Monarch Butterfly

Found 1976, thanks to research by Canadian scientist Fred Urquhart, the winter refuge of the monarch butterfly in central Mexico is a real wonder of nature. Declared a UNESCO protected natural site in 2008, it´s the green place where butterflies that leave Canada & the United States mountain areas in the fall come & hide in the woods of “El Rosario” sanctuary (Michoacan, Mexico), to hibernate from late November to February. Due to their sexual maturing in March, they reproduce a new generation of butterflies that will continue the millennial migration flight to North America; when the spring begins. Well preserved to present day by WWF & Monarch Watch among other NGO´s is now recovering from a serious reduced number of butterflies from the year 2013.

• Tour type: Group Tour with transport / driver based
• Duration: 9 hrs. Start time: 7:30 AM (Morelia)
• Pick up: Meeting point in downtown
• Required booking: 2 days before meeting
• Days available: Everyday from Nov-22 to Mar-22 (wintertime only)
• Price per person: USD $159 individual ticket
• Settings: Minimum of 2 people to start tours
• Covid-19 rules: Maximum of 8 people in a van

  Note: If you come in a larger group, contact me for a new quotation. 

  Make this a Private Tour! Contact me for details. 

• English speaking Tour Guide / driver all time
• Round trip transportation from Morelia
• Admission to the natural protected areas
• Basic info about migration flight of the monarchs
  

  
  Exclusions:

• Meals, tax & tips.  
• Mountain bike rental or horseback rides (when available) 
• Additional services out of the program of the tour.
• Drop off service to a different destination

After departing at 7:30 AM from Morelia, enjoy the scenic drive to find a landscape with volcanic mountains and valleys, cultivated with beans, chickpeas, corn & winter wheat, to the breakfast stop on the way. After this last, keep driving to climb the mountains and pine trees at 3000 meters above sea level. The further we hike in the woods, the more monarchs we can see flying in between trees and, sometimes around people! After your experience watching Monarchs, enjoy lunchtime on the site and then, drive back to the hotel/Airbnb in Morelia. Share your comments with other travelers on the way back!

• Pricing per person, as published
• Private Tours: 1 to 3 people in my car 
• Group Tours: 4 to 8 people in my van   
• Discount apply to groups +6 and on 
• Suggested: Mexican currency in cash is $1000 per person, for daily shopping or services

• From travelers I may need to know:

  • The Covid-19 vaccine certificate + negative test if required 
  • Hotel, air flight, weight, diseases or medical prescriptions if necessary
  • Physical or handicap issues plus dietary needs 

No wheelchairs. Not good for kids under 10 years! 

Admission to sites or buildings not included in the itinerary, plus additional stops on the way, could be included by request of travelers, when extended timing & pricing are well accepted.