Mexico | Mystical Migration of the Monarchs

Upon arrival in Mexico City, you will be met in the airport and transported to your hotel, situated in the historic district on the Zócalo. The Zócalo is the largest plaza in Latin America, and it is surrounded by the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, and many restaurants and historical architecture. This evening, meet in the hotel lobby at 7 pm for a welcome dinner and program orientation at a nearby restaurant. Check-in starts at 3 pm.

Begin today with a visit to the Chapultepec Zoo, one of the most important and most-visited zoos in Latin America. Depart for the colonial town of Angangueo, high in the mountains in the state of Michoacán, about 100 miles west of Mexico City. Check in at Hotel Don Bruno. This evening at 6:15pm, gather in the confernece room for a video about the Ecolife project. After dinner, receive a brief orientation about the monarch sites and our activities over the next several days. Elevation at Hotel Don Bruno is 8,460 feet. Please note that it can get cold at night and in the early morning, and most rooms do not have heat. It is recommended that you bring warm sleeping clothes.

This morning after breakast, depart for a local home to learn about Ecolife, an organization that aims to protect local habitats through sustainable agriculture and community empowerment programs. Have brief talk about their stove project and then continue to spend the day at Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. This is one of several nearby monarch sites and is more isolated than El Rosario, which you will visit tomorrow. The journey starts with a hike up the mountain to about 10,000 feet. Horses are available to rent for a portion of the trail. (approximately 150-200 Mexican pesos each way, cash only). Some uphill walking will be required, but it can be done at your own pace and with stops and rest as needed. Once at the site, you have the day to walk around on your own and watch and photograph the spectacular colony independently. Your local guide will be available to answer questions. A boxed lunch will be provided to eat at your leisure. Please note that restrooms are located at the base of the mountain and can be reached by walking or renting a horse. There are also vendors at the base selling food, beverages, and local crafts. The site is typically shaded, so remember to dress in layers due to changes in temperature and elevation. Late in the afternoon, return to Hotel Don Bruno for dinner.

Today visit the monarch sanctuary of El Rosario, the largest overwintering site. The colony normally contains well over 100 million adult monarchs. An excellent trail system winds through the fir-covered slopes on which the colony is located. Additionally, there is a nearby stream where the butterflies may fly at midday to drink water. At this time of year, they may take flight for an hour or more to secure water, nectar, etc., before returning to their roost on the tree limbs or trunks. The hike to reach the colony may again reach up to 10,000 feet and will require hiking up the mountain. The hike is at your own pace, and birding can be done along the way. A portion of the hike can again be done by horseback rental. Once at the site, the day will be spent enjoying the colony and watching the butterflies go through their daily cycle of activities. Please be prepared to be independent again today during butterfly watching. Your local guide will also be available to answer questions. A simple picnic lunch will be provided, to be eaten at your leisure. Restrooms are located at the bottom of the mountain and not in the reserve. In the late afternoon, visit Alternare and then return to the hotel for dinner.

This morning, have breakfast and check out of the hotel. Depart for Jungapeo for a site inspection and lunch at Hotel Agua Blanca. Continue to Mexico City and if time permits, short exploration of Mexico City during a brief walking tour of the Zócalo - the largest plaza in Latin America. Check in at the Zócalo Central Hotel and gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast will be included depending on your departure time. Please be aware that you need to be at the airport three hours ahead of your scheduled departure flight time. (This goes for the flight to Mexico as well as on the way back.) Please pay careful attention when you book your return flight, as a 7 am departure from Mexico City means that you will need to wake up at 3:30 am to get to the airport by 4 am. If you choose to make an early morning booking, there is no problem in terms of getting you to the airport on time, but we want you to be aware of the three-hour check-in time.