Journey to Mexico’s state of Michoacan, (MEECH-wa-cahn), where you will witness the wintering home of the monarch butterflies in the oyamel forests of the region. The trip begins in colonial Morelia and continues to Uruapan. Visit the villages of the Meseta Purepecha, and the artisan communities on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro. Finally, you’ll visit the winter home of millions of monarch butterflies that migrate to exactly the same region, year after year. It was not discovered until the 1970’s that the annual southern migration path of the monarchs, east of the Rockies, was to the oyamel fir forests of Michoacan where the butterflies cluster in trees to stay warm and protected from the cold air.
Upon your arrival in Morelia, you will be met and transferred to your lovely, centrally located suites-hotel. Enjoy Mexican hot chocolate or other refreshments of your choosing, served local-style, at the open-air portales located across from the Cathedral. This is a perfect setting for receiving your orientation to Michoacan.
Meals
Dinner
Lodging
Hotel de la Soledad or similar
BDay 2Explore Morelia
After breakfast, your Michoacan guide will lead you on a walking tour of Morelia, the capital of the state and a place where traditions in music, arts, and higher education run deep. The city is a colonial architectural gem with stone streets and plazas, and one exquisite building after another designed around central courtyards and gardens. On the walls of the inner courtyard of the Government Palace, you’ll find larger-than-life paintings by the famous muralist, Alfredo Zalce, which tell a vibrant story of the people of Michoacan. Today you’ll also visit the Cathedral, Temple of the Roses, the former Aqueduct, and the outstanding House of “Artesanias”. This special evening will begin with the viewing of the illuminated Cathedral followed by an impressive welcome dinner at one of Morelia’s top-rated restaurants.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel de la Soledad or similar
CDay 3El Rosario Butterfly Reserve
Leave the world of art and history behind as you embark on a one of a kind nature trek to witness one of the greatest natural phenomena: the winter migration of the monarch butterfly to the trans volcanic mountains of central Mexico. Every winter, millions of butterflies migrate south to the oyamel fir forests which are found in a very small area of the mountain tops in this region. The nearby trees, streams, underbrush, and fog all form an intricate ecosystem which enables the monarch’s survival. It wasn’t until 1975 that scientists first tracked down the monarch’s winter site in Mexico. Before this discovery, the monarch’s winter hideout had been a secret known only to the local villagers
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Don Bruno or similar
DDay 4Patzcuaro
In the morning, you will visit one more sanctuary before departing for Patzcuaro. This quaint town lies along the shores of the lake that shares its name. After settling into your hotel, you will have the opportunity to walk around the town, exploring its plazas, churches, and charming cobblestone streets.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
La Casa Encantada or similar
EDay 5Patzcuaro/Erongaricuaro
Today you’ll travel to the eastern shores of Lake Patzcuaro to visit the master wood mask carvers of Tocuaro, whose masks are renowned throughout Mexico. Jaguars and mythical creatures are depicted in these decorative, ceremonial masks. From here, you’ll travel to the bohemian, colonial town of Erongaricuaro, which has become a hub for area poets, writers, and artists. You’ll walk in its charming plaza and absorb the creative atmosphere before returning to your home base in Patzcuaro, where you’ll have time to roam the cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
La Casa Encantada or similar
FDay 6Tzintzuntzan
After breakfast, we will visit the ruins of the pre-Hispanic Purepecha empire in Tzintzuntzan, which means “Place of the Hummingbirds.” Little is known about the early Purepecha people, but it is believed that they are descendants of nomadic peoples from northwestern Mexico, known as the Chichimecas. Spend time visiting the present-day village and artisans of Tzintzuntzan. From here, we’ll continue with a drive around the lake, stopping at important artisan communities along the way, such as Santa Fe de la Laguna and Erongaricuaro, the first towns established by Vasco de Quiroga, and Tocuaro, known for its traditional wooden mask carvings.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
La Casa Encantada or similar
GDay 7Morelia
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll say goodby to charming Patzcuaro for your return journey to the capital city, Morelia. Today you can spend more time visiting places that captured your attention on the city tour. The Music Conservatory, Regional History Museum, and Arts and Crafts market are favorite stops. Morelia often has temporary art exhibits to explore as well.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel de la Soledad or similar
HDay 8Morelia / Onward
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Journey to Mexico’s state of Michoacan, (MEECH-wa-cahn), where you will witness the wintering home of the monarch butterflies in the oyamel forests of the region. The trip begins in colonial Morelia and continues to Uruapan. Visit the villages of the Meseta Purepecha, and the artisan communities on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro. Finally, you’ll visit the winter home of millions of monarch butterflies that migrate to exactly the same region, year after year. It was not discovered until the 1970’s that the annual southern migration path of the monarchs, east of the Rockies, was to the oyamel fir forests of Michoacan where the butterflies cluster in trees to stay warm and protected from the cold air.
