Journey with the Western Monarch Migration to the oyamel fir forests between the Mexican states of Michoacan and Estado de Mexico. An estimated 21 million butterflies take flight to overwinter in this ideal microclimate. We’ll begin in Mexico City to soak in the food, art, and modern city life before journeying to CDMX’s fringes to canoe Xochimilco’s floating gardens with resident axolotl researchers. Now that you've had time to acclimate to altitude, you'll move on to the mountains, lake, and valleys outside the city. Trek with ethical guides along dirt paths know only to locals as well as to protected gems like the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
About me! My goal is to provide our ethical roamers with unique and memorable travel experiences while also supporting local communities and minimizing our impact on the environment.
Details about the accommodation: All hotel rooms are double occupancy. Single-room occupancy may be available by request for an added fee (no markup, just the cost of the full room!). Ask your TripLeader. 3 nights in a Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice hotel, nestled into the Roma Sur neighborhood Rooms have two beds or a large king sized bed for paired travelers.
What's included?
Roundtrip transfer from airport (MEX)
Accommodations
Walking tour of CDMX’s historic sites
Canoe the floating farms of Xochimilco
Horseback riding across Michoácan forest
3-4 Monarch Butterfly overwinter sites
Fee for National Museum of Anthropology
Visits to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
English speaking local guides
Breakfast and some lunches
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I'm a former marine researcher turned professional explorer. I curate travel expeditions that are sustainable, responsible, and ethical.
You can chat with Mary Cate once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Mexico City
Day 1-3
Journey to Mexico City. Fair Travel expedition crew will collect you from the airport and get you settled at your hotel in the beautiful Roma Sur neighborhood. Move through the streets like a local, venturing to the neighboring areas of La Condesa (CDMX’s trendy hipster scene) and Roma Norte (a lively, upper-class neighborhood your stomach will thank you for exploring.) You'll need some time to acclimate to the altitude before journeying to see the butterflies. Throw on your walking shoes to tour Mexico city’s best sights! Spend the afternoon exploring the world’s largest collection of Mexican artifacts at the acclaimed Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Anthropology Museum).
2
Xochimilco
Day 3-4
Paddle through the pre-colonial waterways of Xochimilco with biologists and axolotl researchers for an authentic, behind the scenes view of life amongst the chinampas. Share a traditional meal with your fellow Ethical Roamers. Break off from the group for a solo taste of Mexico city, or for an optional add on tour of la Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s former resistance turned museum. Consider spending the afternoon on a trajinera, a colorful party boat! Take this challenge to hone your ethical roaming ways while also throwing back a few cervezas!
3
Zitácuaro
Day 4-5
Take in the views of mountains, lakes, and forests as we we say goodbaye to CDMX in search of this winter’s monarch migration. Zitácuaro will act as our basecamp. Each day our local guide will choose from 5 roosting sites, based on conditions and reports.
4
Reserva de la Biósfera Santuario Mariposa Monarca
Day 5-6
Encounter the eastern population of monarch butterlies at The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the coming days you'll search out the monarchs in lesser known roosting areas via horses or hiking trails.
5
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Sierra Chincua
Day 6-7
This site is one of the least strenuous to access with mostly flat hiking trails. It's less developed than The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and El Rosario. Here you are likely to find clusters of resting monarchs.
6
El Cerro Pelón
Day 7
Cerro Pelon is not always accessible and is one of the least known viewing sites. Introduce yourself to a strong and well-fed horse, your companion for the day. Together you’ll wend into this area, guaranteed to feel like your own private sanctuary.
7
Mexico City International Airport
Day 7
Return to Mexico City via private shuttle. The drive is about 2 hours 30 minutes. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Say goodbye to your new friends, or perhaps stick together for the next leg of your Mexican adventure!
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel
7 days trip
Mexico City, Xochimilco & 5 more
Transportation
Car
What's excluded?
Entry fees to some historic sites
Most meals other than breakfast
Airfare
Gratuity
Travel Insurance
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Mexico
Be surrounded by 21 million butterflies 
Roundtrip transfer from airport (MEX) 
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24 Countries
2 Trips Completed
Entry fees to some historic sites 
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