Mexico | Migration of the Monarch Butterfly

Upon arrival in Mexico City you will be met in the airport and transferred to your hotel, situated in the historic district on the Zócalo. The Zócalo is the largest plaza in Latin America and is surrounded by the presidential palace, Metropolitana Cathedral, Aztec Templo Mayor, and many restaurants and historical architecture. This evening meet your Mexican Group Leader in the hotel lobby at 7pm and walk to a nearby restaurant for a welcome dinner and program orientation. Check-in starts at 3:00 pm.

Begin today with a short exploration of Mexico City during a brief walking tour of the Zócalo - the largest plaza in Latin America - and the surrounding Metropolitan Cathedral, and Templo Mayor. Have lunch en route to Jungapeo. After settling in, enjoy the grounds of the hotel's subtropical climate. This evening, gather in the conference 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 4,371 feet.

This morning after breakfast, 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 a 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 ride on a portion of the trail (cost is included in your program fee). 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 time 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 riding 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 the hotel to rest and have dinner.

Today visit El Rosario Reserve, the butterfly colony most generally accessible to the public. The journey begins with a hike up to the site. Or, if you prefer, you can ride a horse. This large overwintering colony normally contains well over 100 million adult Monarchs and has an excellent trail system winding 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. Have a simple picnic lunch while enjoying this spectacular phenomenon and watch the butterflies go through their daily cycle of activities. 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. Please be prepared to be independent today during butterfly watching. This afternoon return to the hotel, walk to the waterfall. Dinner at the hotel.

Depart this morning for the Mexico City area and the pyramids at San Juan Teotihuacán and its Quetzpapalotl Palace or "Palace of the Butterflies". After a delicious lunch nearby, you'll have the afternoon to explore this world-famous archaeological site, which covers 32 square miles and contains many structures, including two large pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun, at a height of more than 200 feet, is one of the largest known pre-Columbian structures in the Americas. After time to explore the ruins on your own, return to the hotel on the Zócalo and have a farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant.

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.