Every winter, montane cloud forests in central Mexico host millions of over-wintering monarch butterflies. This aggregation of monarchs in Mexico’s central highlands ranks as one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles on the planet. It’s a must see for nature lovers!

The monarchs aren’t the only winged highlights to be discovered in Central Mexico. In addition to two days at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, we’ll explore birding hotspots in Mexico City, Valle de Bravo, and surrounding areas in search of avian highlights, including an array of endemics. Join Reefs to Rockies and Denver Audubon for this 6-day wildlife expedition highlighting Central Mexico’s natural and cultural wonders.

Reefs to Rockies Co-Founder Sheridan Samano is thrilled to host this small group wildlife expedition to Central Mexico. If you’ve ever had the chance to hear Sheridan talk about Mexico, you’ve likely heard her refer to it as “the most underrated wildlife destination on the planet.”

During this trip, her love for her father’s home country will be unmistakable as she takes you into the heart of the region’s best wildlife viewing destinations. Local expert guides will join us throughout making this immersive wildlife experience unforgettable. 

Upon arrival to Mexico City, we’ll be met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel conveniently located close to neighborhood parks and markets. For those arriving early enough today, we’ll head over to a park close by for our first birding outing of the trip.

Accommodations: Circulo Condesa

Meals: Dinner

Mexico City, one of the busiest and largest cities in the world, may not be the first place that comes to mind as a birding destination. However, the city is home to Latin America’s largest urban park, ancient canals and floating gardens dating back to Aztec times, and bird-rich botanical gardens. We’ll spend our first full day in Mexico City exploring it’s birding hotspots including UNAM Botanical Gardens, perhaps the best birding site within city limits, and Xochimilco Floating Gardens.

Accommodations: Circulo Condesa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Early morning departure from Mexico City. Our first stop today is at Lerma Marshes home to Black-polled Yellowthroat, as well as a variety of waterfowl and waders. After birding at Lerma, we’ll continue west to Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, the closest reserve to Mexico City. It’s possible we’ll be greeted by masses of monarchs in flight down the hillsides even before hitting the trail.

We’ll travel by horseback and on foot uphill to the heart of the sanctuary to witness massive aggregations of monarchs. Standing in the forests of the reserve as millions of orange and black monarch butterflies swarm overhead is a magical sight. Today, we’ll experience it first-hand. There’s also time for birding at Piedra Herrada before continuing to Rodavento, our mountain retreat and home for the next three nights.

Accommodations: Hotel Rodavento

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

No two days at the monarch sanctuaries are alike so we’ll enjoy a second visit today. In addition to time with the monarchs, we’ll explore on foot in search of birds. Exact locations today will be determined based on current monarch aggregation behavior and locations, weather, and recent sightings.

Accommodations: Hotel Rodavento

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, we’ll spend the day exploring birding hotspots near Valle de Bravo and the surrounding area. Exact locations will be determined on recent sightings, group’s interest, and what we’ve seen so far. Relive trip highlights this evening during our Farewell Dinner.

Accommodations: Hotel Rodavento

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transfer back to the airport in time for our flights home. Flights must depart at 12 pm or later.

Meals: Breakfast