CULTURAL MONARCH BUTTERFLY TOUR
FROM SEA TO SKY
STARTS: Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
ENDS: Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
DATES: January 19 - 26, 2025
DURATION: 10 Nights / 11 Days
PRICE FOR 12-14: $48,000 MXN Each
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: + $12,400 MXN
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Please Note: This is an all inclusive tour with the exception of lunch & dinner on Sunday January 25th, which is a FREE day so guests can explore on your own
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WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?
We would like to offer beach-lovers a unique opportunity to step away from the vibrant coast for an extended adventure in the highlands of Michoacan, where we will introduce you to many of our friends throughout the region. Many of you come for a few days, and most of the monarch butterfly tours are geared towards trips that return you to the beach quickly and at a lower cost than our tour, but we recognize there are a lot of you who live on the coast and would savour a slower pace for travel, especially if such a journey includes some high-level experiences, such as hammering your own copper bracelet in the traditional workshop of an award winning artist, or having the rare and unique opportunity to visit the UNESCO protected Monarch Butterfly Biosphere with an esteemed and decorated scientist who has conducted research in the reserves for many years. Even better? This tour raises funds for important science research aimed at protecting the phenomenal migration that is gravely endangered due to climate and environmental hazards.
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Our favourite aspect of this Monarch Butterfly experience is our 3 Night stay at the tranquil Agua Blanca Resort in Jungapeo, which means we can visit two contrasting monarch reserves. We will enjoy an evening lecture with Dr. Jaramillo called Hope for the Monarchs, which is an overview of the migration patterns and obstacles faced by these beautiful creatures. Dr. Jaramillo has a contagious passion for sharing academic knowledge in a manner that isn't dry or boring, but in fact engaging and easy to follow. What we love best about his approach to this concerning situation is that his lecture is solution-based, rather than a doom-and-gloom, it's all over diatribe. He will talk about the census counts, scientific theories about why the butterflies return each year, he will also talk about some of the new developments that are alarming, while offering simple suggestions that we can all manage as individuals. At the end of his presentation, you are all welcome to ask questions, though these casual seminars more often develop into an intriguing dialogue, with everyone sharing ideas for problem solving.
It has been our observation that guests who wake up close to the monarch biosphere have a much more enjoyable experience than those who commute for the day from distant locations. Groups arriving for the day from Mexico City, Morelia, Queretaro or San Miguel de Allende spend approximately 6-7.5 hours (return) commuting. This does not include hiking and observation time, bathroom breaks or lunch. Their day begins at 6:00 AM to race down the highway before dawn, while ours will begin at 9:00 AM when we meet for breakfast. Waking up rested makes a significant difference to setting intentions for your experience in the park - one that will feel much more tranquil and accessible.
And as we do not need to rush you straight back to the beach, we offer you three nights in the enchanting Pueblo Magico of Patzcuaro, where you can enjoy some free time and also visit many unknown gems of our region where few foreigners go.
This tour is an investment, as it is costlier than the short tours on offer and also requires a chunk of your time. The pay-off is a treasure trove of memories and a real chance to learn about the P'urepecha culture and La Ruta Don Vasco, which is a historical path connecting select villages that were founded by the First Bishop of Michoacan in the mid 1500's. Our goal is to offer you an eclectic journey with three eating experiences with traditional cooks. We will take you to a traditional island to enjoy some cultural activities in a communal setting and introduce you to a side of our region you haven't yet encountered. Between artisan studios, learning about indigenous narratives, visiting Michaocan's largest textile market, riding to a church that was swallowed by a volcano, local eateries, a mezcal tasting, a copper workshop and a day of rest to find your own new haunts in the charming Centro of Patzcuaro, this tour is only made possible by a wonderful guide who grew up in this region and has spent his career harnessing important bonds with P'urepecha artists, including learning their language and becoming an expert on their art mediums.
This tour moves slowly, but with full days. We will spend 4 nights at the Mansion del Cupatizio in the city of Uruapan, 3 nights at Agua Blanca Resort in Jungpeo and 3 nights in the Pueblo Magico of Patzuaro. The sooner we confirm this tour, the better our chances to secure our favourite lodgings for your stay.
We truly hope you will join us for this amazing adventure.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?
WEATHER:
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The flight of the butterfly depends on body temperature, which means they only fly when sunlight warms their wings. Climate can vary throughout the season, with warm days in all months, and cold days even in March. The weather is the most unpredictable challenge for butterfly tours, as a cold day means they will cluster with one another for warmth, being physically unable to fly.
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ALTITUDE:
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The monarch colonies move throughout the season and can reach altitudes of around 3350 meters (approximately 11,000 feet) above sea level. This puts guests in the danger zone for altitude sickness; however, as we go up and down within a few hours, it's rare for anyone to suffer here, so long as they are generally mobile and don't have COPD or breathing issues.
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MOBILITY:
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Aside from altitude, mobility in the reserves is a must. The reserve is a mountainous landscape with some steep hills, making it necessary to have decent stability and hiking stamina (especially if hiking at a high altitude is new). That all said, we have travelled with two ambitious women who were determined to make it, and did, One needed knee replacements, the other had just had hers replaced. The latter guest was so determined, she visited two reserves within two days! So if you have the strength of mind, this isn't an impossible feat. When you confirm your tour with us, please communicate any mobility issues you may have so we can offer feedback and suggestions.
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Wooden walking sticks are available for rent in the park, or if you have your own sticks, they are helpful to have. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with ankle support.
