Monarch Butterfly sanctuary tour - Mexico
Itinerary
Day 1: Mexico City:
Arrive in Mexico City and meet for an orientation dinner.
Day 2: Rosario / Angangueo:
The urban landscape gives way to the fresh air and forests of
the highlands, where the snow-capped volcano of Xinantécatl stands
sentinel. Our destination is the mountain community of Angangueo, a
traditional village of tile roofs, cobblestone lanes and cornfields
clinging to steep hillsides. This afternoon we visit Rosario
Butterfly Sanctuary, our first entry into the monarch kingdom. As
we arrive in an open-back truck, a few butterflies are flitting
about, a hint of the wonders that await. Ascending the trail
through the forest, we see more and more of them, till we reach the
heart of their resting place. What we find is an almost surreal
sight. Millions of monarchs cover the tall oyamel fir trees in a
delicate, quivering black and orange blanket. Boughs bend beneath
their numbers, though each weighs less than half an ounce. As the
sun warms their parchment-thin wings, the butterflies take to the
air in a whirling cloud of color and, yes, sound. Mexico’s
sanctuaries are the only place in the world where you can actually
hear butterflies’ wings beating. The beauty of the butterflies is
so ethereal that many Mexicans still hold the Aztec belief that the
souls of the dead are reborn as monarchs.
Day 3: Chincua / Angangueo:
We drive to Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary for another magical
encounter with the monarchs. Riding horses most of the way, we hike
the last bit to the mariposas. Sometimes the forest floor is
carpeted in patches of orange as the butterflies descend to drink.
We learn of efforts to preserve the fragile ecosystem that is the
key to their survival. Our visit is one way to assist,
demonstrating to the local people that ecotourism can be as viable
a source of economic sustenance as logging.
Day 4: Valle de Bravo:
Valle de Bravo is an inviting Mexican resort town on Lake
Avándaro (Avándaro means “dream place” in the Tarascan Indian
language). White stucco houses with red-tile roofs are covered in
bougainvillea, while brilliant fl owers in the Plaza Independencia
attract a multitude of birds. Here, we relax in lakeside luxury at
the Hotel Avándaro Golf and Spa Resort after two days of butterfly
tracking.
Day 5: Piedra Herrada Sanctuary / Toluca / Mexico
City:
Our last butterfly encounter is at Piedra Herrada, the newest
and least developed sanctuary. We again ride horses and hike
through dense forest to the roosting areas. On our return to Mexico
City, we stop in Toluca, originally a 13th-century Indian
settlement, where we’ll visit the Cosmovitral botanical gardens,
aglow with stained-glass panels created by a Tolucan artist. Our
trip concludes with a Mexican farewell feast at a fine restaurant
en route.
Day 6: Return Home:
Transfer to the airport for flights home or to Puerto Vallarta
to experience one of our optional extensions.
Optional Extension
Off the Pacific coastal village of Puerto Vallarta lies the
mating and breeding ground of hundreds of humpback whales. Head out
by small boat to view these leviathans. You can also snorkel and
bird watch on this wonderful tropical wildlife extension. 3 Nights
/ 4 Days.
Quick links:
monarch butterfly sanctuary tour mexico -
introduction
monarch butterfly sanctuary tour mexico -
factfile
monarch butterfly sanctuary tour mexico -
dates & prices
monarch butterfly sanctuary tour mexico -
booking enquiry
monarch butterfly sanctuary tour mexico -
before you go
REF: The Kingdom of the Monarch Butterfly -
NH0003
