Wildlife Tour ￨ Monarch Butterfly Migration - 7 Days
Visit 2 Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries in the State of México
Explore Toluca, Metepec, Valle de Bravo & the Rural Outdoor Market in Amanalco
7 Day Guided México Wildlife & Cultural Tour
(includes day of arrival & departure)
from $2250 per person + air
Single Supplement +$410
Travelers on this fully guided exploration tour will have the opportunity to witness up-close tens of thousands of monarch butterflies in 2 lesser known forest sanctuaries located in the State of México (Estado de México).
By visiting these more out-of-the-way locations, our guests will have a better opportunity of viewing the monarchs in a more up-close setting without large crowds of tourists competing for prime viewing spots.
In addition, guests will get a “birds-eye” view of the historic center of México City at night from an observation vantage point high above the city.
Our travel guests will also tour the city of Toluca (capital city of Estado de México), wander around the traditional local market in the small pueblo of Amanalco, get to know the charming lakeside town of Valle de Bravo, and encounter interesting ceramic artwork handcrafted by local artisans in the town of Metepec.
One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to the Xalapa Anthropology Museum where we’ll be introduced to the oldest known civilization in the Americas, the Olmecs. Several original giant Olmec stone heads are housed in this museum filled with thousands of ancient artifacts.
In addition, we’ll have the opportunity to tour the historic port city of Veracruz, its massive harbor fortress, the Veracruz Naval Museum, and the coffee growing region of the state where we will wander around 2 quaint pre-Hispanic towns which have been designated as Pueblo Mágicos (México Magic Towns).
This tour is for curious travelers who like to dig into what took place in the past, when it happened, why it happened, and how it has influenced the people living their today.
Join us on this week-long educational journey we call, Best of Veracruz ￨ History, Traditions & Ancient Ruins Tour in the state of Veracruz, México.
• View Thousands to Millions of Monarch Butterflies in the Air & on the Trees
• See México City at Night from a High Observation Deck
• Marvel at the Colorful Artwork Created from 500,000 Stain Glass Pieces in Toluca
• Tour Toluca’s City Center
• Eat Breakfast with the Locals at the Sunday Outdoor Market in Amanalco
• Enjoy a Picnic Lunch by a Scenic Overlook
• Tour the Lakeside Town of Valle de Bravo
• View the Locally Made Works of Ceramic Art in the Town of Metepec
*2024 Tour Dates
Nov 29-Dec 5 (Fr-Th)
**2024 Prices
$2250 per person – double
Single: +$410
___________________
*2025 Tour Dates
Jan 24-30 (Fr-Th)
Feb 7-13 (Fr-Th)
Nov 28-Dec 4 (Fr-Th)
**2025 Prices
$2395 per person – double
Single: +$470
* Includes day of arrival & departure.
** Prices in USD. Air not included in tour price.
Arrive in México City and check in at our hotel.
This evening we will meet host guide for dinner & then go to the observation floor in the Torre Latinoamericana building to view the city lights.
We’ll sleep in México City for 1 night. (D)
After checkout, we’ll travel west to the city of Toluca for a walking tour to explore its central downtown area, including a visit to the Cosmovitral Botanic Gardens and its stained glass murals. After lunch we will continue our journey south to the small pueblo of Amanalco. We’ll sleep there for 2 nights. (B,L,D)
This morning we will experience up-close the hustle & bustle of many local people setting up their stands in the Sunday market which takes place in the streets of Amanalco. It is there we will have breakfast with the locals at one of the food stands.
In the late morning, we’ll travel to the Santurario Portrero, a nearby monarch butterfly reserve. Unlike the bigger butterfly reserves where they have horses to take people to the higher elevations where the butterflies are, there are no horses here. It will be an uphill walk. However, our guide will pace us so that it will not be too strenuous of a hike to reach the higher altitudes of around 11,000 feet where the monarchs make their winter home.
After marveling at the sheer numbers of butterflies, we will enjoy a picnic lunch with a great scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Sleep in Amanalco. (B,L,D)
This morning it will be time to checkout and travel to the México Magic Town of Valle de Bravo. This is a popular weekend getaway location for folks from México City and the surrounding area. It is nestled next to Lake Avándaro, a glimmering body of reservoir water. The town’s narrow and sometimes steep cobbled streets are perfect for walking to explore its many shops, restaurants, and marinas. Our host guide will show us around the town.
We will stay here for 2 nights. (B,L)
Today we’ll travel to the Santuario Piedra Herrada to locate more groups of monarch butterflies. If the day is clear and sunny, we can witness thousands of them as they blanket the sky and even more as they huddle on the tall pine trees.
Sleep in Valle de Bravo. (B,L)
This morning we’ll start on our journey back to México City where we will make one stop before returning to our hotel. We will visit the Pueblo Mágico of Metepec in Estado de México.
We’ll take a look around the town which is known for its pottery, especially the clay sculptures depicting the tree of life. In Spanish, it is called Arbol de la Vida. We can see them at the Museo del Barro as well as other interesting ceramic pieces.
After lunch in Metepec, we will then return to México City to check in for the last night of our tour and to say goodbye to our host guide. (B,L)
Our tour ends after breakfast. Taxis and Ubers are plentiful to take you to the airport for your trip home or on to your next great adventure. (B,)
Buen Viaje!
Tour Price Includes:
• 7 day / 6 night guided tour
(includes day of arrival & departure)
• Small group tour size of up to 10 travelers
• All ground transportation during guided tour days
• All activities as listed in the itinerary
• All entrance fees
• 6 nights of hotel lodgings
• 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
• Tip for your host guide
Excluded:
Airfare
Airport transfers
Additional activities & meals not listed above
Alcoholic drinks
Trip interruption insurance
Trip Medical insurance
Group activities listed are subject to change.
Activity Level: Moderate
Maximum Group Size: 10
Suggested Minimum Age: 12 years
Arrival & Departure Cities: México City (MEX) / México City (MEX)
Deposit: $350 USD per person
A Reminder –
There is no need to fret over how much to tip and of having the right amount of Mexican Pesos at the end of your tour. Tips are already included for all specialty guides as well as your main host guide.
If you would like to stay a few more days either before or after your tour with us and would like some assistance in making those plans, contact us.
We can design an independent travel experience based on what you would like to see and do. We can help you to arrange for local transportation, accommodations, and set you up with a local guide.