Tour Details

Join the friendly, knowledgeable guides of Travelian Tours and experience the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the over-wintering Monarch Butterflies in the mountains of central Mexico.

The migration of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is an amazing journey of nearly 3000 miles, starting from Canada and the northern United States, through the Great Plains, funneling into Texas, and then across a border they cannot see into the mountains of central Mexico. Each year, a special generation of these extraordinary butterflies locates the same specific place to winter in the highland pine and fir forests of Michoacan and Estado de Mexico.

Spend the first day traveling to a charming countryside eco-resort surrounded by tree-covered hills and a fast-flowing river. After an outdoor lunch, relax and enjoy the surroundings. Swim in the fresh mineral water pools, hike in search of wildflowers, birds, or experience the surprise of a Monarch Butterfly larva eating up the milkweed plant on which its egg was laid. Before dinner, learn more about the natural history of the Monarchs, their journeys south and north, and the new scientific discoveries about how they navigate these journeys.

After a good night’s rest, prepare for a magnificent experience at the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (a designated UNESCO World Heritage site).

The sanctuary is located high in the mountains of eastern Michoacan and is the perfect setting for travelers to experience not only hundreds of thousands of Monarch butterflies, but also has a breathtaking natural landscape in this region. Hike or ride on horseback up to the over-wintering butterfly colony. Take a second look at the thick-clumped branches of the pines and firs, then realize that you are seeing the Monarchs at rest. As sunlight hits a clump, watch it explode into an orange cloud of Monarchs in flight!

Travelian invites you to join a small group of appreciative and interested travelers in experiencing and sharing this central Mexican natural adventure, with attention to your comfort and safety.

Tour Itinerary – 2 days

DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY TO ECO-RESORT, RELAX AND LEARN ABOUT THE MONARCHS

7:00 am Leave St Paul’s Church (Cardo #6, Centro SMA). Box breakfast provided enroute. Arrive at eco-resort, check in, and enjoy lunch at the resort gardens. Time to relax and enjoy the thermal mineral springs pools. Time for hiking, bird watching, exploring trails, and grounds. Cocktail time (drinks* not included in trip cost). Monarch documentary and discussion. Dinner at the resort dining room.

DAY 2 - WITNESS THE FLIGHT OF MONARCH BUTTERLFIES AT EL ROSARIO MONARCH RESERVE AND RETURN TO SAN MIGUEL

7:30 am Breakfast at the resort dining room. Pick up sack lunches, check out, and depart for El Rosario Monarch Biosphere Reserve. Hike or ride a horse to get to location of the butterfly colony and experience the monarchs in flight. Ride a horse or hike back downhill to the Reserve Center and shops. Depart from sanctuary for San Miguel de Allende. Estimated arrival time of 7:00 pm at St. Paul’s Church (Cardo #6, SMA). *Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the fee.

*Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the fee.

Boook for an exceptional journey

The Monarch Butterfly Reserve Tour
INNMERSE IN AN ECO-RESORT RELAXATION AND WALK AMONG THE OREANGED-WINDED WONDERS

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