Birds and Butterflies of Central Mexico

Every winter, millions of monarch butterflies transform the montane cloud forests of central Mexico into a breathtaking spectacle. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is one of nature’s greatest shows—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any wildlife enthusiast. But the magic doesn’t stop there.

Central Mexico also boasts world-class birding, from the urban oases of Mexico City to the pristine forests of Valle de Bravo. This 8-day adventure with Reefs to Rockies and Denver Audubon blends the thrill of birdwatching with the awe of the monarch migration, all while immersing you in the rich culture and history of Mexico.

About Your Expedition Leaders

Carly Crow: Carly from Reefs to Rockies is excited to co-lead this expedition alongside Pamela. Carly has dedicated herself to avian research since 2017, specializing in bird banding and field studies. Her work as a field biologist has taken her across the U.S. and around the world, providing her with invaluable experience in diverse ecosystems. With a strong background in tropical ecology, Carly has led research and educational projects in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador. 

Pamela García: Pamela is excited to share her passion for birds and nature on this adventure. Born and raised in the heart of Mexico City, Pamela has spent years exploring the incredible biodiversity of her home country. Pamela’s expertise and enthusiasm for birding are matched by her dedication to creating inclusive spaces for all nature lovers. As one of the few female birding guides in Mexico, she is proud to lead tours that empower her guests to connect with birds and the natural world in a meaningful way.

With Carly’s and Pamela’s guidance, this will surely be a birds and butterflies experience to remember.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Sat, Jan 10): Arrival in Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis where ancient history meets modern energy. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our centrally located hotel near scenic parks, bustling markets, and local eateries. This evening, meet your expert guides and fellow travelers at our Welcome Dinner as we prepare for the week’s natural wonders ahead.

Accommodations: Circulo Condesa

Meals: Dinner

Days 2-3 (Sun, Jan 11 and Mon, Jan 12): Birding the Hidden Gems of Mexico City
Mexico City may be one of the largest urban centers in the world, but its green spaces are teeming with birdlife. Over two days, we’ll explore a diverse range of birding hotspots:

• Xochimilco Floating Gardens & EcoPark – Glide aboard a trajinera through ancient canals where wetlands attract a variety of waterfowl and migratory species and then explore Xochimilco EcoPark nearby on foot.
•  San Nicolás Totolapan – Discover high-elevation pine-oak forests home to several of Mexico’s endemic species.

Our flexible approach ensures we follow recent sightings and seasonal highlights, maximizing your birding experience in this dynamic city.

Accommodations: Circulo Condesa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 (Tues, Jan 13): Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary & Valle de Bravo
After breakfast, we leave the city behind and journey to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Depending on current monarch activity, we’ll visit the sanctuary offering the best viewing opportunities.

Ride horseback and hike into the heart of the reserve, where the air shimmers with millions of monarchs clinging to oyamel fir trees or soaring overhead. It’s an unforgettable encounter with one of the planet’s most extraordinary migrations.

By evening, we arrive in Valle de Bravo, a picturesque “Pueblo Mágico” known for its colonial charm and natural beauty. Settle in for a three-night stay surrounded by the region’s lush forests and serene lake.

Accommodations: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 (Wed, Jan 14): Monarchs & Mountain Birds
No two days at the monarch sanctuaries are the same. Today, we return to the reserve to witness a new facet of the butterflies’ daily rhythm. While there, we’ll also search for montane bird species like red warblers, white-eared hummingbirds, and streak-backed oriole.

Our expert guides will lead us through prime birding areas, adjusting the day’s itinerary based on weather, recent monarch movements, and bird activity.

Accommodations: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 (Thurs, Jan 15): Valle de Bravo & Surrounding Wilderness
Today is dedicated to exploring the bird-rich landscapes around Valle de Bravo. From cascading waterfalls to highland forests, we’ll seek out regional avian highlights at stunning birding hotspots.

In the afternoon, tap into your creative side during an optional nature sketching workshop led by our talented guide-artists. No artistic experience required—just a love of nature and a sense of wonder.

Accommodations: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 (Fri, Jan 16): Return to Mexico City & Farewell Dinner
After a final morning of birding, we journey back to Mexico City. Our hotel is conveniently located near the historic Zócalo, offering time to explore the city’s iconic architecture and vibrant culture before our celebratory Farewell Dinner.

Accommodations: Zocalo Central

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 (Sat, Jan 17): Departure
After an unforgettable week immersed in the natural and cultural treasures of central Mexico, we’ll transfer to Mexico City International Airport (MEX) for our flights home.

Meals: Breakfast

Why Join Us?

• Unparalleled Wildlife Encounters – Witness the monarch migration and explore diverse birding habitats with expert guides.
• Immersive Cultural Experiences – From colonial towns to ancient canals, experience the beauty and heritage of Mexico.
• Exclusive Access & Expert Guidance – Enjoy small-group travel led by seasoned naturalists and local experts.

Reserve your spot today for this extraordinary journey where the skies come alive with wings!

DETAILS

Price: $4675* per person based on two people sharing double occupancy accommodations. If you prefer private, single occupancy accommodations, add $810**.

Inclusions: accommodations; airport transfer on arrival and departure days; private transportation Days 2-7; 2 Expedition Leaders; all meals starting with Dinner on Day 1 through Breakfast on Day 8; ejido guides at monarch sanctuaries; entrance fees; horse rental, if applicable at monarch sanctuaries; purified water available throughout; gratuities for your expedition leaders, local guides, and drivers, as well as at restaurants for included meals; and a conservation donation to support Denver Audubon, as well as to support monarch butterfly conservation efforts in Mexico.

Exclusions: flights; passport fees; room upgrades; pre- and post- hotel stays; optional activities; personal expenses; travel insurance; and optional gratuities for hotel staff.

*Reflects payment by check. Credit card fees will be assessed at time of booking based on payment method.

**If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a double occupancy room, but we can’t find a suitable roommate for you, the private room surcharge will apply.

Level of Difficulty: Participants must be prepared to ride a horse as well as hike over sometimes steep, rocky, uneven terrain at elevations between 9000-11,000 ft when visiting the monarch butterfly sanctuaries. This trip is designated as moderately difficult due to the monarch sanctuary visit days.

Group size: 8-10 participants + 2 Expedition Leaders. We are known for having smaller group sizes with a better birder to guide ratio than most companies offering similar itineraries.

A Note About Gratuities – Your trip cost includes gratuities for your expedition leaders, drivers, and ejido guides at the monarch reserves, as well as at restaurants. This allows us to reliably and equitably compensate everyone working so hard to keep you happy, healthy, and safe during your trip.

Important Information: Itinerary has been built to allow flexibility to accommodate activities and sightseeing. Every effort will be made to carry out all activities as planned and advertised, however, trip leaders reserve the right to make alterations, deletions, or modifications to the itinerary deemed necessary due to circumstances beyond their control.

Reserve Your Spot Now!