Day 1 (Mon, Dec 11)
Day 1 (Mon, Dec 11)
Albuquerque/ Sandia Peak/ Socorro
Morning arrival to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). Chip will meet the group on arrival with “The Roaming Bison” safari vehicle. We’ll start with a visit to Sandia Crest, a hotspot just east of Albuquerque, that’s a winter haven for flocks of Gray-crowned, Black, and Brown-capped Rosy-Finches. We also may find Clark’s Nutcrackers, Red Crossbills, and other higher elevation highlights before making our way south to Socorro. We’ll make stops along the way showcasing New Mexico’s diverse habitats.

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Socorro

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Plan to arrive to ABQ Airport by 11 am this morning.
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Day 2 (Tues, Dec 12)
Day 2 (Tues, Dec 12)
Socorro/ Bosque del Apache
We’ll wake up early this morning and head to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge arriving before sunrise and the dawn “Fly Out”. Breakfast will be back at our hotel and then we’ll explore Water Canyon before an afternoon return to Bosque to enjoy the refuge’s Auto Tour Loop from the comfort of our game viewing vehicle.

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Socorro

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
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Day 3 (Wed, Dec 13)
Day 3 (Wed, Dec 13)
Socorro/ Albuquerque
We make our way back to Albuquerque today. This afternoon, we’ll visit Rio Grande Nature Center and Petroglyph National Monument. More than 300 species of birds have been observed at Rio Grande Nature Center, including the Greater Roadrunner, New Mexico’s state bird. Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, a valuable record of cultural expression of Native Americans and early Spanish settlers. There’s even a petroglyph of a macaw representing this bird’s importance in Pueblo culture.

Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites Albuquerque North/I-25

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
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Day 4 (Thurs, Dec 14)
Day 4 (Thurs, Dec 14)
Albuquerque/ Departure
We have until this afternoon to continue birding Albuquerque area hotspots. Locations will be determined based on group’s interests and recent sightings.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Plan to depart ABQ Airport at 4 pm or later today.
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Day 1 (Mon, Dec 11)

Albuquerque/ Sandia Peak/ Socorro

Our two guides, Kyle and Chip, were very knowledgeable about the birds we saw. The trip ran smoothly from beginning to end because of their professionalism and kindness. I was able to see many birds I hadn't seen before and have their particular characteristics and behaviors clearly explained.

By Sue K for Birding & Beers in South Texas on Feb 12, 2026

Thank you for the wonderful 5-star review! We’re so glad to hear that Kyle and Chip’s knowledge, professionalism, and kindness helped make the trip run so smoothly. It’s especially rewarding to know you were able to see many new species and gain a deeper understanding of their characteristics and behaviors along the way. Thank you for joining us on Birding & Beers in South Texas—we hope to bird with you again soon!

By Reefs to Rockies on Feb 12, 2026

This birding trip exceeded my expectations! Our guides Chip and Kyle are so knowledgeable and helpful. The food, accommodations were all great.

By Kris S for Birding & Beers in South Texas on Feb 11, 2026

Thank you so much for this wonderful 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that Birding & Beers in South Texas exceeded your expectations. It’s great to know that Chip and Kyle’s knowledge and enthusiasm helped make the experience so enjoyable, and that the food and accommodations added to the overall trip. We truly appreciate you traveling with Reefs to Rockies and hope to have you join us again for another adventure soon!

By Reefs to Rockies on Feb 12, 2026

What a phenomenal adventure filled with magical moments! Seeing where monarch butterflies overwinter was on my bucket list, and this trip provided sightings in two sanctuaries, plus so very much more, from hot air balloon launch before dawn to exploring indigenous ruins, touring the Frida Kahlo Museum at Casa Azul, shopping at central Mexico City artisans market and learning about historic central square architecture, all accompanied by excellent bilingual tour guides, fine dining, and comfortable accommodations. Thank you, Reefs to Rockies! Elizabeth Schmidt

By Elizabeth S for Magical Mexico with Denver Botanic Gardens 2026 on Feb 09, 2026

Thank you so much for this beautiful 5-star review, Elizabeth! We’re delighted to hear that Magical Mexico delivered so many unforgettable moments and helped bring a long-held bucket list dream to life. From witnessing the monarchs in their overwintering sanctuaries to the rich cultural experiences throughout Mexico City, it’s wonderful to know the variety and depth of the itinerary resonated so strongly. We’re especially glad the guides, dining, and accommodations added to the overall experience and allowed you to fully enjoy each moment along the way. Thank you for traveling with Reefs to Rockies and for sharing your reflections. We’re honored to have been part of such a phenomenal adventure.

By Reefs to Rockies on Feb 09, 2026

It was a great trip for bird watching, and to see the monarch butterfly migration - such a magnificent sight! Carly Crow and Pamela Garcia are delightful and very knowledgable guides. I was disappointed with the hotel accommodations. In the first hotel, the room lighting was so bad, that I had difficulty reading my book. In the second hotel, the bath room stank, and they never fixed my bed reading light, so I did not get to read my book again. In the final hotel, we did not get to enjoy it at all due to the fact that we were there for less than twenty hours. The staff at all the hotels were pleasant, which was so nice, although some did not speak English at all. The local guides for the butterfly migration were good. However our driver was reckless, he sped and were overtaking some vehicles dangerously (eg trucks that were bigger than our van) on the way to the second hotel. This was an interesting group of travellers. I will not forget Elizabeth Taylor, who wrote her versions of haiku for the other nine travellers, which she recited to each of us after our farewell dinner. She ended this tour for each of us on a personal note for me.

By BEE YEN P for Birds and Butterflies of Central Mexico 2026 on Feb 09, 2026

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughtful and detailed feedback. We’re very glad to hear that the birding and monarch migration were highlights for you, and that you found the guides knowledgeable, welcoming, and a pleasure to travel with. Witnessing the monarchs is truly a magnificent experience, and we’re happy it left such a strong impression. We also appreciate your candid comments regarding the accommodations and transportation. We take all reviews seriously, and feedback like yours is important to us. Had we been aware of any room-related concerns during the trip, we would absolutely have worked with the hotels to address them or explore alternatives. Likewise, guest safety is always our top priority, and we will review your comments carefully with our local partners. It’s lovely to hear that the warmth of the hotel staff and the camaraderie within the group, especially the memorable farewell moments you described, added a meaningful personal dimension to your journey. Thank you again for traveling with Reefs to Rockies and for sharing your experience so openly.

By Reefs to Rockies on Feb 09, 2026

This trip was amazing. It combined a nice mix of Mexico culture, culinary experiences, and the magic of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve. The expertise of our local guide Ruben Encalada and the Gardens' host Yvonne Garcia Bardwell made a superb team and experience for all of us. I reached out to hopefully join this trip just a little over 2 weeks from the start date and they made it happen. Thank for a truly magical experience.

By Cheryl H for Magical Mexico with Denver Botanic Gardens 2026 on Feb 08, 2026

Thank you so much for this wonderful 5-star review, Cheryl! We’re thrilled to hear that the trip struck such a meaningful balance between Mexican culture, culinary experiences, and the magic of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve. It’s great to know the guiding and hosting team helped create such a cohesive and memorable experience for the group. We’re especially glad we were able to make things come together on a short timeline and welcome you on the journey. Thank you for your kind words and for traveling with Reefs to Rockies. It truly was a pleasure sharing this magical experience with you.

By Reefs to Rockies on Feb 08, 2026

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