Experience Nature's Miracles: Monarch Butterflies and Gray Whales in Mexico Feb 16-24, 2027
Every year Monarch Butterflies and the Pacific Gray whales undertake incredible migration journeys to Mexico- experience both with our Great Migrations tour. Begin your journey in Mexico City with a warm welcome and a classic Mexican feast. Travel to the charming town of Angangueo, where you'll visit the El Rosario and Chincua Butterfly Sanctuaries. Enjoy the sight of millions of monarch butterflies blanketing the oyamel fir trees in a spectacular display. Learn about local conservation efforts, savor authentic Mexican cuisine, and experience the vibrant culture of this picturesque mountain village. Enjoy your stay at Agua Blanca hotel, a retreat in the mountains with natural mineral spring waters, waterfalls and spa. This leg of the tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, making it an unforgettable start to your adventure.
Continue your adventure with a flight to San Ignacio Lagoon for an unparalleled whale-watching experience at Campo Cortez Ecolodge. Spend your days in awe of the majestic gray whales, exploring the serene lagoon, and enjoying hiking and tidepool walks. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you'll have twice-daily whale-watching excursions, gaining deep insights into these gentle giants. Evenings are filled with engaging lectures, delicious meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and breathtaking sunsets and starry skies. This unforgettable journey combines wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and natural splendor, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Two of nature’s most incredible journeys of beating the odds to create another generation of Life. Experience the Monarch Butterflies and Gray Whales in Mexico at their Winter migration destinations. Trip begins in Mexico City with visits to El Rosario and Chincua Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries, hike into the high forest to witness millions of butterflies in the forest clustering together to create warmth in the mornings and taking flight during warmer afternoons. Next you travel to Baja to see Gray whales in their birthing and mating waters of San Ignacio Lagoon for four nights and 3 full days at Campo Cortez. Explore a variety of cultures within Mexico and see how small villages are integrating Eco-tourism to preserve the habitats for these migrating species.
Benefits of this trip: Visit the Central Highlands of Mexico and hike forests and stay in a lush retreat with thermal mineral waters, waterfalls and spa. Then journey to the remote Baja Coast to see the Gray Whales and their babies. An amazing opportunity for photographers to capture both the Monarch Butterflies & Gray Whales.
Day 1 Mexico City, Mexico (Feb 16, 2027)
Day 2 Angangueo—El Rosario Sanctuary (Feb 17, 2027)
Day 3 Angangueo—Chincua Sanctuary (Feb 18, 2027)
Day 4 Angangueo—Bird Watch Tour and Waterfall Hike / Mexico City (Feb 19, 2027)
Day 5 Depart Mexico City- Fly to Tijuana then to San Ignacio Lagoon (Feb 20, 2027)
Day 6, 7, 8 Full Days whale watching in San Ignacio Lagoon (Feb 21-23, 2027)
Day 9 Depart San Ignacio Lagoon- charter flight to Tijuana and then to San Diego area hotel (Feb 24, 2027)
§ 6 up close Gray whale watching trips
§ 2 Visits to Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries
§ 2 nights in Agua Blanca Retreat
§ 4 days and 4 nights at our private Ecolodge, Campo Cortez
§ Solar powered beach cabins with lagoon views
§ Naturalist led discussions & field excursions
§ All inclusive: meals, beer, wine, margaritas & happy hour
§ Hiking, beach strolling, tide pool exploration
§ Experienced and knowledgeable local resident staff
§ Evening presentations
§ Dark sky constellation gazing
§ Round trip transportation to San Ignacio Lagoon
§ Hiking in Mexico Central Highlands
§ Birdwatching
§ Natural Thermal Mineral baths
Situated at the heart of the Vizcaino Biosphere, Campo Cortez solar powered Ecolodge lies on the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon, at the mouth of one of the largest bird estuaries in the area, offering spectacular opportunities to view breeding and birthing Gray whales throughout the day. A variety of species of migrating birds take refuge in the mangrove forest along our shoreline, which provides excellent bird watching and tide-pool walks. The local shoreline here is covered with millions of years of ancient whale fossils, bones, and shells.
This region of the Baja Peninsula is truly a piece of paradise that has been left untouched throughout thousands of generations and offers visitors a look at how the peninsula once was before man’s arrival.
7:00am Coffee, cereals, fruit
8:00am Hot breakfast
8:45am Whale watching
12:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Whale watching
5:30pm Happy hour
6:30pm Dinner
9:00pm Lights out-Palapa
Schedule WILL vary day to day based on tide movements and weather
§ Guided tide pool exploration & critter hunts
§ Naturalist led excursions & lectures
§ Up close whale observation & petting
§ Happy hour & incredible sunsets
§ Hike to Gray Whale boneyard
§ Beach strolling and dark sky constellation gazing
§ Bird watching
Because we value a small group size, availability is on a limited basis. Please make your reservations well in advance to secure your spots. Many of our guests plan and book their trips at least six to fourteen months in advance. For your comfort, space is limited at camp and all our reservations are made on a first come basis. Please call or email us to check our schedule for availability.
Before your departure, you’ll receive from us:
§ Comprehensive itinerary package & travel information
§ Camp guidelines & whale watching information
§ Guide information & contact information
§ Detailed packing list
We are consistently rated the #1 Travelers’ Choice on Trip Advisor year after year for one reason, our Staff and Owners - who are residents and locals to San Ignacio Lagoon. We are four generations of family living and working in the lagoon since the settlement of San Ignacio Lagoon. We take pride in our efforts at our Ecolodge to have a low-impact environmentally and the responsibility that we carry as Ambassadors to the lagoon and its many wildlife residents.
Professional expedition leaders and guides
At the beginning and end of the Butterfly trip we will be staying at the Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec Hotel.
Upon arrival in Mexico City we will arrange to have a shuttle pick you up and bring you to the hotel.
Private vans to chauffeur us from Mexico City to the highlands and daily excursions to the reserves.
All meals from Dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day
Entrance Fees to the Monarch reserves and Vizcaino Biosphere.
While visiting the Monarch Sanctuaries we will be based at Agua Blanca Hotel. Enjoy the warm mineral baths and beautiful scenery of this eco resort.
Optional Horse back riding to the Monarch colonies included as well as the local guides.
All scheduled activities and hike to waterfall at Agua Blanca.
Commercial flights with 1 checked bag will be included on Feb 20 from Mexico City to Tijuana where we meet our charter flight to the Lagoon.
Round Trip flights from Tijuana International Airport to San Ignacio Lagoon Feb 20. For the return on Feb 24, the transportation to the local San Diego area hotel is included.
Our private Campo Cortez Ecolodge with seaside solar cabins is our base while in Baja at the Gray whale sanctuary.
Enjoy a short ride to the whale observation area from our location. Enjoy a morning and an afternoon whale watch daily.
Naturalist led walks & discussions. Our sanctuary trips and whale watches will be led by naturalists who can answer questions you have about behaviors and migrations.
We have boots for walking in low tide for your use.
Taxes and fees are added to your Invoice
While traveling in Mexico City and in the highlands, we will tip the local staff.
Travel to and from the start point and end point of your trip
Passport and visa fees (if any)
Airline baggage fees
If applicable
Restaurant meals include 1 alcoholic beverage. While at the Ecolodge in San Ignacio Lagoon, all beverages are included except certain premium liquors.
On our travel day from Mexico City to Tijuana there are restaurants availble with meals and snacks at your own cost.
Any activities you select outside of the itinerary
Personal items (Laundry phone calls)
At Hotel Agua Blanca there are massage and facial services that you can book onsite.
The gratuity for the guides, captains and other staff is not included.
Travel Insurance and Medical evacuation insurance
Arrival and Transfer: Arrive at Mexico City's airport and transfer to the Grand Fiesta Chapultepec Hotel in an upscale neighborhood district.
