Mexico | Photographing the Mystical Migration of the Monarchs with Emily Carter
About this trip
One of the most amazing phenomena in nature is the annual migration of Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) southward from their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada to overwintering sites high in the mountains of southern Mexico. Hundreds of millions of Monarchs fly along the Gulf Coast, or across the Gulf of Mexico, to eventually reach the belt of high volcanic mountains which stretches across the southern end of the central Mexican plateau. At about a dozen isolated places within the high-altitude forests of this zone, Monarchs pass the winter in aggregations that can exceed 2 billion individual butterflies. Join Emily Carter to stand amid the fir-covered mountains and photograph this awe-inspiring spectacle as the monarchs flutter, dip, and swoop overhead.
Highlights
- Hike or ride horseback to two different monarch reserves in Michoacán, where millions of individual monarch butterflies gather.
- Photograph the dramatic colors of the butterflies as they hang in clusters from the trees, drink from streams, feed on wildflowers, and soar in the air above.
- Visit the pyramids at Teotihuacán, one of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican sites of pre-Columbian times.
- Spend time exploring colonial Angangueo, which was once a mining town but now derives most of its livelihood from butterfly ecotourism and agriculture.
Activity Level 4: Moderate-Strenuous
This journey is for fit and active nature enthusiasts. Daily activities last for 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 weight limit of approximately 260 lbs to ride the 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. Though days are typically sunny, there can be some windy conditions, and nights occasionally drop below 30°F. Also included are walking tours in provincial towns and in Mexico City. Here, at the Teotihuacán archaeological site, you can choose to climb two pyramids: the largest is over 200 feet high with 248 steep steps.
Additional Notes
During site visits, the days entail walking around the butterfly sites on your own and photographing and watching butterflies. Please be prepared to be independent during butterfly watching.
Please also see the information about Safety & Risk Management under the Travel Info tab.
About your leader
Emily Carter
Emily Carter is an award-winning and published nature and wildlife photographer, and has an intimate connection with Costa Rica. She has lived in and visited the country over the past 50 years and has an appreciation of all that Costa Rica offers. From sweeping landscapes and cultural experiences to its incredible wildlife, there is so much to discover.
Through her work Nature as Art, she brings a creative interpretation of our natural world. Her work has been exhibited with numerous art galleries. Her passion for photography is shared with others through her nature and wildlife photography classes offered in the Metro DC area.
Website: https://www.emilycarterphotography.net
Mexico City
Dec 3, 2024
Upon arrival in Mexico City, you will be met in the airport and taken to your hotel, situated in the historic district on the Zócalo. The Zócalo is the largest plaza in Latin America, and it is surrounded by the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, and many restaurants and historical architecture. This evening, meet in the hotel lobby at 7 pm for a welcome dinner and program orientation at a nearby restaurant. Check-in starts at 3 pm.
Dinner included
Overnight at Zócalo Central Hotel
Angangueo
Dec 4, 2024
Begin today with a short exploration of Mexico City, with a boxed lunch provided. Then, depart for the colonial town of Angangueo, located high in the mountains in the state of Michoacán, about 100 miles west of Mexico City. Check in at Hotel Don Bruno. After dinner, receive a brief orientation on the Monarch sites and our activities over the next several days. Please note that it can get cold at night and in the early morning so it is recommended that you bring warm sleeping clothes.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hotel Don Bruno
Angangueo
Dec 5, 2024
After breakfast, ascend into the mountains to an approximate elevation of 10,000 feet to visit Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, one of several nearby Monarch sites. The day begins with a hike up to the reserve entrance. Horses are available to rent as an alternative option for this portion of the hike, which costs around 150 to 200 pesos in cash only. Once there, continue up the mountain on foot until reaching the site where the butterflies are roosting. The hike is uphill but you can walk at your own pace and stop to rest as needed. The remainder of the afternoon entails walking around the butterfly site on your own, photographing and watching butterflies independently. A boxed lunch is provided to eat at leisure. Bathroom access is at the base of the mountain and can be reached by walking or renting a horse. There are also vendors at the base selling food, beverages, and local crafts. The site is typically shaded, so remember to dress in layers in preparation for the high elevations. If time permits, visit Alternare Center, which has more than 20 years of experience working with rural communities to help conserve the butterfly habitat. They also teach sustainable farming techniques, how to build Adobe-style homes and wood-saving stoves, and water conservation practices. Later this afternoon, take a guided walking tour through the town of Angangueo. Founded in 1792, the town served as a main mining center providing wealth for the area. Today, the town derives its income from butterfly tourism and agriculture. While exploring the cobblestone streets, your guide will share sites of interest and the importance of butterfly conservation to the town. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hotel Don Bruno
Angangueo
Dec 6, 2024
Today, visit El Rosario, the most accessible Monarch sanctuary for the public. The journey begins with a hike or horseback ride to the site. The large overwintering colony here normally contains more than 100 million adult Monarchs and has an excellent trail system winding through the fir-covered slopes on which the colony is located. Additionally, there is a nearby stream where the butterflies may fly at midday to drink water. Have a simple picnic lunch while enjoying this spectacular phenomenon and watch the butterflies go through their daily cycle of activities. At this time of year, they may take flight for an hour or more to secure water, nectar, etc., before returning to their roost on the tree limbs or trunks. Please be prepared to be independent today during butterfly watching. In the late afternoon, return to the colonial town of Angangueo. Have some free time to enjoy the hotel gardens, walk, photograph the interesting scenes and people in this beautiful town, or simply relax.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hotel Don Bruno
Mexico City
Dec 7, 2024
After breakfast, depart for the Mexico City area and the pyramids at San Juan Teotihuacán. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near the pyramids, spend the afternoon exploring this world-renowned archaeological site. It covers 32 square miles and contains many structures, including two large pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun, at a height of more than 200 feet, is one of the largest known pre-Columbian structures in the Americas. After time to explore the site on your own, return to the hotel on the Zócalo for a farewell dinner at nearby restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Zócalo Central Hotel
Dec 8, 2024
This morning, travel to the airport for your flight home. Check-out time is 12pm.
Breakfast- included