"My wife and I travelled with Jennifer on a 2 day tour from San Miguel to visit the Monarch Butterflies. What a truly unforgettable trip materially enhanced by her organizational skills, patience, good humor and inclusion of Prof. Pablo Jaramillo as monarch expert. His enthusiasm, remarkable knowledge and delivery of complex information in an easy to understand manner further enhanced our experience. In addition, the stops we made at the pottery shop (with its unique garden) and in the town of Tlalpujahua (where we had lunch and spent the night before the monarch experience) were also very enjoyable. As for the visit to the butterfly reserve, suffice it to say it's a truly spiritual experience. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that we're so grateful we pursued and especially grateful to Jennifer for all her kind assistance. We very much look forward to taking other trips with her."
- Vincero Joe (Hope for the Monarchs 2026)
DATES DURATION DIFFICULTY GROUP SIZE BEGINS & ENDS MEALS
Feb 15-18, 2027 3 Nights Moderate Mobility 16 Max San Miguel de Allende 9 (3 B / 4+ L / 2 D)
TOUR OVERVIEW
Discover a remarkable blend of nature, culture and history on this unforgettable journey through central Mexico. Beginning in San Miguel de Allende, we first travel to the exceptional studio of Javier Servin, famed for his collectible and fine ceramic pottery. From there we travel to the charming colonial town of Zitácuaro, where we settle into the beautiful Rancho San Cayetano. Our exploration of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve takes us beyond the usual tourist route to a private reserve guided by members of the local Mazahua community. After observing the monarchs, we will learn about Mazahua traditions, enjoy authentic regional cuisine at their cultural center, and browse exquisite handcrafted textiles that reflect generations of artistic heritage. A highlight of the journey is our time with Dr. Pablo Jaramillo López, a renowned agroecologist and conservation specialist whose work supports restoration and protection efforts within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Through his engaging presentation, Hope for the Monarchs, guests gain a deeper understanding of the extraordinary multi-generational migration of the monarch butterfly, the challenges these remarkable insects face, and the innovative solutions being developed to protect their future. Dr. Jaramillo will also accompany us in the reserve, sharing his knowledge of the region’s ecology, flora, and fauna. Our adventure continues to El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, home to one of the largest overwintering colonies of monarch butterflies in Mexico. Walking through the oyamel fir forests, we witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles as millions of butterflies blanket the trees and fill the air. The experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to appreciate the delicate relationship between the butterflies, the forest ecosystem, and the communities dedicated to their protection. We also visit the enchanting Pueblo Mágico of Tlalpujahua, a picturesque mountain town renowned for its colonial architecture, rich mining history, and vibrant artisan traditions. Once one of Mexico’s most important gold-mining centers, Tlalpujahua has reinvented itself as a center for handcrafted glass Christmas ornaments and traditional crafts. Strolling its cobblestone streets, visitors discover beautiful churches, historic buildings, artisan workshops, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the enduring spirit of this remarkable community. Together, these experiences create a journey that combines natural wonder, cultural immersion, and meaningful encounters with the people and places that make central Mexico so special.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
LOGISTICS
4 Days Duration
2 Nights Duration
Hotels (Double Occupancy)
3 Breakfasts with regular coffee, tea or juice. Latte's, cappuccinos and fancy beverages are separate.
4 Lunches
Mazahua Cuisine at the Cultural Centre
3 Dinners Drinks Separate
Private Transportation
4 Days with Local Guide
Ecolife Stove Donation
This tour Raises funds for Monarch Butterfly Research
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES
Hope for the Monarchs Lecture with Dr. Jaramillo
Visit Private Monarch Butterfly Reserve
Visit Mazahua Cultural Centre
Visit second Monarch Butterfly Reserve TBA
Visit Pueblo Magico Tlalpujahua
Visit Javier Servin Ceramic Workshop
5 SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
1
VISIT A PRIVATE BUTTERFLY RESERVE
With Local Mazahua Guides
We are fortunate to have contact with a Mazahua Community that guards a reserve where Monarch Butterflies roost in winter. We will travel in pick-up trucks to the colony, then enjoy a private visit with very few travellers. Though we may be joined by other groups, these forests offer limited close-encounters with the monarchs in comparison to the public reserves that are visited by thousands of people per week. This is a unique opportunity and a pristine reserve that isn't geared towards tourism.
2
LECTURE ABOUT MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
By Dr. Pablo Jaramillo López
Dr. Pablo F. Jaramillo López is an agroecologist and research scientist based in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, affiliated with the Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). He has a background in environmental and soil science, with doctoral training in biology and long-term research experience in ecosystem restoration, soil ecology, and sustainable land management. His broader scientific work includes studying how forest and agricultural systems interact with biodiversity, particularly in managed or disturbed landscapes. Within monarch butterfly conservation, Dr. Jaramillo López is known for his research in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in central Mexico, where he has worked alongside international scientists on issues such as forest degradation, storm damage, and the impact of logging on overwintering colonies. His research and publications have contributed to major scientific discussions about habitat protection, including co-authored studies published in journals such as Science and American Entomologist, addressing threats like salvage logging and forest loss in monarch overwintering areas. He is also active in applied conservation work, collaborating with community-based and international projects focused on forest restoration, monitoring ecosystem health, and supporting conservation efforts in monarch habitats, including initiatives that involve Indigenous and local communities in Mexico. In addition to his research, he has participated in public outreach and conservation dialogue about balancing human land use with the protection of monarch butterfly ecosystems.
3
VISIT A WONDERFUL CULTURAL CENTRE
In Mazahua Territory
The Mazahua are renowned for their anthropomorphic and zoomorphic textiles, which reflect their pre-Hispanic worldview. We will have the opportunity to try traditional Mazahua cuisine while browsing through their fantastic and warm wool blankets, throws, purses, clothing and more, all hand embroidered.
4
VISIT MEXICO'S CHRISTMAS TOWN
Tlalpujahua, Michoacan
Tlalpujahua is a Pueblo Mágico in the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico, known for its striking colonial streets, deep mining history, and today as one of the country’s main centers for handmade Christmas ornaments year-round. Originally a pre-Hispanic settlement inhabited by Mazahua peoples, the area later became a contested frontier between the Purépecha and Aztec empires. After the Spanish arrival, it developed into an important gold and silver mining town, especially during the colonial period and again in the late 19th–early 20th centuries when the Dos Estrellas mine made it one of Mexico’s richest gold-producing regions. A catastrophic landslide in 1937 buried part of the town and marked the end of its mining boom, leading to major economic decline and migration. Today, Tlalpujahua has reinvented itself through tourism and artisan production, especially its famous glass-blown Christmas ornaments, which are produced in workshops across the town and exported widely. Visitors are drawn to its cobblestone streets, hillside architecture, and mining-era landmarks, as well as nearby natural sites like forests and the Rayón National Park. It is now a symbolic example of a former mining town transformed into a cultural and craft-based destination.
5
VISIT JAVIER SERVIN WORKSHOP
For Collectible Ceramics
Javier Servín is a leading ceramic artist from Tarandacuao, Guanajuato, known for helping define and promote the region’s distinctive style of high-temperature ceramics. His workshop has grown into an important production center where traditional techniques are combined with modern design sensibilities. The ceramics associated with his name are recognized for their durability, vivid colors, and finely detailed decorative patterns, which have helped establish Tarandacuao as a notable hub for contemporary Mexican pottery. Beyond production, Servín’s workshop also functions as a training and cultural space that has influenced a generation of local artisans. Many ceramicists in the area trace their beginnings to apprenticeships or collaborations within his studio, contributing to the spread of the craft throughout the region. His work has been exhibited and collected widely, and he is regarded as an important figure in the continued evolution and recognition of Mexican ceramic art.
3 REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH US
1
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL
14 Maximum
This tour is limited to 14 Guests, offering a more intimate experience than large bus tours. Rancho San Cayetano has limited capacity, and staying there is a real treat. If we cannot confirm this tour soon, we may lose our tentative booking at Rancho San Cayetano, in which case we will stay in Zitacuaro. We will refund the difference based on accommodation cost.
2
AN EXPERT & RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Educational Tourism
Originally from Ecuador, Dr. Jaramillo completed his PhD in Ontario, Canada and now resides in Morelia as a Professor at UNAM. Dr. Jaramillo is an award winning research scientist who has dedicated his career to rendering solutions for Monarch Butterfly habitats. Working with soil amendments, his passion is for eradicating the use of pesticides that kill the very milkweed monarchs require for laying their eggs, as well as assisting communities with avocado crops that do not require harmful fertilizers. It is an honour to work with such a passionate leader.
3
CHARITY WORK
Giving Back to Local Communities
We are pleased to now be supporting conservation biologist Bill Toone, founder of ECOLIFE Conservation, an organization developed with colleagues including Eric Hallstein and Tom Hanscom. Recognizing that successful conservation must benefit both people and wildlife, ECOLIFE introduced the Patsari stove program to communities surrounding the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. These fuel-efficient cookstoves use significantly less firewood than traditional open-fire cooking methods, helping to reduce pressure on the oyamel fir forests that provide critical overwintering habitat for monarch butterflies. The benefits extend far beyond forest conservation. Traditional indoor cooking fires expose families to dangerous smoke and place women and children at risk of burns and respiratory illness. Patsari stoves are elevated above ground, enclosed for safety, and vent smoke outside through a chimney, dramatically improving indoor air quality. Since the program began, thousands of stoves have been installed in communities around the reserve, reducing household smoke, improving family health, and saving substantial amounts of firewood each year. The project has become an internationally recognized example of how community well-being and environmental conservation can work hand in hand.
TO CONFIRM YOUR TOUR
The price for this tour is $23,925 MXN per person, based on double occupancy. Please let us know if you would prefer to have a roommate. We will try to match you with someone, but cannot guarantee this. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to confirm your tour. We accept payments through Wise or traditional bank transfer. If you would like to use a credit card, we charge an extra 5% to cover their processing fees. You may choose to pay the deposit or full trip amount on your credit card by clicking on the appropriate button below. ALL TOURS ARE PRICED IN MEXICAN PESOS. YOUR BANK WILL CONVERT THE AMOUNT FOR YOU. If you would like to use a payment plan, we can invoice you monthly, The balance must be paid in full by the start of the trip. If you are paying the balance through a bank transfer or by credit card, it is due 2 weeks prior to our tour commencement. Otherwise, you may pay the balance with cash upon arrival Please purchase Travel Insurance to cover any emergencies that could cause you to cancel your trip.
LET'S HIT THE ROAD!
DAY
1
HOPE FOR THE MONARCHS
Zitacuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: We will depart San Miguel de Allende at 9:00 AM. Please meet the bus at the Italian Coffee Shop at Carretera Salida a Celaya No. 1, Local 1, corner of Libramiento José Manuel Zavala, Col. La Lejona, 37765 San Miguel de Allende. Arrive early if you would like to get coffee and a pastry for the road. The commute to the Javier Servin Workshop is about 1.5-2 hours. Arriving at the studio no later than 11:00, we will enjoy a private tour of the pottery workshop to learn about Servin’s work and a tour of their beautiful garden, AFTERNOON: We will enjoy an elegant charcuterie lunch in Javier Servin’s garden at 12:30 PM. Enjoy the lovely surroundings, including a plethora of garden paths, flowers, birds, turtles and more. We will depart the Servin studio by 2:00 PM, arriving in Zitacuaro at approximately 4:00 PM. EVENING: We are scheduling a welcome cocktail with snacks for 5:30 PM. Dr. Pablo Jarmilo will begin his lecture entitled “Hope for the Monarchs,” which is a fascinating exploration of monarch migration patterns, census counts, habitats, obstacles they face and how we can help preserve their endangered and phenomenal migration. Dinner is scheduled for 7:00 PM so our discussion with Dr. Jaramillo will continue through dinner. MEALS: Lunch and Dinner are included. Welcome Cocktail and Snacks are included. All other drinks are separate.
