Mexico | Migration of the Monarch Butterflies
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About this trip
One of the most amazing phenomena in nature is the epic annual migration of eastern Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) southward from their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada to overwintering sites high in the mountains of central Mexico. Hundreds of millions of Monarchs fly up to 3,000 miles to eventually reach the belt of high volcanic mountains which stretches across the southern end of the central Mexican plateau. At about a dozen isolated places within the high-altitude forests of this zone, Monarchs pass the winter in aggregations that can exceed 2 billion individual butterflies. Stand amid the fir-covered mountains and witness this awe-inspiring spectacle firsthand as the monarchs flutter, dip, and swoop overhead.
Highlights
- Enjoy spending time at three different monarch reserves, hiking or riding horseback to see where millions of individual butterflies gather.
- Photograph the dramatic colors of the butterflies as they hang in clusters from the trees, drink from streams, feed on wildflowers, and soar in the air above.
- Explore the colonial cities of Morelia and Angangueo to learn about the region's culture and history and to better understand the important role of monarch tourism in supporting local livelihoods.
- Visit a school accompanied by environmental educator Estela Romero, and enjoy the opportunity to donate books and interact with the students.
- Learn about the Indigenous Mazahua language and culture and savor a delicious lunch prepared by community members — including dishes cooked on fuel-efficient Patsari stoves installed by ECOLIFE, an organization that builds safe stoves and plants trees in communities surrounding the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
- Take part in an optional activity (at additional cost) to learn about the area's cottage industries, which benefit families not directly involved with butterfly tourism.
Meet your hosts
Susan Meyers
After visiting the Mexican overwintering colonies with Dr. Bill Calvert in March 2003, Susan began volunteering with Monarchs Across Georgia (MAG), a committee of the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia. She facilitates educator workshops using the Monarchs & More curriculum and incorporates community science projects such as Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, Journey North tracking, Monarch Watch tagging, and Project Monarch Health. She administered MAG's Pollinator Habitat Restoration Grants (2012-2020) through the US Fish and Wildlife Service and was honored with a Conservation Partner Award for her work with monarchs.
Organizing trips to the Mexican overwintering colonies since 2004, she initiated the Mexico Book Project, bringing books written in Spanish to schools near the sanctuaries. In 2018, Susan was selected to coordinate the Symbolic Monarch Migration, a 22-year-old program created by Journey North. This annual tri-national project mimics the monarchs’ journey by engaging thousands of youth from across the United States and Canada in creating paper butterflies to send to the students in Mexico. As real-life monarchs arrive in Mexico for the winter, these symbolic monarchs are delivered to schools surrounding the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. In the spring, as living monarchs return north so will the paper butterflies carrying messages from the students in Mexico.
Susan received her BS in Microbiology and MS in Environmental Science from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, and Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne respectively. She retired in 2012 as an instructor from Stone Mountain Memorial Association where she taught K-12 students a variety of science-based lessons from geology to life cycles. Susan is also a Georgia Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and certified Environmental Educator.
Kim Bailey
Working in the field of education for over 25 years, Kim has enjoyed a wide range of experiences including teaching middle school life science classes, leading wilderness adventure trips, directing outdoor environmental education programs, and training teachers and naturalists. She has also volunteered for Master Gardeners, Master Pomologists, Georgia Native Plant Society, Monarch Across Georgia, Bee City USA, and National Wildlife Federation’s Habitat Stewards. She first visited the monarch overwintering sanctuaries in Mexico in 2002 and has since co-led many trips to the monarch biosphere region. Over the years, she became enamored with natural history of Michoacán as well as its many cultural and culinary delights.
In 2014, Kim moved to family property located in the mountains of Western North Carolina and founded Milkweed Meadows Farm. Generations ago, the land was a working dairy farm. Today, instead of producing milk, the farm grows milkweed, specialty fruits such as pawpaw and native passion fruit, pollinator-friendly potted plants, heirloom vegetable seeds, wildflower seeds, and cut flowers. Kim not only enjoys gardening for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife at the farm, but loves sharing knowledge about creating pollinator habitats with others. She has a true passion for pollinators and is a frequent speaker at local and regional symposia, events, and schools. Educational programs and/or farm tours for groups are also regularly scheduled onsite at Milkweed Meadows.
Kim holds a BS in Biology and Secondary Education and a MS in Curriculum and Instruction. When not out digging in the dirt or selling plants at local farmers markets and garden festivals, she enjoys hiking local trails with her two Carolina dogs, trying out new recipes as part of an adventuresome cooking club, and attempting to fly fish.
