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. When masses of butterflies are in flight, it sounds like rain falling. Their cumulative weight can even bend branches of towering oyamel fir trees. 

In addition to spending two days at monarch butterfly sanctuaries, travelers will also explore vibrant Mexico City known for its thriving art scene, charming neighborhoods, world-class gastronomy, and its unique blend of old and new. 

Born and raised in South Texas, with a bilingual-bicultural background, Yvonne Garcia Bardwell brings a great mixture of experiences and knowledge to the tour. As the Associate Director of Community Relations at Denver Botanic Gardens, she is responsible for diversifying the Gardens’ constituency by establishing and strengthening relationships with community organizations across the Denver metro area. Since 2011, she has orchestrated Denver Botanic Gardens’ observance of Día de los Muertos – a celebration that has grown into a vibrant annual event celebrating one of Mexico’s greatest cultural legacies. Her multicultural orientation has developed through not only extensive world travel but also significant work and volunteer experiences as well as an academic focus on international and Spanish-language marketing. This tour offers an opportunity to educate and inspire, to create a connection to our past, and to learn about the cultural traditions of Mexico.

Upon arrival to Mexico City, we’ll be met for our transfer to Green Park Hotel, our home for the next three nights. Green Park is located across the street from Chapultepec Forest, the largest urban park in Latin America. For those arriving by early afternoon, an optional tour of Chapultepec Castle is available.

Accommodations: Green Park Hotel

Meals: None

Estimated Drive Time Today: 30-45 mins from airport to hotel depending on traffic.

Our first full day in Mexico begins with a walking tour of Coyoacán, a neighborhood full of history, charm, and legends.From the time of Hernán Cortés until today, visitors from around the world have been captivated by the beauty of Coyoacán. It’s a haven for artists and birthplace of Frida Kahlo. We’ll enjoy a Welcome Lunch at Los Danzantes. We’ll also enjoy an afternoon tour of La Casa Azul (The Blue House), the intimate universe of Frida Kahlo. In this beautiful residence, the artist lived most of her life; initially with her family and years later, with Diego Rivera. Likewise, interesting Mexican and foreign visitors stayed in this place, attracted by the captivating couple of artists. The museum’s collection is displayed in rooms of the house, which remains much as it was in the 1950s.  

Accommodations: Green Park Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Estimated Drive Time Today: 30-45 mins from hotel to Coyoacán depending on traffic.

Morning folk art workshop with acclaimed Mexico City contemporary artists Ruben Mica and Oscar Becerra. The work of Becerra and Mica are on exhibit around the world and in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Popular Art in Mexico City. 

Afternoon visit to Xochimilco Floating Gardens, Mexico City’s famous canals and the last remnants of a water transport system built by the Aztecs. With its colorful trajineras (gondolas) and chinampas (traditional floating gardens), Xochimilco offers visitors an explosion of colors and festive experience. The chinampas are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are still used today for cultivation. 

Accommodations: Green Park Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Estimated Drive Times Today: 30 mins from hotel to City Center; 45 mins from city center to Xochimilco; 45 mins from Xochimilco to hotel depending on traffic.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll epart to Piedra Herrada Monarch Reserve, the easiest monarch butterfly sanctuary to access from Mexico City. Often, visitors to Piedra Herrada encounter swarms of monarchs before even arriving to the sanctuary. 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 and today, you’ll experience it first-hand. Our day ends with a relaxed evening and dinner at Rodavento, an intimate luxury hideaway nestled in the hills of Valle de Bravo and our home for the next two nights. 

Accommodations: Hotel Rodavento

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Estimated Drive Times Today: 2 hrs from hotel to Piedra Herrada; 30 mins from Piedra Herrada to hotel.

No two days at the monarch sanctuaries are alike so we’ll enjoy another visit today. The location of our visit will be determined by recent sightings and access. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Valle de Bravo, a picturesque Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) and a lakeside haven of peace and beauty with colonial architecture and narrow cobblestone streets.

Accommodations: Hotel Rodavento

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Morning departure for Mexico City. This afternoon, we’ll explore The Zócalo, the city’s main public square and one of the most recognizable places in Mexico City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Zócalo has been the centerpiece of public gatherings since the days of he Aztecs. Several historic buildings border the square including the national cathedral, National Palace, and federal buildings. Recap trip highlights during our farewell dinner this evening.

Accommodations: Zócalo Central

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transfer back to the airport in time for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast