are accepted in many places throughout Mexico, but smaller villages and other remote areas may not be able to take U.S. currency. It is highly recommended you exchange money at your home airport or at the airport in Mexico City to ensure you have cash on hand for these smaller purchases. Ask for small denominations when exchanging money. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, and while most cards are accepted at the larger stores and restaurants we’ll visit, smaller shops will often take only cash.

There will be Internet availability at the airport in Mexico City and at our accommodations, though please keep in mind that service may be slow. Cell phone service will be available in Mexico City but will be limited or nonexistent in the more remote mountainous areas we’ll visit. We ask guests to keep their cell phone use to a minimum and to refrain from using them on any group activities in order to provide an immersive nature experience for all travelers.

Nat Hab’s Expedition Leaders are known for their excellent rapport with kids. This fun dynamic, along with a diverse array of activities and unforgettable wildlife encounters, will leave children with lifelong memories. We strongly encourage you to call our office to speak with an Adventure Specialist about the specific requirements of our monarch adventures. Nat Hab asks any families bringing children to ensure their children behave in a respectful manner that does not disrupt other guests or the wildlife. If you’re looking for a trip designed specifically for children, teens and families, check out our collection of Family Adventures.

Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 to get details on group size and pricing.

Guests are responsible for booking roundtrip flights from their home city to Mexico. We recommend that you use Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk to book your flights, as our Air Travel Specialists are intimately familiar with the requirements of our trips and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please check the Getting There & Getting Home information on the Dates, Prices & Info page for info on required arrival and departure times for this adventure.

Nat Hab is happy to reserve a hotel room for you in Mexico City before your monarch tour begins, but please note that pre-nights are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please speak with our Travel Desk if you’re interested in booking extra nights.