Activity Level 4: Moderate-Strenuous
This journey is for fit and active nature enthusiasts. Daily activities last for 5 or more hours. There are challenging excursions to butterfly colonies that may require walking for approximately 2 miles at altitudes of up to 10,660 feet on some trails that are narrow and rugged. These may involve both steep uphill and downhill hikes of 30 minutes or more (hiking at your own pace), and require horseback riding for part of the way; please note there is a maximum weight limit of approximately 260 lbs to ride the horses. Restrooms are only available at the base of the mountain. Weather in the Central Highlands during the migration is typically cool and dry with average temperatures in the 50s. Though days are typically sunny, there can be some windy conditions, and nights occasionally drop below 30°F.
Additional notes
During site visits, the days entail walking around the butterfly sites on your own and photographing and watching butterflies. Please be prepared to be independent during butterfly watching.
Please also see the information about Safety & Risk Management under the Travel Info tab.
$3,295
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $575
What makes us different
Wildlife up-close
Expert guides
Rich content
Flight arrangements
Sustainable travel
Service anytime
Daily Itinerary
Print ItineraryMorelia
Morelia
Angangueo
Cerro Pelon
Cerro Pelon
Morelia
Pricing
Print Pricing$3,295
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $575
What's Included
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- All Tips except Guide and Driver
- Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
- Carbon Offset
- Full time guide for the duration of your program
- Non alcoholic beverage with meals
- Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
- Water refill station during transfers
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Items of personal nature
- Tips for guide and driver
- Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Important Deadlines: Participant deposits of $595 per person are due upon enrollment to secure space. Deadline to reach minimum group size: July 31 Deposits are nonrefundable (unless a replacement is found) Final payment deadline: August 31, 2026
Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.
Single room supplement $575
Final payment due date: August 31, 2026
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoSafety & 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. 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.
Furthermore, some travel insurance policies may not guarantee coverage for trip disruption, evacuation, or cancellation for issues related to a pre-existing State Department Level 4 travel advisory. We encourage you to review and understand the terms and conditions and any limitations when purchasing a travel insurance policy.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport book to enter Mexico. (A passport card, as opposed to a book, is not acceptable for entry by air.) Passports must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp, and 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.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Mexican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
COVID-19 Testing
Please plan to pack at least 2 COVID-19 antigen rapid tests.
If symptoms are present or you have recently been exposed to another person with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you will be subject to a test. If the test is positive, isolation will be required at your own expense. If your travel is delayed due to a positive test result, Holbrook and our in-country partners will assist you to make the necessary arrangements for isolation. You may not rejoin your group until you have two sequential negative antigen tests 48 hours apart.
If you test negative for COVID-19, in order to resume participation, you should no longer have acute symptoms of illness and feel well enough to participate fully. In addition, you will be asked to wear a face mask in public for no fewer than five days.
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-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Mexico. Though not required, the CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Mexico.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
Malaria & Other Insect-borne Illnesses
The CDC does not consider travelers to the Mexican state of Michoacán to be at risk for malaria.
The CDC advises that travelers to Mexico may be at risk for other insect-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and leishmaniasis, but that these are very rare at the high elevations visited on this program.
Altitude Sickness
The high elevations of Michoacán might cause some travelers to experience altitude sickness during this program. Please discuss appropriate preventative measures with your personal physician prior to travel.
The most common form of the illness is acute mountain sickness (AMS). Symptoms generally include: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and at times, vomiting. The two more serious, and less common, forms of altitude illness are high-cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). HACE and HAPE can be potentially fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include: profound lethargy, extreme confusion, and increased breathlessness.
To alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness: stay hydrated and well-rested; eat high-carbohydrate foods; and avoid heavy, fatty foods, alcohol, sleeping pills, or narcotics during travel and in the days before arrival. Avoid heavy exercise while staying at high elevations.
Visit the CDC website for more information.
Travelers’ Diarrhea
The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. Consumption of contaminated food and water may cause diarrhea. To avoid this, do not drink tap water, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. Avoid ice and uncooked vegetables or fruit without a peel. When in doubt, ask your guide. Restrict yourself to cooked food at restaurants, and avoid food sold on the streets. If you contract diarrhea, it is very important to drink large quantities of purified water. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication should you contract diarrhea.
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.
Liability Waivers
Please note you may be asked locally to sign liability waivers in order to participate in certain activities. If you would like to receive a copy of any required waiver in advance, please contact Holbrook Travel.
Surcharges
Holbrook is committed to maintaining quoted pricing. However, at times, due to conditions beyond our control, we may need to assess a change in pricing due to unexpected increases in fees for items such as fuel and taxes. While most programs never incur a price change, in the event surcharges must be assessed, Holbrook will notify you immediately regarding invoicing of the surcharge.
Resources
Print ResourcesSuggested Packing List
Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.