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HORSEBACK RIDING:
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We always encourage guests to ride horses in the reserve simply because the guides only enjoy a short season and this income is an important part of encouraging the locals to surrender illegal logging for environmental tourism. Many in our group will choose to hike, so those of us who ride will meet them at the area where riders must dismount. Upon dismounting, our group will have a discussion and commence our walking tour through the reserve, as Dr. Jaramillo shares information about the habitat. Horseback riding is optional and will cost about $150 MXN each way. (You are not required to ride both ways)​​
Ride to the church of San Juan Parangaricutiro
Ride to the church of San Juan Parangaricutiro
Ride to the church of San Juan Parangaricutiro
HOW DOES THIS BENEFIT LOCALS?
This tour raises money for important research in the biosphere, whose creation has actually had adverse consequences for the local indigenous villagers who have relied on logging for decades before the Biosphere was declared a UNESCO site and thus protected from logging. Illegal logging persists because the locals still require income for sustenance. We highly recommend riding a horse into the reserve if you are comfortable, as this provides seasonal employment for the dozens of Mazahua guides who work in the reserves. We will enjoy lunch in the traditional kitchens, as this keeps many families employed here. There are a few shops that sell embroidered tortilla cloths, wool mittens, toques and locally made snacks that you can purchase. We will hire a watchman to travel with us, as this program also encourages the locals to protect their local habitat. We are continually looking for ways to benefit the locals, and welcome suggestions. If you would like to make a private donation for science research, we welcome any and all support on offer. Please contact us for more information.
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Our art collection tour through the highlands brings much needed economy to the locals of the area, as they mainly rely on two major art festivals per year, other than select gallery owners who travel through the area to purchase wholesale. We will arrange lunches with two local P'urepecha families, offering you the opportunity to try their local cuisine, while also offering them some extra income when we visit. Guests are not obligated to purchase art pieces, but those who do will certainly leave some huge smiles behind.
WHAT HAVE OTHER GUESTS SAID?
Please Note: Our company was registered as Soul of Mexico Tours in 2018, but was Trademarked by someone unscrupulous in 2023. We changed our company name to Copper Moon Travels in April 2023.
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From Nancy 2022
What an adventure! This trip was unlike any I have ever taken before and blew me away - I learned so much about an area in Mexico that I had never been to before. The countryside was beautiful and the food was delicious, but what amazed me was the history and architecture of the area coupled with the incredible talent of the local artisans. I loved the intertwining of the 16th and 17th century Spanish influence with the local customs and traditions of the indigenous people and meeting artists in their workshops making the beautiful hand-made works of art the same way generations before them did it, and seeing how they are passing down their knowledge to their children and grandchildren like their ancestors before them. The pottery, copperware, woodworking and textiles they create are absolutely spectacular. Bring an extra suitcase because you will not be able to resist taking some home!!
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From Taylor 2022
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I just returned from the 10 day trip through Michoacán from Guadalajara to Mexico City. Jennifer was thorough in offering local art, nature, excellent guides and delicious food (some of which Jennifer baked herself for a wonderful picnic!). What more could one ask for?! And ALL of the accommodations were excellent. Visits to the artists homes and workspaces in various towns and villages gave the trip so much more depth and meaning. The very good-humored Mexican historian, Jaime, who accompanied us most of the way was EXCELLENT and he left no question unanswered. His presentations at murals, in zocalós of various towns or in churches were very interesting and comprehensive. The last 3 days were dedicated to seeing the monarch butterflies at 3 different locations in the nearby reserves. Trecia, the biologist who knows all things Monarcha Mariposa, was a perfect source of knowledge and enthusiasm for this natural phenomenon. She has been there many times and is part of the efforts to protect the Monarchs from Mexico to Canada. I HIGHLY recommend going on this tour with Jennifer and Trecia as your guides. Taylor Randolph
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From Margaret 20220
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Dear Jennifer and Trecia, Thank you Jennifer and Trecia for putting together such a magical trip! The butterflies were truly spectacular. Meeting local artists and spending time with them in their homes and workshops was such a unique experience only exceeded by Jamie's knowledge of the culture. The culture, art, and butterflies were something most people do not get to experience. I appreciate all you did to make this trip educational. It is one I will never forget. I came home with a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture and people of Michoacan..
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To read more reviews, please click here. We also have some reviews on Trip Advisor, which we are trying to grow. If you come on tour with us, please consider leaving us a review, as they are so crucial for small businesses like ours!
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PRICE INCLUSIONS & RESERVATIONS
The price of $48,000 (Approximately $2400 USD) is all inclusive with the exception of lunch and dinner on Sunday January 24, which is a FREE day, so guests can relax and explore at your own pace.
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HOTELS: Hotels are included based on double occupancy. If you require a single room, the single supplement is $12,400 MXN. If you are travelling with a friend, you can share a room to avoid the single supplement, as Mexican hotels always offer 2 beds for the same price as 1.
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ACTIVITIES: All activités and entrance fees are includes.
HORSEBACK RIDING: Horseback riding is optional at the Church of San Juan & two monarch reserves, as some are not comfortable on horseback or prefer to hike. The cost for each way is $200 MXN, so if you intend on riding for all tours, it would be an extra cost of $1200 Pesos between all three trips.
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MEALS: All meals are included with the exception of lunch and dinner on Sunday January 24th, which is a FREE day. All fancy and/or alcoholic beverages are separate.
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FUNDRAISER: This tour raises funds for important scientific research in the reserves. We thank you for considering this tour and for supporting science.
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CONTACT US
Contact: Jennifer Bjarnason
Email: coppermoontravels@protonmail.com
WhatsApp / Text: +52 443 639 2782
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