Witness the monarch butterfly migration - one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife spectacle - as millions of monarch butterflies migrate from across North America and descend on the forests of the central highlands of Mexico for their winter hibernation.
After an overnight stay in Mexico City, you will transfer to the small town of Angangueo in Michoacan state, where you will be mesmerised by the millions of monarch butterflies, filling the sky with clouds of orange as they come to rest on the oyamel fir trees at the end of their epic 4,000 kilometre migration to a warmer breeding climate in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. From the monarch butterfly migration in Mexico’s Central Highlands, you return to Mexico City via Valle de Bravo and Toluca to enjoy some of the cultural aspects of this region of Mexico.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK & arrive Mexico City
Depart the UK on international flights to Mexico City where you are met on arrival and transferred from the airport to your downtown hotel in the upscale Polanco district of the city. Later in the evening, you gather with the rest of the group for a welcome dinner with your Expedition Leader, followed by an orientation to the wonders that lie ahead.
Accommodation: 1-night, Camino Real Polanco Hotel
Day2: Transfer to Angangueo & the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Leaving Mexico City, you are transferred into the Central Highlands to the small mountain town of Angangueo. After lunch in Angangueo, it is time to visit El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary which is just one of the 12 reserves that comprise the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
As you drive high into the hills in an open-topped truck, a few butterflies flit about, offering a hint of what awaits ahead. Once the road ends, you will begin riding small Mexican horses provided by the local community (and led by your own caballero, so no horse experience is necessary), you ascend the trail through the forest as hummingbirds and red warblers accompany you to the heart of the monarchs' migration site.
At first glance, they look like autumn leaves, but you soon realise you are looking at millions of butterflies, covering the oyamel fir trees in a delicate, quivering blanket of black and orange. Boughs bend beneath their numbers, though each weighs only a few grams. Massed together in a colony, the monarchs cling to the trees in huge clusters to survive the cool winter temperatures. When the sun warms their parchment-thin wings, the monarchs take to the sky in a fluttering cloud of orange—so many that the air hums with their movement. Mexico's sanctuaries are the only place in the world where you can actually hear butterflies' wings beating.
After your time in the sanctuary, you and the rest of the group are transferred to the hotel in Angangueo.
Accommodation: 2-nights, Hotel La Margarita (or similar)
Day3: Visit Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary
At Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary, another magical encounter with the monarchs awaits. Riding horses along the established trail most of the way (again no horse riding experience is necessary), you hike in the last section to reach the mariposas. Sometimes the stream along the forest floor appears to flow orange, covered completely by butterflies as they descend to drink. Later this afternoon, there's time to discover more of the village of Angangueo, known for its magnificent murals celebrating the importance of monarchs to the community.
Day4: El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary
This morning you return to El Rosario to observe the butterflies in the early morning light. In contrast to your previous afternoon visit, you will witness the monarchs as they awaken for the day, hoping the sun will shine and warm their wings, prompting lively activity. As the butterflies take flight, you may see them descend to drink nectar from flowers or even alight on an arm or shoulder. The largest of the monarch sanctuaries in the region, El Rosario offers the best opportunity to view large numbers of monarchs in one location.
After lunch in Angangueo, you and the rest of the group travel to Valle de Bravo. Set on a lush hillside overlooking the valley, the hotel offers a relaxing setting in which to enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views from your casita, and a soak in the pool.
Accommodation: 1-night, Hotel Avandaro
Day5: Explore Valle de Bravo & transfer to Mexico City
This morning you can choose to join the Expedition Leader on a guided hike and birdwatching walk to the Bridal Veil Waterfall and also explore the town of Valle de Bravo. After your excursion in Valle de Bravo, you return to Mexico City, stopping en route in Toluca.
Accommodation: 1-night, Camino Real Polanco Hotel
Day6: Departure
Today is free to spend as you wish until it is time to be transferred back to the airport in Mexico City to fly back to the UK or continue with your onward travel arrangements.
Day7: Arrive UK
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 7 daysfrom £5,295 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 6 daysfrom £4,595 pp
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the winter season (October through to March), it hosts approximately 60 million monarch butterflies arriving at the end of an epic 4000 kilometre migration, from east of the Rocky Mountains.
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Where: Michoacan State
Ideal for viewing: monarch butterfly, grey fox, great horned owl, white-tailed deer, long-tailed weasel
Located in the picturesque town of Angangueo, with its cobbled streets and wooden houses, Don Bruno is conveniently situated to visit the nearby butterfly sanctuaries. Rooms are clustered around a pretty garden courtyard and each have a fireplace for cool evenings. A restaurant serves traditional regional cuisine
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Conveniently located near the monarch butterfly sanctuaries, you can expect luxurious comfort at this traditional, rustic Mexican retreat which is surrounded by lush gardens and forest. With only nine rooms and six cabins, Rancho San Cayetano provides a personal and exclusive experience.
Find Out More about Rancho San Cayetano
