Monarchs of Mexico
Trip Highlights
Stand in awe beneath clouds of monarch butterflies as millions gather in Mexico’s highland sanctuaries—one of the greatest migrations on Earth.
Explore both iconic and off-the-beaten-path monarch sites, guided by expert naturalists and storytellers with deep local knowledge.
Spend time with women artisans and community leaders whose work helps protect both butterflies and cultural heritage.
Experience the vibrant soul of Mexico City through the lens of women-led food and drink—bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Stay in handpicked lodges and boutique hotels that bring you closer to the landscapes and people of the monarch corridor.
Locations:
Mexico City, Angangueo, Valle de Bravo
Dates:
January 18-23, 2026
Limit:
6-10
Trip Details
Join Her Wild Life Expeditions for a journey into the mountains of central Mexico to witness one of the planet’s most astonishing wildlife spectacles—the arrival of millions of monarch butterflies. Every fall, monarchs migrate over 2,000 miles from Canada and the United States to their overwintering sites in Mexico. In the high-altitude oyamel fir forests, they cluster in such dense numbers that their wings sound like rainfall when they take flight.
But this isn’t your standard butterfly tour. It’s a soul-stirring, six-day adventure that pairs unforgettable wildlife encounters with cultural immersion, storytelling, and sisterhood. Alongside the butterflies, we’ll encounter other winged wonders too, with a bit of birding woven into our days as we explore forest trails and mountain villages. Led by expert guides Sheridan Samano and Pam Garcia, we’ll visit both famous and lesser-known sanctuaries, meet local women who are shaping conservation efforts through art, food, and activism, and explore the vibrant heart of Mexico City through its flavors, voices, and landscapes.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – ¡Bienvenidas a México!
Welcome to Mexico City! Upon landing, you’ll be transferred to our first night’s boutique lodging, Circulo Condesa. Nestled in a tree-lined neighborhood known for its parks and cafes, this hotel is the perfect place to rest and reset. Enjoy your evening as you settle in and meet your fellow travelers.
Accommodations: Circulo Condesa
Meals: None
Day 2 – Wings of Wonder
Today, we journey into monarch country—where mountain air meets sacred forest. Our destination is a sanctuary where butterflies gather by the millions. We’ll walk among the trees and feel the magic of migration in motion. This evening, we’ll stay in the village of Angangueo, a community at the heart of monarch conservation.
Accommodations: Don Bruno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3 - Sanctuary and Storytelling
Today we visit one of the most famous monarch sanctuaries in Mexico, but with a Her Wild Life twist. We’ll balance awe-inspiring butterfly sightings with rich cultural storytelling, including a visit with local artisans whose work supports both community and conservation. Afterward, we’ll travel to Valle de Bravo and settle in for two nights at a serene forest lodge.
Accommodations: Misión Grand
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4 – A Sanctuary Few See
Our fourth day brings something truly special—an off-the-beaten-path sanctuary experience. With fewer visitors and a deeper focus on storytelling and connection, this day invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and symbolism of the monarch migration.
Accommodations: Misión Grand
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5 – Waterfalls, Farewells, and Female Chefs
Before returning to Mexico City, we’ll visit the stunning Velo de Novia waterfall—a local gem tucked into the forest. Back in the city, we’ll celebrate our journey with a farewell dinner curated by a trailblazing female chef, followed by a stop at a women-led cocktail bar.
Accommodations: Circulo Condesa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6 – Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we’ll provide transfers back to the airport. Depart with full hearts, camera rolls, and the knowledge that you’ve walked among a miracle.
Meals: Breakfast
Your Guides
Pamela García
Pamela García is a passionate biologist and naturalist guide from Mexico City, where she has lived her entire life. With a degree in biology from the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM), Pamela’s deep love for wildlife began with her daily amazement at nature. As a guide, she is dedicated to sharing that wonder with others through kind, patient, and friendly encounters in the field. Her specialty is birding, and her ear is impeccable. One of her most memorable moments was witnessing a flock of ducks swimming in a wetland in the heart of Mexico City—a symbol of resilience in an urban environment. When she’s not guiding, Pamela enjoys drawing, embroidery, and spending time with her grandparents. Her go-to snack in the field is chocolate chip cookies, and her happy place is drinking hot chocolate in the highlands of Oaxaca.
Sheridan Samano
Sheridan Samano is a wildlife enthusiast, guide, and co-founder of Her Wild Life Expeditions. Her passion for animals began as a child, flipping through National Geographic magazines, and has only grown since then. Sheridan holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science and a master’s in biology. Her guiding journey began when she launched a study abroad program focused on sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. In the field, Sheridan’s ability to spot a break in the pattern and quickly adapt leads to plenty of “wows” from the guests in her groups. When she’s not traveling, you’ll find her along a trail in Colorado with her family, searching for something feathered or furred, or enjoying a local craft beer after a day in the field. Her favorite animal? The cheetah.
What to Expect
Every Her Wild Life expedition is designed to offer full, active days for women traveling together seeking authentic, immersive wildlife experiences. This often means being active when wildlife is most active. The trips are carefully planned to put you in the right place at the right time, while acknowledging that unforgettable wildlife encounters require both a bit of luck and the expertise of your guide team.
This Mexico expedition involves:
- Visits to multiple butterfly sanctuaries, including an off-the-beaten-path site.
- Riding a horse as well as hiking over sometimes steep, rocky, uneven terrain at elevations between 9000-11,000 feet. This trip is designated as moderately difficult due to the monarch sanctuary visit days.
- Scenic drives between destinations (2–5 hours), with time for conversation, photos, and roadside snacks.
- Early morning activities on most days, to make the most of wildlife and light.
- Be prepared: Pack your sense of adventure, wonder, flexibility, and humor!
Accommodations
- 2 nights at Circulo Condesa, Mexico City
- 1 night at Don Bruno, Angangueo
- 2 nights at Misión Grand, Valle de Bravo
What's Included
- Lodging for 5 nights as listed. A private room is included in the trip cost. If you’d like to share a room with a travel companion, double-occupancy pricing is available.
- 2 expert naturalist guides for entire trip.
- Meals as listed: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days + 4 days of private transportation.
- Activities and entrance fees as listed.
- Gratuities for your guides, drivers, and restaurant staff for included meals.
- Conservation donation to Alternare.
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Passport/visa fees
- Travel insurance (quotes available)
- Meals not listed in daily schedule
- Alcohol
- Optional activities
- Pre- or post-trip hotels
- Room upgrades
- Gratuities for hotel staff
- Personal expenses
Cost
$4,650 per person for private, single-occupancy accommodations, with a $520 per-person discount for travelers sharing a room.
Conservation Impact
Alternare is a Mexican nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving monarch butterfly habitat in central Mexico by working in partnership with rural communities and ejidos. For over 22 years, they have supported sustainable alternatives that improve quality of life while fostering environmental stewardship and ecological restoration. By promoting a model of living that protects both the forest and the people, Alternare builds real, lasting change. A conservation donation supporting their work will be made on behalf of all trip participants.