Monarch Trip

Migration of the Monarchs 2018

PHOTO CREDIT IAN SEGEBARTHJoin us for a legendary trip to the mountains of Michoacan, Mexico, where millions of Monarchs overwinter in the magical oyamel fir forest, February 1 - 6, 2018.

ITINERARY FOR THIS 5 NIGHT & 6 DAY EXCURSION

BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday 02/01/2018
Arrive in Mexico City,  Overnight at Historico Centro (D)
Individual arrivals into Mexico City. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel situated near the historic district. This evening meeting the hotel lobby at 7pm for a welcome dinner and to discuss the plan for departure tomorrow.

Friday 02/02/2018
Arrive in Angangueo, Check in to Hotel Don Bruno (BLD)
This morning short exploration of the Mexico City and then have lunch in a local restaurant. Depart for the colonial town of Angangueo, located high in the mountains in the state of Michoacan, about 100 miles west of Mexico City. Check-in at Hotel Don Bruno.

Saturday 02/03/2018
Angangueo, Hotel Don Bruno (BLD)
Located on a high mountain slope near Angangueo lies the Monarch site of El Rosario. Here we will visit our first Monarch colony and the one most generally accessible to the public. The journey begins with a taste of colonial Mexico as you walk along a path through a small market area where locals are selling foods and handicrafts. This large overwintering colony normally contains well over 100 million adult Monarchs and has an excellent trail system winding through the fir-covered slopes on which the colony is located. Additionally, there is a nearby stream where the butterflies may fly at midday to drink water. Trail horses are available to rent for the ride up the mountain if needed and are at additional cost of approximately $5 each way. Have a simple picnic lunch while enjoying this spectacular phenomenon and watch the butterflies go through their daily cycle of activities. At this time of year, they may take flight for an hour or more to secure water, nectar, etc., before returning to their roost on the tree limbs or trunks. Please note that the day is comprised of walking around the butterfly site on your own and photographing and watching butterflies. Please be prepared to be independent during butterfly watching.

Bathroom access is at the base of the mountain and can be reached by walking or renting a horse. There are also vendors at the base selling food, beverages, and local crafts. Dressing in layers is important due to weather at mountain elevations. In the late afternoon, return from the mountains to the picturesque colonial town of Angangueo and then have free time to enjoy the hotel gardens, walk and photograph the interesting scenes and people in this beautiful town, or to just relax in this peaceful setting.

Sunday 02/04/2018
Angangueo, Hotel Don Bruno (BLD)
After breakfast, ascend into the mountains again to approximately 10,000 feet elevation to visit Sierra Chincua, one of several nearby Monarch sites that are more isolated than El Rosario. With a simple picnic lunch on hand, you will have all day to enjoy and photograph the spectacular Monarchs. Horses will be available as an option to ride instead of walk over part of the trail to today’s site at a price of approximately $5 each way, cash only. Please note that the day is comprised of walking around the butterfly site on your own and photographing and watching butterflies. Please be prepared to be independent during butterfly watching. Bathroom access is at the base of the mountain and can be reached by walking or renting a horse. There are also vendors at the base selling food, beverages, and local crafts. Dressing in layers is important due to weather at mountain elevations. At the end of the day, visit the market area at the site entrance to purchase Monarch crafts and foods if desired. Return to the Hotel Don Bruno for dinner.

Monday 02/05/2018
Arrive in Mexico City, Overnight at Hotel Geneve (BLD)
After breakfast, depart for the Mexico City area and the Pyramids at San Juan Teotihuacan. Have a delicious lunch at the Pyramids before having the afternoon to explore this world-famous archeological site. By late afternoon/early evening, transfer to the Hotel Geneve for some time at leisure before farewell group dinner.

Tuesday 02/06/2018
Mexico City, Departure (B)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast will be included depending on your departure time. Please be aware that you need to be at the airport 3 hours ahead of your scheduled departure flight time.

PRICE INCLUDES

  • Roundtrip Airfare from Houston IAH.
  • Accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and activities listed in itinerary.
  • Private vehicle transportation, unless otherwise noted in itinerary.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages with meals.
  • Full time guide for duration of program.

OPTIONAL COSTS

  • Historico Centro $155 per room for additional night
  • Hotel Geneve $185 per room for additional night
  • Shuttle transfer $35

ACCOMMODATIONS

Price is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy arrangements are offered at additional cost. We will make every effort to match people who request to share with others seeking a roommate. Forced single supplements will be billed approximately 95 to 125 days prior to departure when the rooming list is finalized.

Single supplement: $400 per person

FLIGHTS

Twenty seats on United Airlines have been reserved for this itinerary (all times listed are local).

Date

Departure City

Arrival City

Departure Time

Arrival Time

02/01/2018

Houston

Mexico City

11:34 am

1:59 pm

02/06/2018

Mexico City

Houston

12:05 pm

2:21 pm

SPECIAL AIR NOTES

This is rate and schedule for travel in 2018 is subject to change.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Group transfers between the airport and hotel are included in your program cost. These transfers may be scheduled at specific times. If some individual flights are not scheduled to arrive in time for the group transfer, we can provide information about alternative arrangements.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend protecting your investment with travel insurance. For details on various levels of individual protection, contact Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Our contracted agent is Holbrook Travel, agency number 15849. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENT

A passport is required for international travel, and many countries require that passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Certain destinations may require a visa for entry, U.S. citizens can check requirements at travel.state.gov; citizens of other nationalities should check with the appropriate embassy.

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS

A deposit of $250 is required to reserve a space on the program. Reservations made less than 120 days prior to departure require full payment.

Unless stated otherwise in the payment schedule below, full payments are due no later than 95 days before departure. After this date, any reservations that have not been paid in full are subject to cancellation and cancellation fees will apply.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Deposit due ASAP to reserve space, and prior to Sept. 1, 2017, to ensure rates.

Full balance due: September 29, 2017

CANCELLATIONS

No refunds will be given for any of the following: not attending the program; cancelling a reservation on or after the departure date; leaving a program that is already in progress; or choosing to opt out of any pre-arranged activities. No partial refunds are given for unused portions of the trip.

101 or more days before departure: $250 cancellation fee, by October 24, 2017; remaining balance is refunded.  On or after October 25, 2017, or 0 - 100 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

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Hours of Operation

Open 7 Days a Week 
8:00 - 5:00
364 Days / Year

Closed Easter Sunday

Come See Us

National Butterfly Center
3333 Butterfly Park Drive
Mission, TX 78572
956-583-5400
GPS Coordinates:
26.180243 -98.364973

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