Activity Level 4: Moderate-Strenuous
This journey is for fit and active nature enthusiasts who wish to observe the billions of migratory monarch butterflies that overwinter in the Mexican highlands between November and March. You’ll explore their habitats from two different bases in Michoacán, with overnight stays in Mexico City bracketing your 7-day trip. Daily activities last for 5 or more hours. There are challenging excursions to butterfly colonies at altitudes of up to 10,400 feet. These involve steep uphill hikes of 30 minutes or more (hiking at your own pace), and require horseback riding for part of the way. Restrooms are only available at the base of the mountain. Also included are walking tours in provincial towns and in Mexico City. Here, at the Teotihuacán archaeological site, you can choose to climb two pyramids: the largest is over 200 feet high with 248 steep steps. November through March is the dry season, when temperatures fall between 68–77°F. Land travel is aboard private, air-conditioned motorcoaches.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Mexico. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months’ validity. A passport card is not acceptable for entry to the U.S. by air.
U.S. and Canadian citizens must obtain a tourist card, also known as an FMM, to enter Mexico. The fee for this card is included in the cost of your flight. A separate FMM is required for each individual traveling (including children). To avoid delays in immigration, you may wish to complete and print this document prior to departure. Within 30 days of your departure, visit mexicotouristcard.com to obtain and print your tourist card. Should you lose or leave your document behind, you will still be able to obtain a form upon arrival.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Mexican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Safety & Risk Management
Please note that this program visits the Mexican state of Michoacán, which the U.S. State Department has long designated a Travel Advisory Level 4 due to criminal activity. Mexico City is designated a Level 2. Holbrook has operated programs to view the monarch migration in these locations for many years without incident, and we have strict safety protocols in place for all our destinations. However, it is ultimately up to each traveler to make their own assessment regarding safety and risk. Travelers are advised to visit https://travel.state.gov for more information.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Mexico, unless you are traveling from an endemic yellow fever area within six weeks prior to entry.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Mexico.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Central America may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
ZIKA VIRUS
Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Mexico. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Mexico protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Currency
The currency of Mexico is the peso.
Electricity
The electrical current in Mexico is usually 110V 60Hz AC, the same as in the United States. Travelers from the United States do not need a converter.
Time Zone
Mexico uses three time zones. Most of the country uses Central Standard Time (UTC-06:00). The Mexico states of Chihuahua, Nayarit, Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California Sur use Mountain Standard Time (UTC-07:00), and Baja California Norte uses Pacific Standard Time (UTC-08:00).
Mexico observes Daylight Saving Time.
Departures and arrivals on flight schedules are listed in the local time.
Communications
PHONES
Mexico’s international calling code is +52.
To call Mexico (from the U.S.): Dial 011-52-(xx-xxx-xxxx)
To call the United States: Dial 001-(xxx-xxx-xxxx)
Pre-paid phone cards are sold in Mexican supermarkets, tobacco shops, and airport stores. Although international calls can be charged to your hotel room, it is usually a more expensive option, so be sure to check hotel phone rates prior to making any calls.
Please check with your cell phone provider if you’re unsure whether or not your cell phone will work internationally. Be aware that you are likely to incur additional charges for international use.
INTERNET
WiFi is widely available and can be found at most hotels.