Mexico | The Monarch Migration and Mexico City Parks

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 at local restaurant. Check-in starts at 3 pm.

This morning, program orientation and then breakfast, after breakfast, visit the National Museum of Anthropology & History, known as one of the most beautiful and functional museums in the world. It is the home of a valuable collection from the Mesoamerican civilizations, with two floors of exhibit galleries to explore. After your time in the museum, take a short walk in the Chapultepec Park to enjoy the beautiful green space that serves as an oasis for the citizens of Mexico City. After lunch at a local restaurant, depart for Zitácuaro. Check-in at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano, have an evening briefing in preparation for tomorrow’s visit to the butterfly sanctuary up in the mountains before dinner.

After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and transfer to the Monarch site of El Rosario where the colony is typically most accessible to the public. The journey begins with a taste of colonial Mexico as you walk along a path through a small market where vendors sell a variety of food and handicrafts. Then, continue on and excellent trail system winding through the fir-covered slopes of the mountain. It is here that this large overwintering colony is located and typically contains well over 100 million adult Monarchs. Additionally, there is a nearby stream where the butterflies may fly at midday to drink water. Trail horses are available for rent to ride up the mountain if needed (for 150-200 Mexican pesos). Have a simple bagged lunch while enjoying this spectacular phenomenon and watching the butterflies go through their daily cycle of activities. At this time of year, they may take flight for an hour or more to water, nectar, etc., before returning to their roost on tree limbs or trunks. In the late afternoon, continue to Hotel Agua Blanca in Jungapeo. This evening briefing to prepare for tomorrow's activities followed by dinner at the hotel.

This morning transfer to Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. This is one of several nearby monarch sites and is more isolated than El Rosario. 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. (The cost is about 150-200 Mexican pesos, payable in 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. 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. This afternoon return to Hotel Agua Blanca, free time to enjoy the hotel gardens and mineral pools. This evening, dinner and evening briefing to prepare for tomorrow's visit.

This morning, depart for Mexico City where you will have lunch at a restaurant near Alameda Central Park. The park is one of the oldest city parks in the Americas. Although the park was created in 1592 by Viceroy Luis de Velasco, it was at one time the site of an Aztec marketplace. In 2012, the park went through an improvement project, including the planting of many trees and native plants. After lunch, check in to your luxurious boutique hotel located along "Bosque de Chapultepec" (Chapultepec Forest), one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere. You will have leisure time to spend in the park this afternoon, followed by a delicious farewell dinner at an elegant restaurant that has all of the charm of a grand "Old Mexican Inn" and offering outstanding dishes of different regions and culinary institutions.

This morning transfer 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, plus the 30 minute drive to the airport (could be longer if during peak daytime traffic). Check-out starts at 12:00pm.