For many people in Mexico, monarch butterflies carry a meaning that goes far beyond their incredible migration. Their annual return is deeply connected to Dia de Muertos, with many believing the butterflies represent the returning souls of loved ones who have passed.

I learned just how powerful that symbolism could be when ran this trip February 2026 to see the Monarch Butterfly Migration in Central Mexico. While I was there, my younger brother unexpectedly passed away back home.

Being surrounded by thousands of monarchs, butterflies that are believed to carry the souls of those returning home, became a profound and spiritual experience for me. But I was also experiencing immense grief, and I know I wasn't able to be fully present for the beauty of this journey.

So, I'm going back! This time I want to experience the monarchs with a lighter heart, and I want to share this experience with you.

We'll begin and end in Mexico City, traveling into the mountains to visit El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary and a second monarch sanctuary: either Piedra Herrada or, if available, a rare private sanctuary that I was fortunate enough to discover through our local guide.

This trip is more than just seeing butterflies. It's about journeys, connection, remembrance, and finding your way home. See day by day itinerary below

Arrive: Mexico City

Depart: Mexico City

Accommodations:

Mexico City- Laila Hotel Mexico City Reforma | Mexico City | Official Website

Valle de Bravo- Buscar disponibilidad – Mesón de Leyendas Breakfast & Downtown

Need CEUs for this trip? Get 20% off with code OFFTHECLOCK20 through @nurse.com_ https://nursecom.sjv.io/c/5296316/3214873/40374

While we are visiting during migration season and going to locations where they traditionally gather, butterfly number, weather, train conditions, sanctuary access, and visibility can vary. We cannot guarantee how many butterflies we'll see or exactly where they'll be. Our itinerary may change based on the conditions or sanctuary availability. We'll work closely with our local guide to make the most of whatever Mother Nature has in store for us.

Travel Insurance if required for this trip. Some credit cards have travel insurance as part of their perks or some other companies I have hear of/used in the past are: Travel Nomads, Allianz, and Faye

We understand that plans can change. Please review our cancellation terms carefully:

• Your reservation is secured with a deposit. Once the trip reaches the minimum required number of travelers and is confirmed (8 people), the deposit becomes non-refundable.

• Refunds are based on the cancellation policy established by our local travel partner and are calculated on the total trip price (EXCLUDING the non-refundable deposit):

  -8 months or more before departure: 100% refund of trip payments

  -6–8 months before departure: 90% refund of eligible trip payments

  -5–6 months before departure: 80% refund of eligible trip payments

  -4–5 months before departure: 70% refund of eligible trip payments

  -3–4 months before departure: 60% refund of eligible trip payments

  -Less than 3 months before departure: No refund

• Deposit Credit Option

  For cancellations made more than 90 days before departure, your non-refundable deposit may be applied as a credit toward a future Off the Clock Nurse experience, to be used within 24 months of the original trip departure date.

• Within 90 Days of Departure

  Because payments to local vendors, accommodations, transportation providers, and activity operators have been finalized, no refunds or credits will be issued within 90 days of departure, including the deposit.

• Refund Processing

  Approved refunds will be processed within 30 days of cancellation and may be subject to payment processing fees that are non-recoverable.

Day 1

Fly into Mexico City International Airport and catch an uber or taxi to the hotel. At 6pm we will meet in the lobby of the hotel to meet our local guide, talk about what to expect for our 5 day excursion, and then walk over to enjoy a Welcome Dinner together (Included)

Day 2: A long journey for a pretty incredible reward

We'll start the morning with breakfast at the hotel, then load up our luggage and brave the 3-hr drive into the mountains to El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary - the largest monarch butterfly sanctuary in Central Mexico and one of the few places where you can witness the monarchs in such incredible numbers.

Once we arrive, we'll make our way along the path passing local vendors before reaching the sanctuary entrance.

Then comes the adventure: saddle up! You can ride a horse (included), guided by its local owner, up the mountain towards the butterflies. Choosing a horse ride is also a great way to directly support the local families who make their living there. If you prefer, you can hike the trail instead. The climb typically takes about an hour, with the high elevation making it more challenging than the distance might suggest.

There's still a little hiking once we reach the top to get to the main viewpoint, but we'll take our time. This isn't a race, and everyone gets to experience the butterflies at their own pace.

After soaking it all in, you can choose to ride the horse back down (extra cost) or hike down with our local guide - thankfully the descent is much easier.

We'll grab a quick bite before continuing on to Valle de Bravo, where we'll settle in for the night and rest after a pretty magical day in the mountains.

Day 3

After breakfast, we'll explore Valle de Bravo on foot with our local guide, getting to know the history and character of this beautiful mountain town. We'll wander the cobblestone streets and stroll along the waterfront along with other historical sites.

Then we'll sit down for a lunch with a panoramic view - the perfect place to slow down, share a meal, and take in everything around us.

After lunch, you can choose to check out the local shops or come back to the hotel for a massage.

Day 4

After breakfast, we'll leave Valle de Bravo and head towards our next monarch experience.

The last time I made this journey, our local guide, Naara, gave us an incredibly special opportunity. She happened to know someone who owns private land where monarchs return every year. There's no sign, website, or way to simply book a visit - it's a place you can only experience through a personal connection with the landowner.

If the private sanctuary is available, we'll have the rare opportunity to experience butterflies with our own private guided hike, often without another group in sight. The hike up the mountain may sound intimidating, but they offer us multiple hiking guides so everyone can take whatever pace feels comfortable.

And trust me - IT'S WORTH EVERY STEP

If the private sanctuary isn't available, we'll visit Piedra Herrada Sanctuary instead, where horses are available (included) to take us up the mountain to the butterflies. You can ride back down (extra cost) or hike down with our guide.

Then we'll make our way back to Mexico City, stopping for an early dinner at a local family-run restaurant along the way.

Day 5

Our final morning together. Enjoy a breakfast at the hotel, take your time, and soak in one last little piece of Mexico before heading home.

When you're ready, grab an Uber or taxi to the airport for your journey home.