Tucked into the mountainous forests of Michoacán and Estado de Mexico is the terminus of the butterfly migration from North America, where the noble Monarchs winter and reproduce. The experience is mystical, magical, life-affirming, and memorable. It gives us pause to appreciate the constant cycle of nature at its most magnificent.
But it’s not just about butterflies! We’ll also travel to the magical craft and folk-art towns of Michoacan: Patzcuaro and the indigenous Purepecha towns surrounding Lake Patzcuaro, plus Ahuiran, Santa Clara del Cobre, and Paracho. Led by a local guide we know and trust, we’ll meet with artisans whose work is recognized as Grand Masters of Mexican Folk Art by Fundacion Banamex.
10 days, 9 nights
Michoacan, Mexico City, Angangueo, Patzcuaro, Zitacuaro, Santa Clara del Cobre, Ahuiran
Active
Day 1 - Wednesday, February 11
Mexico City
Day 2 - Thursday, February 12
Zitacuaro and archaeological site
Day 3 - Friday, February 13
First butterfly sanctuary visit
Day 4 - Saturday, February 14
Second butterfly sanctuary visit
Day 5 - Sunday, February 15
Patzcuaro
Day 6 - Monday, February 16
Santa Clara del Cobre, Cuanajo and Tupataro
Day 7 - Tuesday, February 17
Tucuaro, Santa Fe la Laguna and Tzintzuntzan
Day 8 - Wednesday, February 18
Ahuiran, Paracho and Aranza
Day 9 - Thursday, February 19
Patzcuaro and finale dinner
Day 10 - Friday, February 20
Early morning departure to Mexico City Airport
9 nights (1 night in Mexico City, 2 nights in Zitacuaro, 6 nights in Patzcuaro)
2 Bilingual guides and translators: English and Spanish
Private Mecedez Benz luxury van
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 1 finale dinner (see itinerary for details)
Visit 2 butterfly sanctuaries; Artisans´studio visits and demonstrations; Visit to archaeological site.
Pricing:
Double Occupancy: $3,795/person (Double room with a private bathroom)
Single Occupancy: $4,595 (Single room with a private bathroom)
Activity Level:
Active- You should be able to walk up to five miles on flat or uneven terrain, including moderate hills, trails, and/or unpaved paths.
The tour does NOT include airfare, taxes, tips, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, local transportation, and meals outside of what’s noted in the itinerary. Schedule is subject to change throughout our tour depending on artisan availability and what else we spontaneously discover along the way! We cap this tour at 14 people.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to guarantee your spot. The balance is due in two equal payments. The second payment of 50% of the balance is due on or before October 1, 2025. The third 50% payment of the balance is due on or before December 1, 2025. We accept payment using online e-commerce only. If you cancel on or before December 1, 2025, we will refund 50% of your deposit received to date less the $500 non-refundable reservation deposit. After that, there are no refunds unless we need to cancel the trip, in which case you’ll receive a full refund.
You are required to carry your own international accident/health insurance that includes $50,000+ of emergency evacuation insurance. Some travel insurance options are here.
All documentation for plane reservations, travel insurance, and personal health issues must be received 45 days before the program starts or we reserve the right to cancel your registration without reimbursement.
The butterfly sanctuary is at 10,000 feet altitude. To get there, we must ascend a steep pathway or ride a horse to the destination. Other locations we visit are generally between 5,000-7,000 feet. Streets and sidewalks in colonial towns are cobblestones and narrow. We will walk a lot—up to 10,000 steps per day at a moderate pace. We recommend you bring a walking stick if needed and wear sturdy shoes.
Traveling with a small group has its advantages, but it also means that independent travelers need to accommodate the group’s needs and schedule. We include plenty of free time to explore on your own.
NOTE: If you have mobility issues or health/breathing impediments, please consider that this may not be the program for you.
Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information.
For private, custom date tours, you choose the number of people. Please refer to the tour details for any restrictions. Our group tours are usually 8-12 people, but no more than 15. We intentionally keep groups small for a more intimate experience – like a local friend showing you around their favorite places.
No, you are responsible for getting yourself to and from the airport, but once you register for a tour, we’ll recommend a few safe and reliable options.
We’ll provide a suggested packing list as your tour date approaches.