The Monarch Butterfly migration often is referred to as one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. Beginning in October, Monarchs from southern Canada and US States east of the Rockies begin a southward trek that can cover up to 3,000 miles. Typically arriving in November, the Monarchs spend subsequent months huddled together by the millions on the branches of oyamel fir trees. These “sacred firs” create a microclimate that protects the insects – with the tree canopy and ecosystem providing a blanket effect for the Monarchs, so the temperatures don’t go too high or too low. The return trip begins in March, and they arrive back around July. No individual butterfly completes the entire round trip; female Monarchs lay eggs for the next generation during the northward migration and at least four generations are involved in the annual cycle.
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Upon arrival, you will be met and escorted to your hotel, situated on the elegant Paseo de la Reforma, one of the most beautiful avenues in the world. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. MARQUIS REFORMA HOTEL & SPA.
(Dinner)
After breakfast, begin your journey south towards Vallee de Bravo. Along the way, you will stop to visit the hundreds of thousands of Monarch butterflies at the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. (Please note that the distance from the parking lot to the Sanctuary will be around one hour on horseback and one hour of hiking, same distance for the return to the entrance of the parking lot.) End your day in Vallee de Bravo. The thick woods and misty hills surrounding the terra cotta roofs in one of the most charming colonial centers in Central Mexico conjure thoughts of the lake regions of Northern Italy. Here, you will enjoy a tour through cobblestone streets, taking in the stunning views from Lake Avándaro. Your home for the night is an intimate luxury hideaway nestled in the hills of Valle de Bravo. HOTEL RODAVENTO.
(Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner)
Travel to Zitacuaro, butterfly country, to witness a marvel of nature: monarch butterflies in their winter habitat, where they’ve been migrating to for thousands of years. Zitacuaro is a small city, halfway between Mexico City and the capital of Michoacan, Morelia. En route you will stop at Cerro Pelon Sanctuary, the least visited and least touristy of the sanctuaries. It features the longest and steepest trail up to the colony, as well as the most pristine forest. You will climb the mountain on foot or by horse for about an hour and a half with your guide. After lunch continue with your drive to Zitacuaro, located in the heart of the sanctuaries of the Monarch butterfly. This amazing insect flies from Canada and the United States to Mexico in order to hibernate and mate. HOTEL RANCHO SAN CAYETANO.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Wake up early and head to El Rosario sanctuary, the largest and most visited inside the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Early morning is the best time to see the Monarchs. Hiking here is in a three-mile long path. As you walk along the trail, note how the forest thickens on approach to the destination you share today with 60 million to more than a billion butterflies congregating in the forest after eight months and four generations of migration. The trail to the colonies is quite steep. It will take you about an hour to hike uphill, a bit less if you choose to ride up on horseback (optional at an additional cost), which you can arrange at the visitor center. Once uphill your guide will take you to the lookouts, where the sight of butterflies blanketing the trees is overwhelming, but not as majestic as when they glide through the forest. The sun warms and lights their wings to reward visitors with a unique and remarkable display of light and color. In the light of the morning sun, the Monarchs slowly leave the warmth of their companions in the trees and fly low, landing to drink the morning melted frost. The males need the mineral salts from the earth to mate successfully. As the sun moves higher, the Monarchs’ flights are more energetic, millions of golden fluttering wings rustling the air in the sound and beauty of everchanging patterns of light and movement. This is truly a mystical time with Mother Nature. After wandering up into the hills to see the butterflies, you will have some free time to browse the souvenir shops. For lunch, you will visit the beautiful town of Agangueo and enjoy delicacies at a local restaurant. HOTEL RANCHO SAN CAYETANO.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Arise this morning and board your motor coach bound for the Benito Juárez International Airport and your flight home. Along yo ur route, bid Mexico a fond adiós!
(Breakfast)
Spend some time exploring the allure of Mexico City, considered the sun in the center of the Mexican universe. Though its past is a bit maligned, Mexico City is experiencing a cultural renaissance, with revamped public places returning to life and an exploding culinary scene. This is the perfect hub to explore Mexico’s Mesoamerican colonial and revolutionary history while soaking up metropolitan culture. Take a trek out to the Teotihucan pyramids for a deeper look into the ancient past and walk the streets of the Mexican capital for an invigorating look into the present and the future of Mexico.
Dive into the aquamarine paradise that is La Paz, the capital of Baja California. La Paz, is the perfect place to enjoy beaches, landscapes, aquatic activities, and high-quality seafood. Take a stroll down the waterfront malecón, and discover the pastel-painted homes, the chichi restaurants, the cafes and bars that cunningly hide in between the alleys. Spend unforgettable days connecting to the natural world out on the water, searching for sea lions, swimming with whales, and soaking up the magic of the sea.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Superior accommodations at hotel as indicated in the itinerary (or similar).
- American breakfast throughout. All other meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Guided tour to Teotihuacan and shrine of Guadalupe on the pre-extension.
- Admission to Anthropology Museum in Mexico City on the pre-extension.
- All transfers.
- Entry fees to national parks/preserves.
- Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips, and taxes.
- Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet.
- Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.
In Mexico, the climate varies according to altitude. Coastal areas and lowlands are hot and steamy with high humidity, while the central plateau is temperate even in winter. The climate of the inland highlands is mostly mild, but sharp changes in temperature occur between day and night. Rainfall varies greatly from region to region. The northern and central areas of the central plateau are dry.
