Terms & Conditions

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE
Holbrook Travel, Inc., the North American Butterfly Association, the National Butterfly Center and/or its agents, representatives, directors, members, volunteers and employees assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the performance service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, motor or other mode of transportation which may be used wholly or in part. Neither will they be responsible for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occurred by reason of any defect in any vehicle, or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the participant, or for any hotel proprietor, or for any other person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable to alter the itinerary or arrangements for any reason whatsoever, such alterations may be made without penalty to the tour operators. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. 
 
No special considerations are made for medical conditions or physical handicaps. The participant accepts full responsibility for evaluating his/her fitness for this expedition, and shall bear any additional expense should he/she be physically unable to participate in any or all portions. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should conditions warrant, also declining to accept or retain any passenger as a member of the tour. In such instances, full or equitable amount will be refunded, but this amount shall not exceed the amount paid by the participant. No refund can be made for any feature of the program not used by the participant during operation of the tour. 
 
The sole responsibility of any airline used in these tours is limited to that set out in the participant contract evidenced by the ticket. Airlines and other carriers are not responsible for any act,
omission, or events; during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. Similar responsibility as noted above applies to all types of carriers, including car rental companies. The services of any IATA and ATC carrier may be used in connection with these tours. The participant understands that if he/she books special low cost airfares with penalties, and cancels the reservation, he/she is responsible for any penalties incurred from the airline. 
 
All contracts for services provided by Holbrook Travel, Inc., and its affiliates are entered into in the State of Florida and all parties to such contracts submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
courts of the State of Florida.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 
If you become ill or are injured, your local guide, supported by the Tour Operator staff, will make every reasonable effort to find medical help. Therefore, it is important that you advise them of any problem when it first arises. Should you become seriously ill or unable to participate in the program for any reason, arrangements will be made to return you home as safely as circumstances allow. Individuals with disabilities are asked to declare and describe in advance their specific conditions or circumstances that require special accommodations or arrangements. 

WAIVER
I agree that I intend to be fully bound to the maximum extent permissible under laws, having been informed that I may be participating in the below activities. While I understand that Holbrook Travel, Inc., the North American Butterfly Association and the National Butterfly Center have made every effort to secure a safe program, I do recognize the inherent risk of travel, including personal injury or death, as well as the risk of property damage or loss of property taken on this trip. I certify that I have been advised to carry the elective travel insurance for myself. I agree to indemnify all stated parties in this document of any and all costs, including attorney’s fees, should litigation, mediation, or other proceedings occur as a result of participation in any of the following activities: hiking, whitewater rafting, swimming, snorkeling, diving, game safaris, turtle patrols, horseback riding, and transportation via boat/vehicle/aircraft.
 
I am aware that in the event of gross misbehavior (inclusive of drinking, abusive behavior, and disruption to the itinerary), the operator, hosting organization, or Holbrook Travel has the
right to refuse service and may require the participant to return home at additional expense. I agree that photographs taken of me during this trip may be used by Holbrook Travel, the North American Butterfly Association, and the National Butterfly Center for marketing materials or other purposes. I agree that it is my personal responsibility to verify that I have the proper documentation and/or vaccinations required to travel to this destination.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Land cost includes accommodations, meals, activities, local transfers, and tours as described in the itinerary (including hotel/restaurant taxes as applicable). Accommodations listed in the itinerary are subject to availability and those of similar or better quality may be substituted. Unless otherwise specified in your itinerary, land cost does not include airfare, gratuities, departure taxes, passport or visa fees, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, or items of a personal nature. In-flight meals not served or missed due to flight changes are not covered. 
 
A deposit of $250 per person (unless otherwise noted in your itinerary) and completed enrollment form is necessary to reserve your space on the trip. This deposit is applied to the total cost of the trip. All final payments are due no later than 95 days prior to departure. Cancellations received on or before 101 days prior to departure are refundable less a $250 per person processing fee, unless otherwise noted in your itinerary. Cancellations received on or after 100-0 days prior to departure are non-refundable. All cancellations must be received within writing; however, they will be considered effective upon advisement of the cancellation. We strongly recommend the purchase of travel and trip cancellation insurance. For more information, visit travelinsured.com.
PHOTO CREDIT IAN SEGEBARTH

Migration of the Monarchs 2018

Join 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.