Welcome Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner with your Guide, followed by an orientation session about the tour and the upcoming experiences. Enjoy a classic Mexican feast at a restaurant in the historic district of Mexico City.
Travel to Angangueo: Depart from Mexico City and drive through the trans volcanic belt of Mexico, passing by scenic views of the snowcapped Nevado de Toluca volcano.
Lunch: Enjoy a hearty meal of homemade Mexican dishes
El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary
Option of Horseback Riding: Ascend the trail on horseback, individually guided horses by local caballeros, while enjoying sightings of hummingbirds and red warblers or hike the trail with a guide. Both option hike the last 20-40 of the trail to reach the butterfly colonies.
Butterfly Viewing: Witness millions of monarch butterflies covering the oyamel fir trees, creating a breathtaking spectacle as they blanket the trees and take to the sky in a cloud of orange when warmed by the sun.
Overnight at Hotel Agua Blanca in Jungapeo.
Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary:· Breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive to Chincua Sanctuary.
Horseback Riding: Option to ride individually guided horses along the established trail or hike the trail with a guide - both options hike the last portion for about 20-40 minutes to reach the butterfly colonies.
Butterfly Viewing: On a warm day, observe the forest floor and streams covered with butterflies as they descend to drink.
Conservation Efforts: Learn about the conservation work by local communities to protect the monarchs' habitat and understand the significance of ecotourism in supporting these efforts.
Lunch at the Reserve- After lunch we depart for Angangueo town.
Explore Angangueo: Spend time exploring the village of Angangueo, renowned for its murals that celebrate the monarch butterflies and their importance to the community.
Evening relax and wander the lush hotel grounds, schedule a massage or swim in the warm natural mineral baths at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at Agua Blanca Hotel.
Morning at Agua Blanca:
Take an early morning bird watching tour and a hike to a nearby waterfall.
Return Journey to Mexico City- road trip journey back to Mexico City. Arrive at the hotel around 4pm.
Dinner: Early group dinner at a local restaurant.
Depart- Our monarch butterfly portion of the tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for morning flight to Tijuana.
Meet connecting flight to San Ignacio Lagoon at the Tijuana International Airport. Embark on a 2.5-hour aerial journey over the Baja landscape aboard our commercially chartered aircraft. Departing from Tijuana we fly out of the international terminal where there are restaurants and shops while you wait for the flight.
Arrive in Campo Cortez late afternoon. As the sun begins to set, join us for a festive Happy Hour in our open-air dining palapa, featuring fresh homemade guacamole, salsa, and chips, along with margaritas, beer, wine, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. It’s the perfect time to take in the colors of the lagoon, meet the staff, and connect with fellow travelers.
Dinner follows, prepared with fresh local ingredients and served with warm hospitality—an inviting end to a remarkable day.
Ecolodge Retreat
Spend four nights at our Ecolodge, nestled in the heart of the Gray Whale Sanctuary. Stay in simple yet comfortable solar-powered cabins with lagoon views, cozy beds, and electricity to charge your devices.
Whale Watching Adventures
Experience whale watching twice daily with our knowledgeable local guides and boat captains, who are residents of the lagoon. Learn about the Gray Whale Sanctuary and its inhabitants from those who know it best.
Nature Exploration
During the day, experience up close whale watching, beach strolling, hiking, and tidepool walks, enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Evening Delights
Relax in the evenings with informal lectures and discussions, reflecting on the day's adventures. Eat authentic meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and breathe in the colorful sunsets, sunrises, and starry skies.
Depart Campo Cortez and meet private charter flight back to Tijuana and then a short trip across the border via Cross Border Express (CBX) to a local San Diego hotel where our journey ends.
Discover this beautiful hotel near Chapultepec in Mexico City.
