Venture into the heart of central Mexico’s enchanting montane fir forests, where the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve hosts one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring wildlife phenomena. Here, millions of vibrant monarch butterflies gather each winter, transforming the landscape into a living mosaic of orange and black. Witness the breathtaking spectacle as their delicate wings flutter like whispers of rain, and massive clusters weigh down the towering branches of ancient oyamel firs. This specially curated journey with Butterfly Pavilion offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand amid this living wonder, granting you an up-close connection to one of nature’s most sublime moments.

Butterfly Pavilion, with the Government of Mexico, has announced a newly funded project to lead a critical effort to safeguard monarchs and their migration. The project aims to restore the Monarchs’ wintering grounds in Mexico by replanting native oyamel fir trees, creating safe havens for Monarchs during the winter and securing their migration for future generations. A donation to support Butterfly Pavilion’s butterfly conservation efforts will be made on behalf of all participants.

 Richard Reading, Vice President of Science & Conservation ~ Richard Reading, Ph.D. is Vice President of Science & Conservation Butterfly Pavilion. He serves as an Adjunct Professor within the Department of Biology at the University of Denver; Affiliate Faculty with the Department of Agricultural Science and Pest Management at Colorado State University; and a Fellow with the University of Nebraska’s Center for Great Plains Studies. Dr. Reading received a Ph.D. and three Master’s degrees from Yale University in Wildlife Ecology and Human Dimensions of Wildlife and an Honorary Doctorate from the National Education University of Mongolia. In 2020, Rich was honored to receive the Order of the Polar Star, the highest honor from the Mongolian National Government for expatriates, for contributions to conservation. He has conducted or overseen projects in dozens of countries, working primarily on grassland and arid ecosystems on six continents, with a focus on the Great Plains of N. America, the steppes and deserts of Mongolia, the savannahs and deserts of Botswana, and the Altiplano of Peru. His work focuses on developing pragmatic, effective, and interdisciplinary approaches to the conservation of wildlife and protected areas through research, capacity development, and working with local people and governments. Dr. Reading serves on the boards of directors or advisors for several non-profit organizations in the U.S. and overseas; serves as an associate editor for 5 scientific journals; has published over 230 scientific papers and book chapters; written dozens of popular articles; and written or edited 8 books.

As of July 1, 2022, through 2026, Dr. Reading has joined the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, responsible for perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, providing a quality state parks system and providing enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities as a representative of the public at large. A main objective within his role is to help educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado natural resources.

Shiran Hershcovich, Lepidopterist Manager at Butterfly Pavilion ~ Shiran Hershcovich is an entomologist from Panama City, Panama. She joined Butterfly Pavilion in 2021, where she curates the conservatory’s living collections of butterflies. She’s passionate about understanding and conserving invertebrates and currently works on local and international research and conservation initiatives like field assessments on vulnerable butterfly populations in Mongolia and the construction of a sustainable butterfly farm in Indonesia. She currently serves on the board of directors for the International Association of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers (IABES). She believes in the power of community to increase accessibility and action in conservation and leads community science projects like the Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network (CBMN) and Butterfly Quest, a lepidopteran longevity study in the Wings of the Tropics conservatory open to all Butterfly Pavilion guests.

Upon arrival at Mexico City International Airport (MEX), you’ll be met for your transfer to your hotel. Take the evening to relax or explore the vibrant Condesa neighborhood, known for its leafy streets, art deco architecture, and lively cafes.
Accommodations: Circulo Condesa
Meals: None

Meet your fellow travelers, guide, and Butterfly Pavilion hosts during a Welcome Breakfast at Eno, Chef Enrique Olvera’s casual cafe. Olvera is the visionary behind Pujol, one of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants.

After breakfast, we head to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the pine-oak forests of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. This reserve protects the primary overwintering sites of the eastern monarch butterfly population. Today, we’ll visit our first sanctuary, likely Sierra Chincua, where you’ll travel by horse and on foot to reach butterfly clusters at elevations between 9,000-11,000 feet. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey.

Tonight’s rustic accommodations provide easy access to nearby monarch sanctuaries, setting the stage for more adventures.
Accommodations: Hotel Albergue Don Bruno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

No two days at the monarch sanctuaries are alike. Today, we’ll visit another reserve, with the location determined by recent sightings and butterfly cluster activity. After spending time with the monarchs, we’ll continue to Valle de Bravo, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, known for its cobbled streets, terracotta roofs, and lush surroundings.
Accommodations: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we visit a third monarch sanctuary. This afternoon, enjoy a nature walk to Velo de Novia, a spectacular 115-foot waterfall named for its resemblance to a flowing wedding veil. Keep your binoculars handy – this area is known for excellent birding.
Accommodations: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we make our way back to Mexico City with a stop at the renowned National Museum of Anthropology, a must-see for its stunning collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. This evening, relive the highlights of your journey during our Farewell Dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel Habita
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast