Mexico | Mystical Migration of the Monarch and the Fabulous Flamingos with Gustafson Photo Safari

Depart from the U.S. and arrive in Merida. Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. This evening, gather for an orientation and welcome dinner at the hotel.

Embark on an early visit to the salt Lagoon for photography and the opportunity to see the flamingos taking off. Visit estuary to take pictures in the evening via a boat ride.

Set out on another early morning visit to see the flamingos arriving to feed at an estuary and for the opportunity to photograph their courtship display. Enjoy another photography opportunity this afternoon and wait for the flamingos to arrive at their roosting place with use of hides.

Early departure by canoe to the lagoon where hundreds of flamingos roost and take pictures of them as they wake up in the salt marshes among the mangroves. This evening take pictures of flamingos flying from the estuary to salt flats.

This morning have breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to Merida International Airport for a morning flight to Mexico City. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Angangueo stopping for lunch en route. Check-in at Don Bruno later this afternoon.

This morning, visit Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. This is one of several nearby monarch sites and is more isolated than El Rosario, which we will visit tomorrow. The journey starts with a hike up the mountain to about 10,000 feet. Horses are included as part of your program, but they cannot go all the way and some walking will still 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 enjoy and photograph the spectacular colony. 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 for water, nectar, etc., before returning to their roost on the tree limbs or trunks. Please note that restrooms are located at the bottom of the mountain and not in the reserve. You will have a short time to buy souvenirs at the craft market at the bottom of the mountain. We will return to our hotel in the late afternoon. At the site we will have some snacks and a late lunch will be at a local restaurant at our start point.

Today we will 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. The hike to reach the colony may again reach up to 10,000 feet and will require hiking up the mountain. A portion of the hike can again be done by horseback. Rental of the horses are included in your program cost. Once at the site, the day will be spent enjoying the colony. At the site we will have some snacks and a late lunch will be at a local restaurant at our start point. Restrooms are located at the bottom of the mountain and not in the reserve.

Have breakfast at the hotel, then head toward Mexico City via Piedra Herrada Reserve. Stop along the road that runs by the reserve, where a water source attracts monarchs and we can photograph the river effect. Please note that we will not be visiting the reserve but just accessing the road next to it for the best photography opportunities. Afterward, enjoy quesadillas for lunch at a local restaurant, then make the return trip to Mexico City and our hotel on the Zócalo. Gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel's restaurant, with views overlooking the main plaza and the Cathedral.

Breakfast will be included depending on your departure time. Airport shuttle service transfers are included and will be coordinated based on flight times. Check-out time at 12 pm.