DAY
2
MEXICO'S ROYAL FAMILY
Zitacuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: This morning, we will meet for breakfast at 8:00 AM, departing at 8:45 AM. We will drive to a small town about an hour away to meet our guides, who are of the Mazahua culture. They will transport us into the reserve in four-wheel drive vehicles. Each truck has 4 seats, or you can choose to ride in the back of the pick-up with the guides. The road is quite rough and bumpy, so settle in for an adventurous journey up the mountain. AFTERNOON: We will give you all lunch boxes this morning for the road. Please bring them with you, so you can eat at leisure. We will be in the reserve for several hours, as the commute takes one hour each way and once near the colony, some guests will want to climb down the steep mountain slopes to get closer to the roosts. If you have mobility issues, please contact us before you confirm this tour. We had a group of guests who were upset by how long we remained in the reserve last year, as they could not climb down the hill, so we want to make sure everyone is clear that we are here to observe butterflies. The benefit of being in a private reserve is the opportunity to spend an extended amount of time here, as compared to the public reserves that are sometimes limited. One reason it’s beneficial to have more time in the reserves is due to how their body temperature affects their ability to fly. As the afternoon sky warms, the monarchs leave their roosts and will come out to land around and on you. This is the most life-changing part of coming here. We will depart the reserve at around 2:30 PM for the Mazahua Cultural Centre where the women are making us a fantastic spread of traditional Mazahua cuisine, complete with handmade tortillas. Their exquisite textiles are available, and they even accept credit card. EVENING: As we will have a late afternoon feast at the cultural centre, some of you may not require dinner this evening. For that reason, we are not scheduling dinner tonight. Guests can certainly congregate together around the grounds and enjoy good company. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Mazahua Cuisine included. Dinner is separate.
DAY
3
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
Zitacuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: Breakfast is served from 8:00 AM. Please eat early enough to be ready for our 10:00 AM departure for the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Reserve. El Rosario is the most popular and busy reserve but also boasts the largest colonies of the biosphere. We will arrive at about 11:15, climbing the large staircase that delivers us to the top of the mountain. If you prefer to horseback ride, the horses are approximately $150 MXN each way. Horseback riding is not included. AFTERNOON: Upon descending the mountain, we will have lunch at one of the local kitchens. They serve homemade tortillas, atole, chicken, rice, mole and more. If you prefer a box lunch instead, please confirm ahead of time so we can make arrangements with the ranch. We will depart El Rosario at 3:30 PM, arriving back at the ranch before 5:00 PM. EVENING: We will have dinner tonight at 7:00 PM, followed by an evening of relaxation. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included. Drinks are separate.
DAY
4
THE CHRISTMAS TOWN
N/A
MORNING: Please have your luggage ready by 7:45 AM so we can ask the hotel staff to bring them to the van while we have breakfast. We would like to depart by 8:30 AM this morning, as we are stopping in Tlalpujahua along the way. We will arrive there at approximately 10:30 AM, with plenty of time to visit the site of a tragic mining accident before visiting the centro, featuring an opulent church and glass galleries. AFTERNOON: We will have lunch at Frida’s Bistro at 1:00 PM and will depart Tlalpujahua at 2:00 PM. With pit-stops along the way, we should have you back to San Miguel de Allende at 5:30 PM. We will bring you to a taxi stand so everyone can get home easily. MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch are included. Drinks are separate.
“Each monarch is a small flame that carries life across an entire continent.” - Anonymous
LOGISTICS & OTHER INFO
ACCOMMODATIONS
Your accommodations are included, based on double occupancy. If you would like to share a room with someone, we will try to match you with another solo traveller. If you would like a private room as a solo traveller, there is an extra charge (TBA)
BANKING
We recommend contacting your bank to inform them you will be travelling out of country. ATM machines are easily accessible in Mexican Airports, so you can withdraw some pesos upon arrival. There are several ATM's available in San Miguel de Allende You may use credit cards in select restaurants, but we recommend leaving the tip in cash. Not all international ATM's work in restaurants or stores, but you will be able to withdraw cash from the bank machines. IMPORTANT INFO FOR TAKING CASH OUT OF THE ATM: While you must always accept the "service fee" for using the ATM's, some Mexican banks will also offer you a conversion rate. ALWAYS HIT DECLINE. You will still receive your cash, but your own bank will give you a much better conversion rate.
