Mexico’s Monarch Butterflies and Magical Cities w/ Butterfly Pavilion
January 19-24, 2026
Venture into the heart of central Mexico’s enchanting montane fir forests, where the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve hosts one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring wildlife phenomena. Here, millions of vibrant monarch butterflies gather each winter, transforming the landscape into a living mosaic of orange and black. Witness the breathtaking spectacle as their delicate wings flutter like whispers of rain, and massive clusters weigh down the towering branches of ancient oyamel firs. This specially curated journey with Butterfly Pavilion offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand amid this living wonder, granting you an up-close connection to one of nature’s most sublime moments.
Butterfly Pavilion, with the Government of Mexico, has announced a newly funded project to lead a critical effort to safeguard monarchs and their migration. The project aims to restore the Monarchs’ wintering grounds in Mexico by replanting native oyamel fir trees, creating safe havens for Monarchs during the winter and securing their migration for future generations. A donation to support Butterfly Pavilion’s butterfly conservation efforts will be made on behalf of all participants.
About Your Butterfly Pavilion Hosts
Richard Reading, Vice President of Science & Conservation ~ Richard Reading, Ph.D. is Vice President of Science & Conservation Butterfly Pavilion. He serves as an Adjunct Professor within the Department of Biology at the University of Denver; Affiliate Faculty with the Department of Agricultural Science and Pest Management at Colorado State University; and a Fellow with the University of Nebraska’s Center for Great Plains Studies. Dr. Reading received a Ph.D. and three Master’s degrees from Yale University in Wildlife Ecology and Human Dimensions of Wildlife and an Honorary Doctorate from the National Education University of Mongolia. In 2020, Rich was honored to receive the Order of the Polar Star, the highest honor from the Mongolian National Government for expatriates, for contributions to conservation. He has conducted or overseen projects in dozens of countries, working primarily on grassland and arid ecosystems on six continents, with a focus on the Great Plains of N. America, the steppes and deserts of Mongolia, the savannahs and deserts of Botswana, and the Altiplano of Peru. His work focuses on developing pragmatic, effective, and interdisciplinary approaches to the conservation of wildlife and protected areas through research, capacity development, and working with local people and governments. Dr. Reading serves on the boards of directors or advisors for several non-profit organizations in the U.S. and overseas; serves as an associate editor for 5 scientific journals; has published over 230 scientific papers and book chapters; written dozens of popular articles; and written or edited 8 books.
As of July 1, 2022, through 2026, Dr. Reading has joined the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, responsible for perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, providing a quality state parks system and providing enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities as a representative of the public at large. A main objective within his role is to help educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado natural resources.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Mon, Jan 19) – Arrival
Upon arrival at Mexico City International Airport (MEX), you’ll be met for your transfer to your hotel. Take the evening to relax or explore the vibrant Condesa neighborhood, known for its leafy streets, art deco architecture, and lively cafes.
Accommodations: Circulo Condesa
Meals: None
Day 2 (Tues, Jan 20) – Mexico City to Angangueo
Meet your fellow travelers, guide, and Butterfly Pavilion hosts during a Welcome Breakfast at Eno, Chef Enrique Olvera’s casual cafe. Olvera is the visionary behind Pujol, one of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants.
After breakfast, we head to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the pine-oak forests of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. This reserve protects the primary overwintering sites of the eastern monarch butterfly population. Today, we’ll visit our first sanctuary, likely Sierra Chincua, where you’ll travel by horse and on foot to reach butterfly clusters at elevations between 9,000-11,000 feet. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey.
Tonight’s rustic accommodations provide easy access to nearby monarch sanctuaries, setting the stage for more adventures.
Accommodations: Hotel Albergue Don Bruno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 (Wed, Jan 21) – Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and Valle de Bravo
No two days at the monarch sanctuaries are alike. Today, we’ll visit another reserve, with the location determined by recent sightings and butterfly cluster activity. After spending time with the monarchs, we’ll continue to Valle de Bravo, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, known for its cobbled streets, terracotta roofs, and lush surroundings.
Accommodations: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 (Thurs, Jan 22) – Monarch Sanctuary and Velo de Novia Waterfall
Today, we visit a third monarch sanctuary. This afternoon, enjoy a nature walk to Velo de Novia, a spectacular 115-foot waterfall named for its resemblance to a flowing wedding veil. Keep your binoculars handy – this area is known for excellent birding.
Accommodations: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 (Fri, Jan 23) – Valle de Bravo to Mexico City
Today, we make our way back to Mexico City with a stop at the renowned National Museum of Anthropology, a must-see for its stunning collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. This evening, relive the highlights of your journey during our Farewell Dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel Habita
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 (Sat, Jan 24) – Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
DETAILS
Price: $3995* per person based on double occupancy accommodations. Add $700* if you prefer private, single occupancy accommodations.
Includes: accommodations (two people sharing a room), airport transfers on arrival and departure day, private transportation Days 2-5, full-time local bilingual trip leader – Ruben Encalada, 2 hosts from Butterfly Pavilion – Rich Reading and Shiran Hershcovich, local ejido guides at monarch sanctuaries, horseback rental at monarch sanctuaries – if applicable, entrance fees, meals starting with breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 6, basic $0 trip cost travel insurance policy, and gratuities (for guides, drivers, and at restaurants for included meals). A donation to support Butterfly Pavilion’s butterfly conservation efforts will be made on behalf of all participants.
Excludes: flights, passport fees, hotel upgrades, upgraded travel insurance with trip cancellation and interruption benefits (available at pro-rated cost), pre- and post- arrangements, optional gratuities for hotel staff, and personal expenses.
*Reflects payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable will be assessed at time of booking.
**If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a double occupancy room, but we aren’t able to find a suitable roommate for you, the private room surcharge will apply.
Group Size: 6-10 participants + Lead Guide + 2 Butterfly Pavilion Hosts. We are known for having smaller group sizes with a better participant to guide/host ratio than other companies offering similar itineraries.
A Note About Gratuities – Your trip cost includes gratuities for local guides and drivers, 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.
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.
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.
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