REGISTER NOW


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National Butterfly Center presents

The National Butterfly Center is pleased to announce their fourth guided Butterfly Bonanza trip to Costa Rica, July 7-14, 2024, with in-country host, Holbrook Travel. Together, we've planned an unparalleled excursion, with new destinations, guaranteed to delight!  Costa Rica is world-renowned for its biodiversity, and its Lepidoptera populations are no exception—species numbers are estimated to be well in the thousands. Please join us on this 8 day-7 night journey to explore some of the highlights of this tropical paradise, from the country's arid northwest to the lush lowlands of the Caribbean. 

Highlights:

  • Visit the area around Santa Maria Volcano in Rincon de la Vieja National Park to learn about the University of Costa Rica Butterfly Conservation Project.
  • Take guided walks and exciting hikes through gorgeous gardens and lush rainforests to enjoy the rich biodiversity and search for butterflies, birds and other wildlife.
  • Learn from one of Costa Rica's foremost lepidopterists, Richard Murillo, your trip's expert environmental educator.

 

JOIN THIS TRIP

 

ITINERARY BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunday 07/07/2024 Liberia Buena Vista Lodge (D)

Upon arrival in Liberia, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and transferred to the Buena Vista Lodge. Check in and get settled in your room. Have a group dinner and orientation at the lodge this evening. Room type - Superior

Monday 07/08/2024 Liberia Buena Vista Lodge (BLD)

Start today with a walk around the lodge gardens and trails. The property features native plants, allowing for great butterfly and bird sightings. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and then take another butterfly walk. Late in the afternoon, you will have time at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel amenities. Before dinner, attend a butterfly talk with your trip’s expert environmental educator, Costa Rican entomologist Ricardo Murillo. Later, take a night hike where you will have the opportunity to use a black light for insect observation. Room type - Superior

Tuesday 07/09/2024 Arenal Arenal Observatory (BLD)

Early this morning, walk around Rinconcito Lodge's trails to learn about the dry forest. Next take a butterfly observation walk in the park with Mr. Murillo. After lunch in the area, depart for Arenal and Arenal Observatory Lodge. The lodge rests on a ridge amid lush rainforest between Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, and is the only hotel located within Arenal National Park. Room type - Smithsonian

Wednesday 07/10/2024 Arenal Arenal Observatory (BLD)

After breakfast, take a butterfly walk with Mr. Murillo. The lodge is located on 870 acres, including 270 acres of natural primary rainforest with rivers and waterfalls, 400 acres of reforested land, and tropical gardens. The gardens have been designed with flowering plants, shrubs, and trees chosen to attract wildlife and butterflies. After lunch, take another butterfly walk around the property. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to relax and take in the beautiful views, enjoy the lodge’s spa services (at additional cost), or take an optional tour in the area, such as visiting the local hot springs. Before dinner, enjoy another talk with Mr. Murillo. This evening have another opportunity to use a black light for insect observation. Room type - Smithsonian

Thursday 07/11/2024 Carara Villa Lapas (BLD)

Today, have breakfast and then depart for the Pacific Coast. Upon arrival at Villa Lapas, check in and have some time to freshen up before dinner. This evening is free to enjoy time at leisure. Room type - Standard

Friday 07/12/2024 Carara Villa Lapas (BLD)

After breakfast, take a butterfly observation walk around the lodge. There are many trails and gardens throughout the property in addition to a botanical garden, all with plants that attract many different species of butterfly. After lunch, visit Carara National Park. The park is located in the Central Pacific region, one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the country. The intersection of northwestern tropical dry forest with the humid rainforest of the South Pacific region, concentrated in a relatively small area, produces an interesting combination of species from both ecosystems. This evening enjoy a talk with Mr. Murillo. Room type - Standard

Saturday 07/13/2024 San Jose Hotel Bougainvillea (BLD)

This morning depart for San José. Upon arrival, explore the city of San José on foot. (No entrance fees are included.) Check in at the hotel and have time to freshen up before a final trip briefing and farewell dinner. Room type - Garden View

Sunday 07/14/202  (B) Travel to the airport for your flight home today.

LAND PRICE PER PERSON $3,295 (based upon Double Occupancy)

Single Supplement $375 per person

Includes

  • 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
  • Bottled water on the bus

PARTICIPANT 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 *

SURCHARGES

Holbrook is committed to maintaining quoted pricing. However, at times, due to conditions beyond our control, we may need to assess a change in pricing due to unexpected increases in fees for items such as fuel and taxes. While most programs never incur a price change, in the event surcharges must be assessed, Holbrook will notify you immediately regarding invoicing of the surcharge.