You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.
CLOTHING
Casual, comfortable field clothes are suitable for visits to the monarch sites and most other activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer, but still casual, outfit for your time in Morelia.
Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. Make sure to bring warm clothes, as the temperatures at 10,000 feet can be at or below 30 °F in the early morning. It can also be windy on the mountains. Layering is strongly encouraged, as the mid-day temperatures may be in the 60s or 70s. Versatility is key.
- A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts suitable for layering
- A combination of light- and medium-weight long pants (such as jeans, khakis, or field pants)
- Undergarments; long underwear and warm socks may be useful at night, as the rooms at Hotel Don Bruno are unheated and could get rather cold
- Warm sleepwear
- Parka or other outerwear: Temperatures may be near freezing for the first hour or two of the day.
- Socks – Bring extra pairs.
- Shoes – You'll likely want at least one pair of hiking boots for dusty forest trails or riding horseback (if desired), and/or a pair of comfortable, well-worn, closed-toe shoes with rubber soles suitable for walking on cobblestone streets, gravel paths, and uneven surfaces. In addition, you may want a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals.
- Swimsuit – Optional for swimming pool at Cerro Pelon Butterfly B&B
- Rain gear – Rain is infrequent, but a lightweight rain jacket or hooded poncho comes in handy should a slight drizzle or snow flurry occur. It also makes a great layer for added warmth.
- Cap or wool hat
- Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter – These can be helpful on dusty trails.
- Gloves
- Hand warmers – Hand warmers are small, heated pouches found in outdoor sections of many large retail stores as well as specialty sports and camping stores. When you open their packaging, the oxygen reacts with the powder inside the pouches to create heat, and after about 30 minutes they heat up to 120 °F, last for about 6-10 hours, and provide considerable warmth. They come in a variety of sizes and are inexpensive. These have been very popular with travelers in the past and are another way to ensure that you are comfortable during the cool mornings and nights. Due to current security regulations at airports, we recommend you pack these in your checked luggage, NOT your carry-on bag.
Personal Toiletries
Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.
- Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – All hotels provide shampoo and soap, but you may wish to bring your own from home if you prefer. If possible, avoid strong fragrances in consideration of your fellow travelers.
- Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – These items are not always standard in hotels outside the US, so you may wish to bring them with you.
- Hair dryer – Not provided at all hotels
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor
- Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
- Personal hygiene products
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – There is a chance for sunburn when on the mountain.
- A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed, as it may not be available at all roadside stops
- COVID-19 antigen rapid tests (2)
- Face masks
- Hand sanitizer
Your local guide will carry a basic first-aid kit, but you may also wish to pack a small medical kit for personal use. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever (may be helpful for altitude headaches), motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.
MISCELLANEOUS
Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and prescription medications in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
- Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
- Money – ATM/credit card and cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
- Prescription medicines (if applicable) – Packing medications in their original bottles/packaging with pharmacy labeling is recommended.
- Sunglasses with strap
- Small day pack for carrying water, camera gear, rain gear, clothing layers, etc. during monarch site visits
- Flashlight and/or head lamp
- Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
- A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
- Electric heating pad or portable heated blanket – to help warm your bed at Hotel Don Bruno
- Binoculars with lens cleaner – You will definitely want to bring binoculars for monarch watching and for birding! As an example, Nikon Travel Lite 8 X 25 is a nice, lightweight pair.
- Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards – The monarch migration is truly one of nature’s most miraculous phenomena, and you will likely wish to take plenty of photos. Anticipate taking around 1,000 photos if you are an avid photographer, and be sure to bring enough memory cards and/or film and battery supply. If you are taking a camera with interchangeable lenses, a wide angle to telephoto zoom lens would be a great overall lens, being able to switch from wide angle to telephoto for some spectacular shots of the whole area to close-ups of masses or individuals in the colonies. Flash is typically not allowed in the colony sites. Be prepared to pay an extra park fee for use of a video camera (anything that looks professional-level) while in the parks.
- Reusable water bottle – Plan to buy bottled water, but you may wish to bring an extra container for refilling
- Non-perishable snacks
- Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
- Notepad or travel journal and pen
- Entertainment (e.g. music, a deck of cards, reading material and a portable bright light to read by) for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane
- Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip or trekking poles – Pack in your checked luggage.
- Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
- Money belt or neck pouch (to be worn under clothing)
- Chargers for electronics
- 3-prong to 2-prong plug adapter, in case a 3-prong outlet is not available; these can be found at most hardware stores for around $1
- Elementary-level book in Spanish to donate to the school we will visit
Questions?
Contact Lisa Palmese-Graubard at 800-451-7111 x339 or lisa@holbrooktravel.com.
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