Every year, one of nature’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles unfolds in Mexico’s Central Highlands. Millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the forested mountaintops, blanketing the oyamel fir trees in vibrant orange and black. At first glance, the clustered butterflies resemble autumn leaves. But as the morning sun warms the forest, they take flight in a breathtaking display—so many that you can hear the delicate flutter of their wings against the crisp mountain air.
Experience this awe-inspiring event up close as monarchs drift down to land on hats and shoulders, creating unforgettable moments. On special photography departures, expert guides will help you capture stunning images, from intricate close-ups to vast swarms in motion. Join Mexico’s top naturalist guides for an immersive journey into one of the world’s greatest wildlife migrations.
WHY BOOK THIS TRIP
Multiple Monarch Encounters – Explore remote fir forests on foot and horseback, witnessing millions of monarchs roosting in their winter sanctuaries.
Hear the Whisper of Wings – Experience the rare sound of thousands of butterflies taking flight, filling the sky with a dazzling swirl of orange.
Nature & Culture Immersion – Visit mountain villages, relax in natural hot springs, and see how butterfly ecotourism supports local communities.
Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City
Begin your adventure with a transfer to our upscale Polanco hotel. After a welcome dinner, our Expedition Leader introduces the incredible monarch migration—one of nature’s most astonishing events, as millions of butterflies travel 3,000 miles from North America to their wintering grounds in Mexico’s volcanic mountains.
Begin your adventure with a transfer to our upscale Polanco hotel. After a welcome dinner, our Expedition Leader introduces the incredible monarch migration—one of nature’s most astonishing events, as millions of butterflies travel 3,000 miles from North America to their wintering grounds in Mexico’s volcanic mountains.
When to go to Mexico
When to go to Mexico
If you’re travelling to Mexico for Marine life the best time to travel is from Mid-January to April. This is when three of the most sought-after whale species to observe come to this area for breeding and calving season
Travel to Angangueo, a historic mining town now thriving on butterfly tourism. After a traditional Mexican lunch, venture to El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary. Ride horseback through the forest to witness millions of monarchs clustering on oyamel fir trees. As the sun warms their wings, they take flight in a mesmerizing orange cloud—the only place on Earth where you can hear butterflies’ wings beating.
Day 3: Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary
Another magical day unfolds at Chincua Sanctuary. Ride and hike to see monarchs blanketing the forest floor as they gather to drink. Learn about conservation efforts led by WWF–Mexico and local communities to protect this delicate ecosystem. Later, explore Angangueo’s vibrant murals, celebrating the monarchs’ deep cultural significance.
Day 4: El Rosario Sanctuary & Jungapeo
Return to El Rosario for a morning spectacle as monarchs awaken and take flight. After lunch, travel to Jungapeo and unwind at our eco-lodge, known for its mineral hot springs and lush birdlife. Enjoy a dip, a spa treatment, or a peaceful hike in this tranquil setting.
Day 5: Jungapeo, Toluca & Mexico City
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the eco-lodge before traveling back to Mexico City. En route, visit Toluca’s Cosmovitral Botanical Garden, where stained-glass masterpieces illuminate exotic plant life. Conclude with a farewell dinner featuring authentic Mexican cuisine.
Day 6: Departure
Transfer to the airport for onward flights, carrying unforgettable memories of the monarch migration.
Your Accommodation
Plaza Don Gabino Hotel
Surrounded by mountains covered in conifer forests of oyamel, pine and juniper, Plaza Don Gabino is located in the butterfly base of Angangueo, a historic mining town roughly 20 minutes from the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve World Heritage Site. Offering simple accommodations, authentic atmosphere and abundant local hospitality, this small hotel exudes the charm Angangueo is known for—captured in its red tile roof, plaster walls, exposed brick, carved wooden furniture and vibrantly painted walls. Potted flowers line the outdoor walkways, and an enchanting courtyard garden attracts butterfly visitors. Like all the humble accommodations in this remote village, the hotel has no central heating. While nights can be cold at this altitude, your comfort is enhanced by the wood-burning stone fireplace in the lobby, and heavy blankets and hot water bottles in your room at night. Guest rooms are spacious and colorful, with plenty of natural light, brightly painted walls, and views of the mountain behind. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi, although the latter can be somewhat hit or miss. The dining room serves home-cooked local fare, and you’re sure to enjoy a warm rapport with the hotel’s friendly staff.
