February 7th – 13th, 2027 from Morelia, Mexico (10 spaces available)

OVERVIEW of Monarch Sanctuaries Package

Travel to Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserves

Follow the Monarch butterflies on their winter migration to the warm mountains of Mexíco where you’ll encounter millions of butterflies suspended on the limbs of Oyamel pine trees. The world’s longest insect migration starts in September in Canada and the northern United States and the Monarchs start arriving in Mexico at the end of October in time for the holidays. This winter excursion focuses on the phenomenon of the Monarch migration in Mexico where we make three visits to the sanctuaries at El Rosario and Sierra Chincua and learn about Mexican efforts to promote environmentally sound practices in the delicate ecosystem of the Sierra Madre. Apart from the educational aspect, we also provide time for fun and relaxation. We’ll have the opportunity to meet local people, swim, sample delicious Mexican cooking and visit traditional sites in the state of Michoacán while being warmed by the Mexican sunshine.

Monarch Odyssey tours focus on visiting butterfly sanctuaries in the states of Michoacán and México. We’ll stay in local towns to take advantage of cultural and natural attractions in the area, partaking of the flavors of Michoacán. We may adjust the itinerary depending on the climate conditions. The sanctuaries are located in the Sierra Madre mountains above 9000 feet above sea level, the weather varies from day to day and we are in contact with guides at each location to optimize our opportunity to see millions of Monarchs in flight.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – arrival to Morelia International Airport – spend the night at HOTEL Casino in Morelia. Why Morelia? Morelia is a UNESCO World Heritage site at 6500′ above sea level, which is good place to acclimate prior to your visit to the sanctuaries. It is the capitol of Michoacán state and was crucial to Mexico’s independence. It’s must less hectic than Mexico city and also accessible within a days’ trip to other sites in the state. We invite you to come early to spend time on one of our optional tour offerings.
Day 2 – Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve – This reserve is known for its expansive views and lush fir forest. It’s a good start for our mountain adventure. The entrance is located over 10000 feet above sea level which means there is no steep climb to see the Monarchs in their colonies. We’ll spend the night in Tlalpujahua – Pueblo Magíco.
Day 3 – Tlalpujahua de Rayón and Christmas Ornament Workshop, Dos Estrellas Gold and Silver Mine and the buried church. Tlalpujahua is the worlds largest supplier of hand-blown and decorated Christmas ornaments. There are more than 100 workshops in town where we get a demonstration of how the glass is blown and decorated. Each participant will decorate there own ornament.
Also on this night they celebrate the Señor del Monte. Thousands of pilgrims from the surrounding mountain villages have been here practicing and showing their devotion to the Lord of the Mountain. We’ll visit the church at the top of the hill where hundreds of miniature altars are on display. The celebration ends with an incredible march through town with more than a thousand young dancers. This celebration only takes place on February 9th, 2027.
Day 4 – El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve – the worlds largest Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.
Day 5 – San Felipe de los Alzati: a 16th century church and the largest pyramid in Michoacán.
Day 6 – We return to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve – On the final day we revisit one of the sanctuaries depending on the conditions where we have the best to chance to see the Monarchs in flight.
Day 7 – Return to the North from Morelia International Airport.

See Videos and Photo Gallery below

DATES, PRICES & INFORMATION

Trips cost $2849 US per person (double occupancy) our tours are limited to 10 participants! See below for FAQs. Be sure to check the itinerary with the dates you’ve selected. Additional dates will be added once this trip fills. Available Dates:

Custom or Private group tours are also available upon request. . .

Contact: conocejames@gmail.com for more info. You can also fill out the Booking/Inquiry Form from the button below. There is a space for you to enter your questions/comments and if you want to start the booking process select “yes” when asked and it will request additional info for us to start the booking process

Upcoming Trips

Booking/Inquiry Form

Transportation to and from Morelia International Airport (MLM)
All accommodations with breakfast each day
Admission Fees
Ground Transportation
All Guides

Airfare to Morelia International Airport (MLM) is not included in the price.
Travel Insurance – Proof of travel insurance is required for all travelers and is not included in the price.
Plan on spending approximately $300 per person on food, souvenirs, gifts and tips during the trip. Lunch and Dinner are not included in the price
Single Occupancy is available for an additional $300 per person. If you’re a single traveler and want to be paired with a fellow traveler please let us know.