CLIMATE & ALTITUDE
Zitácuaro Located in the mountains of Michoacán, Zitácuaro sits at approximately 1,950 meters (6,400 feet). January days are typically mild and sunny, with temperatures reaching 18–24°C (64–75°F). Early mornings and nights can be chilly, often dropping to 4–8°C (39–46°F), so a warm jacket is recommended. Monarch Butterfly Reserves The wintering grounds of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve are located high in the pine and oyamel fir forests at elevations between 2,700 and 3,400 meters (8,850–11,150 feet). January is peak butterfly season, but also the coolest part of the journey. Daytime temperatures generally range from 10–18°C (50–64°F), while mornings can be near freezing. Visitors should dress in layers and be prepared for cool mountain conditions.
MEDICAL INSURANCE & EMERGENCY CONTACT
Please purchase medical insurance before you come and send us contact information for your insurance provider AND an emergency contact, in case you are unable to communicate with us. Please send our contact information to a family member or friend in case someone at home cannot get a hold of you.
MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS
This tour is for active travellers who like to hike. If you walk daily, you should be able to manage this tour. We recommend bringing a hiking stick to help with balance, especially if you suffer from sore hips or knees. Sturdy walking shoes are a must.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Throughout the years, we have endured many cancellations for various emergencies, which has forced us to change our booking policy. Please purchase travel insurance to cover trip cancellation in the event that you suffer a medical emergency, bereavement, climate event etc.
WHAT TO BRING
These are some recommendations for items you may wish to bring for your trip. * Rain poncho or compact umbrella just in case it rains * Walking Stick * Warm jacket, mitts and toque for the monarch reserve, as it can get cold. Please pack a day-pack with layered clothing in case it is a warm day. * 2 Pairs of comfortable shoes. * Hand Sanitizer or perssonal sized bottle of hand soap * An open mind!
FAQ'S
1
HOW MUCH WILL MY MEALS COST?
All of your meals are covered with the exception of one dinner. We did not cover dinner on the day we visit the private reserve because we will have a late-afternoon cooked meal at the Mazahua Cultural Centre before we return to the ranch.
2
HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
Good news! Both the Javier Servin Studio and the Mazahua Cultural Centre accept credit cards. Many of the small boutique shops in Tlalpujhahua do not, so if you plan on purchasing some Christmas ornaments while there, you may like to have a few thousand pesos for gifts. This would also be helpful for drinks and snacks.
3
CAN WE BRING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON TOUR?
While guests are technically permitted to drink in the van during our tours, we will remove anyone who drinks to excess, at your own expense, especially since we will be hiking and swimming. We prefer guests reserve their drinking for enjoying with food or in the evenings.
4
WHAT ARE THE BATHROOMS LIKE?
The private reserve has outhouse style bathrooms, but elsewhere, Baños have drastically improved over the years, but it is typical to find toilets without seats, especially in nature reserves. Please do not flush your toilet paper, as Mexico's pipes are narrow and treatment centres are not all designed to process TP. In some cases, the bathroom will be equipped with a massive water tank and a bucket, which is used for flushing the toilet. Simply fill the bucket and pour it into the toilet to flush. We recommend carrying hand sanitizer or a small, personal sized bottle of liquid hand soap in case there is no soap or handwashing facility.
5
WHAT IS THE STANDARD TIPPING AMOUNT?
We generally recommend tipping your driver around $40-$50 MXN per day, while doubling that for your team leaders, depending on their service. For your hotel or housekeeper, if you ask for cleaning services, we recommend $40-$50 MXN per service. If you are purchasing groceries and someone bags them for you, the average payment is 5 MXN per bag. Our drivers and guides establish their own rates, but tipping is still customary in Mexico, particularly in tourism-based professions. In restaurants, the standard tipping among foreigners is 15-20%. Please do not worry about tipping for meals that are included, as we will cover that! We also encourage our guests to pay all tips in cash whenever possible, as some restaurants do not allow tips to go through on credit or debit cards.
