Perhaps the most impressive of all of North America’s natural events occurs with one of its most unlikely creatures, the delicate and beautiful monarch butterfly. Every year, nearly 300 million of these brilliantly hued monarchs spread their wings and set flight on a remarkable 2,500-mile journey, from Canada and the northeastern United States to their ancestral wintering grounds in the spectacular Transvolcanic Range in Mexico. Until recently, the location of their breeding grounds remained a mystery. Now, small groups of our travelers, accompanied by Mexico’s premier naturalist guides, can experience this soul-stirring natural phenomenon.

For a few months each year, a select few nature enthusiasts are lucky enough to witness a remarkable event, as thousands of olive Ridley sea turtles arrive on the pristine beaches of southern Mexico to lay their eggs. Driven by ancient impulses, these remarkable creatures return to this tropical paradise to recreate the miracle of their fragile lives. Each evening, our Expedition Leader – who has played an integral role in the protection of these animals and has been granted special access to the beach – escorts us as we stroll among dozens of turtles laying their eggs and tiny hatchlings scurrying for the safety of the Pacific Ocean.

Dates (2006) :

Feb 19 - 24
Feb 26 - Mar 3
Feb 27 - Mar 4
Mar 5 - 10
Mar 6 - 11
Mar 12 - 17

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Mexico City, Mexico

Upon arrival in Mexico City,you will be met and transferred to our hotel. This evening we will have an orientation/welcome dinner at 7:00pm.

Day 2: Rosario / Angangueo

From Mexico City, we travel through the central highlands. The surrounding countryside is breathtaking – the enormous snow-capped volcano Xinantecatl towers over deep green pine forests. We will continue on to the picturesque mountain village of Angangueo to check into our hotel and have lunch. Angangueo is magical indeed; narrow historic streets grace this traditional mining village, with forested hills surrounding its simple beauty. In the afternoon, we will venture out to the nearby Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary for our first encounter with the king of the butterflies. Our journey begins in the back of an open truck as we drive through the picturesque pastoral countryside to the starting point of our first butterfly excursion. When we exit our vehicle, we will typically see our first butterflies fluttering about. The path takes us up a groomed, but sometimes fairly steep, trail with convenient benches for occasional rests. As we continue up the trail, the density will thicken until we reach the epicenter of the resting monarchs. Millions of monarchs cover the tall oyamel and fir trees, and, as the sun warms their black-and-orange wings, the butterflies fill the air, illuminating the entire area – including us! Mexico’s sanctuaries are the only places in the world where you can actually hear butterflies’ wings beating. The beauty of the butterflies is so ethereal that many Mexicans still hold the Aztec belief that the souls of the dead are reborn as monarchs.

Day 3: Chincua / Angangueo

In the morning we drive to the Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary for our second memorable experience with the monarchs. We will journey on foot and horseback for this excursion. As Carlos Gottfried, president of Mexico’s Monarca A.C., says, “When you stand in a monarch sanctuary, your soul is shaken and your life is changed.” In Chincua, we ride our horses most of the way then walk down into the area of high butterfly density. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of the lovely village of Angangueo.

Day 4: Valle de Bravo

Today we travel to the lovely village of Valle de Bravo, a typical Mexican town with narrow cobblestone streets lined with red-tile roofed houses along the shores of an enormous man-made lake, Lago de Avandaro (Avandaro means “dream place” in the Tarascan Indian language). Tropical vegetation, from bougainvillea tumbling over terraces to brilliant flowers in the Plaza Independencia, attracts a multitude of birds. We will have the opportunity to relax in luxury after two days of butterfly tracking. We can also take a short walk to a local waterfall, where birdlife often appears. We will spend the night at the luxurious Hotel Avandaro Spa & Resort.

Day 5: Piedra Herrada Sanctuary / Toluca / Mexico City

Our final journey to the butterflies takes us to the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary, the newest spot opened for viewing the monarchs. Once again, horses take us most of the way and we then walk, often through thick vegetation, to the spot where the butterflies are located. This area is “wilder” than the other two sanctuaries and often provides a more remote nature experience. We will continue on our return trip to Mexico City with a stop in Toluca, originally an Indian settlement dating back to the 13th century. Here we visit Cosmo Vitral Jardin Botanico, a spectacular botanical garden lit by stained-glass panels created by Tolucan artist Leopoldo Flores. Tonight we will enjoy a wonderful dinner at one of Mexico City’s fine traditional restaurants.

Day 6: Mexico City / Home

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, or to Puerto Vallarta for the Humpback Whale Extension.

Included:

Accommodations, meals from dinner on day 1 through dinner on Day 5, soda and beer with meals, bottled water, park entrance fees, horseback riding option at Chincua and Piedra Herrada, taxes and service charges except Mexico’s departure and airport taxes.

Not Included:

Travel to and from Mexico City, alcoholic drinks (except for beer with meals), gratuities to Expedition Leader(s), airport and departure taxes, meals on Day 6, and travel insurance.

Price Guide:

£1565 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: £280

Humpback Whale Extension

Off the Pacific coastal village of Puerto Vallarta lies the mating and breeding ground of hundreds of humpback whales. From our first-class tropical accommodations, we will head out by small vessel to view these leviathans. We may also have the opportunity to snorkel and bird watch on this wonderful tropical wildlife extension. 3 Nights / 4 Days

Price Guide:

£500 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: £225

Call 01903 816500 for further details or email info@exquisiteworld.com