Our first and last night in Mexico City we stay at Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec. Considered by many to be one of the country's most beautiful hotels, it offers an unbeatable location in Mexico City, near the iconic Auditorio Nacional and the famed Paseo de la Reforma. The hotel features modern architecture, clean modern rooms and breathtaking views of the Castillo de Chapultepec and the Bosque de Chapultepec. Throughout your stay, you'll be treated to the distinguished service befitting one of Mexico City's most luxurious hotels.
Tucked away in the lush mountains of Michoacán, Hotel Agua Blanca is a beautiful eco-retreat known for its rejuvenating mineral warm water springs, lush landscapes, and organic Mexican cuisine. Spanning 75 acres, the property features scenic trails through vibrant gardens and tropical bird-filled forests. With just 21 rooms, the hotel offers a small group, nature-focused escape—free of TVs but with Wi-Fi and cell service. Guests can soak in legendary thermal pools, enjoy spa treatments, or hike the many trails. Committed to sustainability, the hotel uses solar-heated water, eco-friendly products, and conservation efforts, making it the perfect home base for our Monarch Butterfly adventure.
Sierra Chincua and El Rosario are two prominent butterfly sanctuaries within Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Michoacán, these reserves serve as critical overwintering habitats for millions of monarch butterflies migrating from North America.
El Rosario, situated in the municipality of Ocampo, is the most renowned and frequently visited sanctuary, offering well-developed facilities and trails for visitors.
Sierra Chincua, also in Michoacán, provides a less crowded experience, allowing visitors to observe the monarchs amidst serene natural surroundings.
Both sanctuaries play vital roles in the conservation of the monarch butterfly and offer unique opportunities for eco-tourism and environmental education.
Seemingly perched on the edge of civilization, Campo Cortez is a fully off-the-grid, solar-powered ecolodge offering clean, comfortable, modern amenities with minimal environmental impact. Built using local materials and traditional methods, our palapa serves as the heart of daily life—where guests gather for meals, activities, presentations, and connection.
Powered by advanced solar generation systems, the lodge provides 110 AC and 12-volt DC electricity for charging phones, cameras, and other devices in the palapa and cabins during daylight hours. While we encourage guests to unplug and immerse themselves in nature, we also offer Starlink internet access and a cellular antenna booster for those who wish to stay connected.
Our eco-friendly facilities include hot showers, flushing marine toilets, hand-washing stations, and clean reverse osmosis drinking water. The palapa is stocked with coffee and tea, fresh fruit and snacks, sodas, beer, and wine. Guests also enjoy a Baja-focused book library, a large-screen TV for daily presentations, a science and weather monitoring station, and a gift shop featuring locally crafted goods.
Our beachside cabins are equipped with electricity, comfortable beds, and sturdy construction that protects from coastal winds and desert elements. Ten cabins accommodate two guests with a mix of single and double beds, and three cabins accommodate three guests with one double and one single bed. Two deluxe cabins offer a private in-room toilet for nighttime convenience (available for an additional fee).
All cabins include fresh linens, pillows, shelving, and a countertop with a mirror. Charging stations provide one standard USB and two USB-C connections. Designed to be cozy and efficient, each cabin maintains a small footprint on the land.
Special Accommodations: If you have specific needs, please let us know—we will do everything possible to ensure a comfortable stay.
CPAP Users: Two cabins provide standard A/C power throughout the night for medical devices.
Special Diets: We gladly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice.
One thing we are passionate about is respecting and honoring the whales that come here each winter. Our boat captains are all local residents of San Ignacio Lagoon and they each have decades of experience. Why does that matter? Well, maneuvering close to whales and keeping the panga steady and in perfect position is truly an art. They make it look easy but if you observe less experienced captains, you can see the difference. We respect the rules of the Lagoon to not overcrowd the whales and are considerate of other boats. Not many other camps own their own pangas or are as fortunate to have the excellent captains that we have. Our pangas are specially designed with low sides and cushioned benches to make the up close experiences easy and comfortable for our guests. Owning our boats ensures that we can keep small group sizes on each whale watch.
