Tour Details

Join the friendly, knowledgeable guides of Travelian Tours and experience for yourself the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the overwintering Monarch Butterflies, high 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 right 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 or hike in search of wildflowers, birds, or even 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 the best!! Make your journey to the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. 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 the breathtaking natural landscape of this region. Hike or ride on horseback up to the overwintering 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. See the blue sky fill with orange, backlit like stained glass. This is the Monarch experience.

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.

ITINERARY - 2 DAYS

DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY TO ECO-RESORT, RELAXATION AND LEARNING ABOUT THE MONARCHS

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

DAY 2 - EXPERIENCE THE EL ROSARIO MONARCH BUTTERFLY RESERVE AND RETURN TO SAN MIGUEL

07:30 am Breakfast in resort dining room. Pick up sack lunches, check out and leave for El Rosario Monarch Biosphere Reserve. Hike or ride horse to get to location of the butterfly colony and enjoy the company of the Monarchs. Ride horse or hike back downhill to site center and shops. Leave sanctuary for San Miguel de Allende, with estimated arrival time of 7:00 pm (at St. Paul’s).

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

WHAT TO TAKE           Official ID your current Passport, Mexican residency ID (copies are fine)   Original INAPAM ID (if you have one)   Cash in Pesos for snacks and drinks and for the mercado at Rosario (Cash machines may not be available)   Active Cell Phone with recharger   Bring sufficient funds for snacks and beverages not included in trip cost   Money Belt   Water Bottle   Binoculars   Camera, extra memory, extra batteries and/or charger   Travel Flashlight   Hat   Sunblock   Sunglasses   Insect Repellent   Day Pack   Swim Suit and Flip Flops for the pool   Light-weight Walking Shoes   Sturdy walking shoes or boots if walking up to or down from the Monarchs at Rosario   A fleece garment or light jacket can be useful in case of chilly mornings or evenings   Simple comfortable clothing for day and evening wear   Pack your binoculars, toiletries and travel documents in your day pack, a supply of Ziplock plastic storage bags can be handy for storing food items from the breakfast, to be used as mid-morning snacks   Be sure to bring your own Kleenex and small change for bathroom fees   Personal prescription drugs   First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, Dramamine or other motion-sickness med if susceptible)