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 and Yucatán state is a Level 1. Holbrook has operated programs to view the monarch migration in these locations for many years without incident, and we have strict safety protocols in place for all our 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.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport book to enter Mexico. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months’ validity. A passport card (as opposed to a book) is not acceptable for entry by air.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Mexican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Mexico. Though not required, the CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Mexico.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
Malaria & Other Insect-borne Illnesses
The CDC does not consider travelers to the Mexican states of Yucatán or Michoacán or to Mexico City to be at risk for malaria. If you are concerned about malaria prevention, please consult your physician.
Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Mexico, including dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, and others. These are very rare at the high elevations of Michoacán visited on this program. In Yucatán, travelers should take precautions to protect against insect bites. The CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.
Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.
Cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tick-borne illness, have been reported in the Yucatán Peninsula. To protect against tick bites, follow the measures noted above. After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, use tweezers to safely remove it as soon as possible.
As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
Altitude Sickness
The high elevations of Michoacán might cause some travelers to experience altitude sickness during this program. Please discuss appropriate preventative measures with your personal physician prior to travel.
The most common form of the illness is acute mountain sickness (AMS). Symptoms generally include: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and at times, vomiting. The two more serious, and less common, forms of altitude illness are high-cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). HACE and HAPE can be potentially fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include: profound lethargy, extreme confusion, and increased breathlessness.
To alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness: stay hydrated and well-rested; eat high-carbohydrate foods; and avoid heavy, fatty foods, alcohol, sleeping pills, or narcotics during travel and in the days before arrival. Avoid heavy exercise while staying at high elevations.
Visit the CDC website for more information.
Travelers’ Diarrhea
The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. Consumption of contaminated food and water may cause diarrhea. To avoid this, do not drink tap water, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. Avoid ice and uncooked vegetables or fruit without a peel. When in doubt, ask your guide. Restrict yourself to cooked food at restaurants, and avoid food sold on the streets. If you contract diarrhea, it is very important to drink large quantities of purified water. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication should you contract diarrhea.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
Yucatan Flamingos
Flamingos taking flight
Yucatan Flamingos
Mexico MonarchsPhoto by Todd Gustafson
Monarch close-upPhoto by Todd Gustafson
Cluster of MonarchsPhoto by Todd Gustafson
MonarchsPhoto by Todd Gustafson
Monarch cluster up closePhoto by Todd Gustafson
Monarchs in flightPhoto by Todd Gustafson