Agua Blanca
Tucked into the lush mountains of Michoacan, Hotel Agua Blanca is a secluded eco-resort renowned for its legendary mineral hot springs, stunning natural beauty, and restaurant serving organic, traditional Mexican cuisine. A lively river runs through the property’s 75 acres, and guests can explore the verdant forests, colourful gardens and aromatic bushes—all home to a panoply of tropical birds—on a network of trails.
With just 21 guest rooms, Hotel Agua Blanca offers an intimate experience. Simple rooms are quaint and comfortable, with white walls and exposed wooden beams. Colourful painted accents brighten the dark wooden furniture, and beds are dressed in crisp linens and vibrant blankets. Some rooms have two double beds while others one king, and all have views of the gardens. En suite bathrooms feature solar-heated hot water, stand-alone showers and refillable toiletries (no hair dryers). Although rooms do not have televisions—the owners prefer to keep the focus on nature—Wi-Fi and cell service are available throughout the hotelAgua Blanca's main draw is its legendary mineral hot springs, whose healing powers were revered by the ancient Purepecha Empire. The rock-lined pools maintain an average temperature of 85° F, providing a comfortably warm and soothing experience. In addition to the thermal pools, the hotel also has a spa and a traditional Temazcal steam bath. The Temazcal, a sweat lodge, is believed to help with purification and healing and is available for an additional fee.
In addition to solar hot water heaters, the hotel has implemented water conservation and recycling programs, as well as the use of eco-friendly products throughout the property.
Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel
Fully renovated in 2020, the 4-star Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec is one of Mexico City's finest hotels. Enjoying an ideal location facing the Bosque de Chapultepec, one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere, it offers the best of both worlds: proximity to the buzz of cosmopolitan Mexico City and a verdant nature sanctuary just out the door. The hotel is conveniently located just 7 miles from Benito Juárez International Airport (a quick 15-minute drive), near the Auditorio Nacional and famed Paseo de la Reforma. Most of the rooms in this highrise tower offer panoramic views, including of the adjacent Castle of Chapultepec. The hotel's modern decor is sleek, elegant and understated, featuring a calm neutral color palette. Standard amenities in spacious 366-square-foot rooms include air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, plush bedding and linens, deluxe robes, a refrigerator, stocked mini bar, and a flat-screen TV with cable. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Azur, serves up Mediterranean-inspired food and carefully crafted artisan cocktails in a space with an inviting mid-century vibe. A full buffet breakfast is also included. Unwind in the 24-hour gym on the premises or refresh and restore at the spa offering a sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and treatments including aromatherapy massages, scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures. If time permits, you may wish to visit some of Mexico City's prime cultural attractions in the neighborhood; among them are Chapultepec Park and Zoo, the National Museum of Anthropology, Museum of Modern Art and Rufino Tamayo Museum.
Hotel La Margarita
La Margarita is a simple local hotel located near the center of the small historic mining town of Anguangeo. While its amenities are modest, rooms are clean and colorful and provide a base steeped in local atmosphere for our nearby butterfly activities. Spacious rooms have en suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Like all accommodations in this remote mountain village, the hotel is not heated. However, rooms have wood-burning fireplaces, which take the evening chill off while adding rustic ambience. Extra blankets are also available. We base our butterfly trips in Anguangeo for the special local atmosphere, the town's involvement in monarch conservation, and its close access to Rosario butterfly sanctuary.
