Join us for six nights and five full days as as we witness the natural wonder of the Monarch migration and explore the art and culture of Morelia and the surrounding area.

Morelia is the capital and most populous city of the Mexican state of Michoacán, located in the Guayangareo Valley in the north-central part of the state. The main pre-Hispanic cultures in the valley were the Purépecha and the Matlatzinca. The Spanish took control of the area in the 1520s. The city is defined by its well preserved colonial buildings crafted from rose-colored volcanic stone. More than 200 colonial-era buildings stand in the Historic Center, which in 1991 was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Morelia Cathedral, completed in 1744, is an outstanding example of Spanish Baroque architecture and houses a remarkable organ, featuring over 4,500 pipes. Another monumental structure we will visit is the iconic 3-mile Morelia Aqueduct, built in 1785.

The people of Michoacán work to preserve their music, cuisine, festivities, artistic expressions and natural heritage. This trip includes visits to towns and “Pueblos Magicos” where we will experience these treasures firsthand, including studio visits with coppersmiths, weavers, painters and potters.

About a three-hour drive east from Morelia is the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This 139,000 acre preserve is home to one of Earth’s most astonishing natural phenomena, which occurs in a very small area of less than 45 acres. Every year between November and March, hundreds of millions of Monarch Butterflies arrive from Canada and the United States, covering entire oyamel fir trees in masses of orange wings. If the weather is just right, we will observe them descend from their roosts to gather nourishment and warmth from the sun.

Morelia has a standout culinary scene, and throughout the trip we will have the opportunity to dine at a wide variety of extraordinary restaurants.

Limited to 10 travelers

While the tour offers many unique scheduled experiences, its casual structure also provides daily opportunities for travelers to adjust the plans to match their interests and desired speed and intensity.

IDENTIFICATION ~ A passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the tour start date and has at least 4 blank pages for entry/exit stamps is required.

ALTITUDE ~ Morelia: 6,300 ft   ~  Butterfly Preserve: 10,820 ft  ~   Pátzcuaro: 7,020 ft

WEATHER ~ In February, the daytime temperatures for Morelia and the surrounding areas are in the high 70s with nighttime temperatures dipping down to the low 50s. This is the dry season, so there is very little chance of rain.

TRANSPORTATION ~ We will travel in and between cities in a van. We will take taxis to dinners and occasionally walk. Access to the Butterfly Preserve requires a 30-minute horseback ride each way.

PHYSICAL EXERTION ~ Moderate Exertion (3 of 5) – This tour consists of mostly in-town, moderately paced walking on hilly cobblestone streets. On several days we will travel by van over bumpy roads – those prone to motion sickness may want to bring medication. To fully appreciate the Butterfly Preserve experience, travelers should be able to mount and dismount a horse from a platform and walk up hill for 20 minutes at altitude.

MEDICAL FACILITIES ~ Morelia is a major city with modern medical services available. While at the Butterfly Preserve, we will be 2 to 3 hours away from major medical services.

Friday 2/19 – We greet you in Morelia, your home base for the duration of the tour, with a welcome dinner.

Saturday 2/20 – Get to know Morelia with a walking tour led by our local guide.

Sunday 2/21 – Roadtrip to visit nearby towns including Santa Clara del Cobre.

Monday 2/22 – Roadtrip to visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary with cultural stops along the way.

Tuesday 2/23 – Roadtrip to visit nearby town of Pátzcuaro.

Wednesday 2/24 – A second full day in Morelia with more cultural sites.

Thursday 2/25 – Your departure day; there are no official tour events this day

Feb 2026 •

As always when traveling with Camiba Cultural Tours, the attention to detail was wonderful. A very carefree trip to a destination that I knew little about in advance . . . Morelia was a delight and the trek to the Monarch reserve was very exciting.

~ Karen D

Jan 2026 •

Wonderful companions, reliable transportation, lovely restaurants and delicious food. It was an amazing trip.

~ Diane G

Jan 2026 •

The city is beautiful and the local guide was very informative and kind. Can not express how wonderful to see the butterflies at the El Rosario butterfly sanctuary on such a beautiful day. Would definitely do this outing again, I highly recommend this tour.

~ Jeannie P