Monarch butterflies are reaching their overwintering sites in Mexico. Visitors to these winter habitats describe witnessing the countless monarchs as a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
My friend, Jacqui Knight, recounted her experience to me: “I was in Mexico a few years ago to see the monarchs. I was amazed at how many monarchs we could see in the trees – the experience was mind-blowing. And so I was completely amazed at just how many more monarchs I saw on this trip. 
The day after we arrived, we rode up Cerro Pelon, and halfway up the mountain the horses stopped in a shady passage. Suddenly I realized we were surrounded by a stream of monarchs, a constant stream, flying towards us and further down the mountain. The stream joined up with another stream as the monarchs surged down the mountain, looking for nectar sources further down. Some of them stopped nearby to sip at salvias and other wildflowers beside the track.
We rode on and found the monarchs in a clearing in huge bunches in the trees. It was a thrill when something prompted the monarchs to burst into life… looking up at the blue sky it was as if I was standing next to a huge bonfire with ashes littering the sky, falling around us.
And at the very top the trees were thick with monarchs. These were harder to see as they sat, wings closed in the trees. But we could see them and hear them… the gentle swish of a wonder of wings in the pines and firs. I had never imagined that I would see so many!
The next day down in the village of Macheros we saw monarchs flying everywhere looking to top up on their reserves before they began the journey northwards, and they were puddling thickly in a stream near some houses… so many monarchs that you could hardly see the stream.”
If you want to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience, I highly recommend a company called Explora Latin America. I have already recommended this company to others, and they come back telling me it was such a fantastic experience and that the tour guides, Sid and Chris, were amazing.
Alicia Griebenow wrote: “I would like to thank you for your recommendation to my husband, Brian, for the best Monarch tour group in Mexico. He had contacted you in planning for a Christmas gift/birthday trip. We are presently towards the end of our week traveling with Explora Latin America. Sid & Chris are the sweetest, kindest and most passionate couple for our Monarchs. They have attended to our group of 13 with the utmost patience and care. I want to take them home with me. Thank you.”
What’s included?
- 8-day trip
- Airport pick up upon arrival (airport code: MEX)
- 7 nights of accommodation (double occupancy)
- 7 breakfasts
- 3 dinners
- Purified water refills
- Bilingual tour leader throughout the trip
- Private transportation on air-conditioned van with professional driver
- Entry and visit to 3 Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries
- Local guides (ejidatarios) for the Butterfly Reserves
- Presentation and follow-up discussion on the Monarch migration
- Guided tour of the pyramids of Teotihuacan
- Tour of the Jardín Botánico Cosmovitral in Toluca
- Free time in Valle de Bravo and Mexico City
Stay in the small colonial town of Anganguero, surrounded by impressive mountains and forests.
It is not too early to book because they do fill up rather quickly. https://www.exploralatinamerica.com.mx/join-a-tour/
Here is the website, where you can check the detailed itinerary, and read more of the testimonials.
https://www.exploralatinamerica.com.mx/monarch-butterflies/
Photos and videos courtesy of Alicia and Brian Griebenow of Al Paca’s Dreams.