Monarch Butterflies Through the Lens: A Mexico Photo Expedition
January 11-17, 2026
Every winter, millions—perhaps a billion—monarch butterflies descend upon the cool, high-altitude cloud forests of central Mexico, transforming the landscape into one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles. When they take flight in great numbers, the soft, rhythmic fluttering of wings mimics the sound of gentle rain. Trees bend under the sheer weight of clustered butterflies, and the air becomes a swirl of orange and black magic.
Join Reefs to Rockies and award-winning photographer Cheryl Opperman for an intimate photographic expedition into the heart of Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Designed specifically for photographers, this workshop-style journey ensures maximum time in the reserves and optimal conditions to capture powerful, emotive images. You’ll chase beautiful light, linger in the stillness of morning, and witness one of the most remarkable migrations on Earth from a front-row seat.
With a small group and expert guidance, you’ll not only photograph monarchs in motion and at rest—you’ll connect deeply with the story they tell. Cheryl’s thoughtful instruction, artistic eye, and passion for nature create the ideal setting for learning and creative inspiration. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or simply ready to take your work to the next level, this expedition offers the time, space, and support to do just that.
As one past traveler put it: “WOW, what an experience! We had a front row seat to an incredible spectacle of nature. Cheryl is a wonderful professional photographer, great teacher, passionate nature lover, and an even better person. …I strongly suggest taking one of Cheryl’s workshops – you won’t be disappointed.” – Brent W., 2024 Monarch Photo Expedition Participant
This is more than a photography tour—it’s a celebration of movement, color, and conservation. Come see the monarch migration as few ever will.
About Your Photo Expedition Leader – Cheryl Opperman
Cheryl Opperman is a nationally acclaimed nature photographer whose work spans all seven continents. For more than two decades, she’s captured striking images of wildlife, natural landscapes, and indigenous cultures with an eye for detail, light, and emotion. Her images have appeared everywhere from The Denver Post to Apple campaigns to the halls of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Her artistic vision has earned numerous accolades from Nature’s Best Photography, the International Photography Awards, the Earth Day Network, and the National Wildlife Federation. She’s been named one of Outdoor Photographer Magazine’s leading female nature photographers and has appeared on-camera with 9News Denver, Smithsonian Earth, and The Luminous Landscape.
Beyond her lens, Cheryl is a gifted educator and speaker. She’s presented talks and workshops for the National Park Service, the Crane Trust, the Colorado Environmental Film Festival, and the North American Nature Photography Association. Her approach blends technical expertise with an authentic love of the natural world, making her an inspiring mentor for photographers of all levels.
Cheryl holds an honors degree in Industrial/Scientific Photography from the prestigious Brooks Institute. Participants consistently praise her generosity, insight, and ability to elevate not just the quality of their photos, but the meaning behind them.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sun, Jan 11): Arrival to Mexico City ~ Upon arrival to Mexico City, we’ll be met by your local guide for the transfer to our hotel. Our hotel tonight is on the west side of town so that we may avoid traffic leaving the city tomorrow morning.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Santa Fe
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 (Mon, Jan 12): El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve ~ Morning departure to El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. El Rosario is easily the most famous sanctuary open to the public in the biosphere reserve. Today, we’ll experience it firsthand as we learn photography techniques for the days to come.
Accommodations: Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Days 3-5 (Jan 13-15): Photography Workshops at Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve ~ Three full days of photography sessions at the reserves. Sites will be selected based on current cluster numbers and locations. Expect hikes to take at least 30 minutes to over 1 hour each way at elevations between 9000-11,000 ft. Please call if you have concerns about hiking. The trail can be steep, but we go at a very slow pace.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Accessing the monarch cluster sites includes sometimes strenuous hiking at elevations between 9000-11,000 feet. We go at a very slow pace, so no one should feel rushed and porters will carry your heavy photography gear. You only need to carry your own food and water. Please call if you have questions or concerns.
Day 6 (Fri, Jan 16): Valle de Bravo Landscapes ~ Today’s photography sessions will focus on local landscapes and waterfalls in the Valle de Bravo area. Relive trip highlights this evening during our Farewell Dinner.
Accommodations: Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 (Sat, Jan 17): Departure ~ Transfer to Mexico City International Airport (MEX) in time for our flights home. Flight departure needs to be at 2 pm or later.
Meals: Breakfast
DETAILS
Price: $6750* per person based on double occupancy accommodations. Add $995* if you prefer private, single occupancy accommodations.
Includes: accommodations (two people sharing a room); photo workshop instructor Cheryl Opperman with exclusive access to individual sessions; full-time local bilingual trip leader; transfer from airport to hotel on arrival day; private transportation Days 2-7; local ejido guides at monarch sanctuaries; porter at monarch sanctuaries; entrance fees; meals as listed (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners); 24/7 in-country support; and gratuities (for guides, drivers, porters, and at restaurants for included meals). A donation to support local conservation efforts will be made on behalf of all participants.
Excludes: flights; passport fees; hotel upgrades; travel insurance; meals not listed (4 dinners); pre- and post- arrangements; 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: 4-6 participants + Cheryl Opperman + Local Guide.
A Note About Gratuities– Your trip cost includes gratuities for local guides, porters, 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 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.
