Mystical Migration of the Monarch
February 9 – 15, 2028
One of the most amazing phenomena in nature is the annual migration of monarch butterflies from their breeding grounds in the U.S. and Canada to overwintering sites in southern Mexico. Hundreds of millions of monarchs fly southward to eventually reach the belt of high volcanic mountains that stretches across the southern end of the central Mexican plateau. At about a dozen isolated sites within the high-altitude forests of this zone, monarchs pass the winter in aggregations that can exceed two billion individual butterflies. Stand amid the fir-covered mountains and witness this awe-inspiring spectacle firsthand as the monarchs flutter, dip, and swoop overhead.
This trip is in partnership with Holbrook Travel.
Monarchs by Pelin Karaca.
Trip highlights
- Explore three monarch sanctuaries. Hike or ride horseback to monarch reserves in Michoacan, where millions of individual monarch butterflies gather.
- Learn about monarch biology. Hear about their life cycle, migration journey, and the conservation of these colony sites.
- Visit San Juan Teotihuacan. Explore these world-famous pyramids, one of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican sites of pre-Columbian times.
- Hike the cobblestone streets of Angangueo. Explore this colonial town, which was once a mining town but now derives most of its livelihood from butterfly ecotourism and agriculture.
- Travel with a small group. This trip is limited to 15 travelers. We think the small-group atmosphere allows you to get closer to your guide, each other, and, most importantly, nature.
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in Mexico by Pelin Karaca.
Activity Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
This journey is for fit and active nature enthusiasts. Daily activities last 5 or more hours. There are challenging excursions to butterfly colonies that may require walking for approximately 2 miles at altitudes of up to 10,660 feet on some trails that are narrow and rugged. These may involve both steep uphill and downhill hikes of 30 minutes or more (hiking at your own pace), and require horseback riding for part of the way; please note there is a maximum 260 lbs to ride horses. Restrooms are only available at the base of the mountain. Weather in the Central Highlands during the migration is typically cool and dry with average temperatures in the 50s.
Safety & Risk Management
Please note that this program visits the Mexican state of Michoacán, which the U.S. State Department has long designated a Travel Advisory Level 4 due to criminal activity. Mexico City is designated a Level 2. Holbrook has operated programs to view the monarch migration in these locations for many years without incident, and they have strict safety protocols in place for all of their destinations. However, it is ultimately up to each traveler to make their own assessment regarding safety and risk. Travelers are advised to visit https://travel.state.gov for more information.
Angangueo Mexico by Pelin Karaca.
Pricing
The base cost is $3,400 per person. The price includes accommodations, meals, entrance fees, activities noted in the itinerary, private vehicle transportation unless otherwise noted in the itinerary, non-alcoholic beverages with meals, a full time guide, gratuities for activity guides, meals, and porters, bottled water on the bus, and a carbon offset.
A deposit of $350/person is required by participants to register and reserve a space on the program. Reservations submitted beyond the final payment deadline noted below will require full payment to enroll.
Cancellation Policy
150 or more days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded.
149-96 days before departure: full deposit of $350 is forfeited.
95-0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.
Registration deadline is August 18, 2027.
Vista near monarchs reserve by Ian Segebart.
Kim Kreitinger
Field Trip Coordinator
(608) 409-3110
Kim.Kreitinger@WisConservation.org
Kim Kreitinger (she/her) supports the Foundation's Field Trip program, plans our domestic and international travel, and helps connect members with the Foundation.
Banner photo by Pelin Karaca.