BAGGAGE

Most airlines now impose a fee for checked bags. This fee is collected at the airport and must be paid by the individual at check-in. These policies are set by the airline and are subject to change until tickets have been issued. Review the current fees and policies by selecting your carrier at holbrooktravel.com/baggage fees. Holbrook Travel is not responsible for any baggage fees incurred.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Whether purchased through Holbrook Travel's provider, or purchased independently, Holbrook strongly recommends Travel Protection for the leader(s) and participants. For leaders traveling for free, we recommend purchasing post-departure insurance. This insurance provides coverage once the trip has departed and offers benefits for trip interruption, travel delay, missed connection, baggage/personal effects, baggage delay, accident & sickness medical expenses, quarantine, and emergency evacuation & repatriation and worldwide emergency assistance. For participants, we recommend both cancellation insurance to cover the travel investment as well as the post-departure protections listed above. A premium type of trip protection, called Cancel for Any Reason allows for the most flexibility. Most companies require it be purchased within 14 days of deposit. Details on travel protection can be found on our website: www.holbrooktravel.com/travel protection. Holbrook recognizes that some institutions may offer their own travel insurance and will not solicit participants accordingly.

CARBON OFFSETTING

We partner with ClimateSafe to offset the carbon emissions created from land and air travel. You can learn more about the program at http://holbrooktravel.com/climatesafe. If you would like to participate, carbon offsetting can be included in your program for an additional $25 per person.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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 $200 is required by participants to register and reserve a space on the program. Reservations can be made online or by paper form. Reservations made less than 95 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.

96 or more days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded.
95 -0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

Payment schedule

Participants should register with deposit as soon as possible to ensure space.
Full balance due: April 03, 2024

CANCELLATIONS AND CANCELLATION FEES

Holbrook Travel cannot offer refunds for any of the following: not attending the program; cancelling a reservation on or after the departure date; activities or meals missed due to travel delays; leaving a program already in progress; or choosing to opt out of any pre-arranged activities. No partial refunds are given for unused portions of the trip.

RESPONSIBILITY AS GROUP LEADER OR TRAVEL ORGANIZER

Holbrook Travel relies on its participating organizations and group leaders to promote and fill their group to the published minimum traveler amount. In the event that your group does not reach its minimum number of travelers ("under enrolled") and both parties are in agreement, Holbrook can work with the group leader or travel organization to see if the group can move forward with new terms. Items such as honorariums, leader expenses for airfare and/or land costs can be assumed by the leader or organization such that the participant pricing does not change even if a trip does not reach minimum.

Please feel free to contact Lisa with questions or feedback.

Lisa Palmese-Graubard
Senior Specialty Travel Consultant
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
800-451-7111

JOIN THIS TRIP


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GivingTuesday

Peace, Love & Butterflies

What could be better?!

Twelve years ago, the North American Butterfly Association broke ground for what has now become the largest native plant botanical garden in the United States. This 100-acre preserve is home to Spike (who thinks he is a butterfly) and the greatest volume and variety of wild, free-flying butterflies in the nation. In fact, USA Today calls the National Butterfly Center, in Mission, Texas, "the butterfly capitol of the USA."

Even more remarkable is the fact that over 90% of this project has been funded by gifts from people like you! Your gifts are helping us preserve an endangered woodland, our Hackberry Trail, and convert an old onion field into formal gardens and scenic wildscapes that provide nectar and host plants for butterflies all year long. Your gifts ensure we have staff, and they have tools, and the tractor has fuel...

If this is our first introduction, we hope you will get to know us better through this short video featuring our spokes-tortoise, Spike. As Spike says, "We don't need a gazillion dollars, but we do have a goal."

For our 12th Anniversary, we'd like to raise $12,000.
These monies will advance our mission of Growing Connections, by allowing us to educate the next generation of conservationists with twelve more months of Project WILD and proprietary programming.

Please make a one-time or recurring tax-deductible gift to our 501(c)(3) organization.
Gifts totaling $50 or more will receive a Peace, Love, Butterflies bumper sticker; and gifts totaling $300 or more will receive a Swift Guide to Butterflies of North America, so you may get to know the butterflies wherever you may live or roam (or give it to someone special).

THANK YOU for your generous support, for protecting our precious natural resources and providing for our continued operation, for the love of butterflies!

Donation Options

 

One Time Donation

You select the amount. Click below.



We are grateful for the support of:

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Inside the National Butterfly Center

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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