Mexico | Clark Gardens presents: History, Culture, Gardens, and the Mystical Migration of the Monarch

Upon arrival in Mexico City, you will be met in the airport and transported to Zócalo Central 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. Should you arrive early, you will have time to explore your surroundings. This evening, meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for cocktails and a delicious welcome dinner and orientation to the program. Hotel check in starts at 3pm.

After breakfast we will depart for the Mexico City area and the Pyramids at San Juan Teotihuacán. We'll have time 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. Also visit the Quetzpapalotl Palace or "Palace of the Butterflies." After our time at the pyramids we'll have lunch at Restaurant Gran Teocalli, and then return to our hotel on the Zócalo in the historic district of Mexico City. Dinner is on own this evening.

Begin today with an exploration of Mexico City during a walking tour of the Zócalo, visiting the Cathedral, Templo Mayor, and the exterior of the National Palace. Following our tour, we'll have the remainder of the day and evening to explore on own.

After a leisurely breakfast and check-out, we will head west toward Zitacuaro in the state of Michoacán. En route, a special visit has been arranged at the Cosmovitral Botanical Garden. Formerly a municipal market, the art nouveau-style building has been repurposed as a botanical garden and outfitted with a number of impressive stained glass murals. The garden boasts over 500 species of plants, many of which are native to Mexico, and includes fountains and bridges throughout the campus. Have lunch in Toluca at Amaranta, a lovely restaurant featuring contemporary Mexican cuisine, and then continue on to the town of Zitacuaro and Rancho San Cayetano. Following check-in, we'll have a bit of time to explore our beautiful surroundings before gathering for dinner.

We'll start with an early breakfast and then head out for our visit in the monarch sanctuary of El Rosario Reserve, the area's 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 for water, nectar, etc., before returning to their roost on the tree limbs or trunks. The hike to reach the colony may 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 be done by horseback rental (approximately 150-200 Mexican pesos each way, cash only). Restrooms are located at the bottom of the mountain and not in the reserve. Once at the site, the morning will be spent enjoying the colony and all the magic that is the migration of millions. You will be given a boxed lunch, to be eaten at your leisure. Mid-afternoon we will head back to our hotel for the evening.

This morning have some time at leisure before driving back to Mexico City, stopping en route for a late lunch. After arrival at Zócalo Central Hotel, the remainder of the late afternoon and evening is at leisure.

After a leisurely breakfast, we will meet our guide and driver and visit the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo as well as the Frida Kahlo Museum. Take in the incredible history and talents of these marvelous artists who have given so much to the culture and stories of Mexican art. After our time at these two locations, we'll continue our colorful day with a private gondola boat ride and Mexican-style celebration on the waterways of the Xochimilco neighborhood! This evening is yours on own.

This morning you will be transferred to the airport at the applicable time according to your flight schedule. Check-out time is 12 pm. (Optional additional hotel nights and airport transfers are available upon request).