There are non-stop flights from Houston, Oakland, Chicago Midway, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Fresno
Non-stop flights are available on American, United and Volaris
Connecting flights are available through Mexico City and other locations
If you need help finding a flight let us know and we’ll assist you in finding the best flight from your destination

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserves that we visit are the principal Mexican migration stops for the entire population of Monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains. The number of Monarchs that return to Mexico is dependent on multiple factors during their life cycle; including climate, nectar sources, milkweed, and available habitat. The Monarchs are affected by the temperature and during cloudy/cool days will be seen roosting in the trees. As the day warms the butterflies begin to disperse in search of nectar and water. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll see thousands of insects filling the skies we do have the opportunity over the course of the week to see three locations that each have their specific attractions. We’ll be in contact with the guides at each sanctuary and may adjust our itinerary to be able to see the most active sites.

Meals include fresh vegetables and tropical fruit. Corn tortillas are served with most meals. Chicken and pork are the most common meats. Vegetarian options are usually available. There are many local specialties that you will be able to try. Michoacán is known for its sweets and open-air markets with local seasonal variations.

The weather is variable during this time of year. The Monarch sanctuaries are located around 10000 feet above sea level. As you arrive at high elevations however it will be cooler. Temperatures in January at the reserves are usually 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep in mind that the reserves are above 9000 ft above sea level. The hikes vary depending on the location and can take from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on where the Monarch roosts are located. All locations have the option to ride horseback. Each horse is led by a guide, usually the owner. There is an additional cost if you choose to ride of approximately 200 pesos or 10$USD. We also recommend consulting your doctor about medications that help with altitude sickness if that is something you are prone to. Arriving early and spending time in Morelia at 6500 feet above sea level also helps to acclimate. If you’re interested in spending time in Morelia prior to this adventure let us know and we can assist.

Our suggestion is that you use a debit card once you are in Mexico to get Mexican Pesos from an ATM. Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling and make sure your pin is active. We’ll stop at an ATM at the airport. Most ATMs in Mexico allow you to choose your language. $7000 pesos should cover your costs for the week to cover the cost of meals and drinks. You’ll need more if you like to buy lots of souvenirs. You won’t be able to use Credit Cards in the sanctuaries. If you purchase pesos before you leave request bills with denominations of 500 pesos or less.

James Binder is the leader of these trips. He is a bilingual American. He will provide translation during the trip. We have two guides who are from the area along with the driver. Adrian and Paty are a married couple and Adrian facilitates the trips. He opens doors and makes sure we have safe passage. His wife Paty usually acts as the sweep to keep us all moving forward and leads from behind to make sure we don’t leave anyone. They’ve been involved in these tours for more than 15 years. James lived in Mexico for two years where he became fluent in Spanish. You can read more about him on the homepage. Adrian Caballero and his wife Paty serve as our local guides. They have traveled extensively throughout this part of Mexico having grown up in the state of Michoacán and know and share many of the hidden gems they’ve found on their travels.

TESTIMONIALS

Peggy Haas, Menominee Falls, WI

When my horse and I arrived at the mountaintop clearing at El Rosario Sanctuary and I saw thousands and thousands of Monarchs swirling around me, as though in an orange snow globe, my heart stopped. It’s a phenomenon unlike any I’ve ever witnessed. I wish everyone could have a chance to see this natural wonder.

James Street and Rachel Sibley, St. Paul MN

If you need balance in your life to get away from the grind of daily work, you should consider this trip through Monarch Odyssey. We just returned home from an amazing trip of a lifetime to Morelia, Mexico where we traveled with a small group to the mountains in Michoacan to see where the monarchs congregate and overwinter. While this includes a rigorous climb in the mountains, there are opportunities to ride a horse up part way. This is a well-balanced trip, with a small group, co-hosted by Adrian, Paty (who live locally) and James. They pay special attention to fantastic restaurant selections, safe hotels and a full schedule of excursions that properly balance the Monarch experience with local cultural amenities. They provide expert transportation throughout the trip; they attend to important details such as clean water, regular bathroom stops, healthy snacks and short side trips to experience local culture.

John Simmons, New York, NY

I’ve gone on two Conocer /Odyssey trips and both were very well organized. The Mexican guides did everything imaginable to make the trip enjoyable and comfortable. They know the regions geography, history and culture very well because they’ve lived it. They are eager to share it with visitors.

Nicola Rooney, Auburn, MI

The trip was very well planned, and included a variety of local excursions in addition to the three visits to butterfly sanctuaries. Food and accommodations were in keeping with the local environment, thankfully not excessively luxurious, but perfectly comfortable in each location. James clearly knows his way around the area, and has hand picked a selection of destinations of local interest. Altogether a delightful and beautiful experience, to be long and fondly remembered.

VIDEOS

Thousands of Monarch Butterflies drinking from a puddle at the Monarch Reserve at el Rosario in February of 2022

Monarch Butterly Biosphere Reserve

Monarch Butterflies swarm in all directions just outside the sanctuary at El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in central México in February of 2022

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary at El Rosario in Michoacán, Mexico