A Million Monarchs: The Butterfly Kingdom of Mexico

Arrive in Mexico City and transfer to your hotel. Late afternoon orientation to the program followed by cocktails and a welcome dinner. (1 Night)

Depart for Toluca to visit the Cosmovitral and botanical garden. Built in 1909 as a market, the building now houses lovely gardens lit through 48 stained-glass panels. Travel on to Angangueo, a charming old mining village, surrounded by forested hills and the snowcapped peak of Xinantecatl volcano. Make your first entry into the monarch kingdom at El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary and travel to the epicenter where millions of resting monarchs cover the tall fir trees. El Rosario Sanctuary usually receives the highest concentration of monarch butterflies in the area. In the quiet of the sanctuary, hear the beating of the butterflies’ wings. (2 Nights)

After breakfast drive to the Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary. Travel is first by horseback and later on foot to where the butterflies are concentrated. Along the way enjoy scenic vistas across the valleys below. Later in the afternoon attend a lecture on the butterflies and the fascinating issues concerning their migration that has intrigued scientists from around the world.

This morning return to El Rosario sanctuary to see the monarchs for one last time. Transfer to Valle de Bravo, a magical pueblo on the shores of Lake Avandaro. The colonial lakeside town is peppered with white stucco houses trimmed with wrought-iron balconies and red-tile roofs. The afternoon is free to enjoy the forested setting or visit the nearby town. (1 Night)

After breakfast enjoy a short hike to a nearby waterfall. Transfer to México City. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner. (1 Night)

Transfer to the international airport for flights home.

Fly to the Pacific coast city of Puerto Vallarta. Go on whale watching excursions, snorkeling in warm waters, and city tour. (3 Nights)