Upon your arrival in Morelia, you will be met and transferred to your lovely, centrally located suites-hotel. Enjoy Mexican hot chocolate or other refreshments of your choosing, served local-style, at the open-air portales located across from the Cathedral. This is a perfect setting for receiving your orientation to Michoacan.
Meals
Dinner
Lodging
Hotel de la Soledad or similar
BDay 2Explore Morelia
After breakfast, your Michoacan guide will lead you on a walking tour of Morelia, the capital of the state and a place where traditions in music, arts, and higher education run deep. The city is a colonial architectural gem with stone streets and plazas, and one exquisite building after another designed around central courtyards and gardens. On the walls of the inner courtyard of the Government Palace, you’ll find larger-than-life paintings by the famous muralist, Alfredo Zalce, which tell a vibrant story of the people of Michoacan. Today you’ll also visit the Cathedral, Temple of the Roses, the former Aqueduct, and the outstanding House of “Artesanias”. This special evening will begin with the viewing of the illuminated Cathedral followed by an impressive welcome dinner at one of Morelia’s top-rated restaurants.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel de la Soledad or similar
CDay 3El Rosario Butterfly Reserve
Leave the world of art and history behind as you embark on a one of a kind nature trek to witness one of the greatest natural phenomena: the winter migration of the monarch butterfly to the trans volcanic mountains of central Mexico. Every winter, millions of butterflies migrate south to the oyamel fir forests which are found in a very small area of the mountain tops in this region. The nearby trees, streams, underbrush, and fog all form an intricate ecosystem which enables the monarch’s survival. It wasn’t until 1975 that scientists first tracked down the monarch’s winter site in Mexico. Before this discovery, the monarch’s winter hideout had been a secret known only to the local villagers
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Don Bruno or similar
DDay 4Patzcuaro
In the morning, you will visit one more sanctuary before departing for Patzcuaro. This quaint town lies along the shores of the lake that shares its name. After settling into your hotel, you will have the opportunity to walk around the town, exploring its plazas, churches, and charming cobblestone streets.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
La Casa Encantada or similar
EDay 5Patzcuaro/Erongaricuaro
Today you’ll travel to the eastern shores of Lake Patzcuaro to visit the master wood mask carvers of Tocuaro, whose masks are renowned throughout Mexico. Jaguars and mythical creatures are depicted in these decorative, ceremonial masks. From here, you’ll travel to the bohemian, colonial town of Erongaricuaro, which has become a hub for area poets, writers, and artists. You’ll walk in its charming plaza and absorb the creative atmosphere before returning to your home base in Patzcuaro, where you’ll have time to roam the cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
La Casa Encantada or similar
FDay 6Tzintzuntzan
After breakfast, we will visit the ruins of the pre-Hispanic Purepecha empire in Tzintzuntzan, which means “Place of the Hummingbirds.” Little is known about the early Purepecha people, but it is believed that they are descendants of nomadic peoples from northwestern Mexico, known as the Chichimecas. Spend time visiting the present-day village and artisans of Tzintzuntzan. From here, we’ll continue with a drive around the lake, stopping at important artisan communities along the way, such as Santa Fe de la Laguna and Erongaricuaro, the first towns established by Vasco de Quiroga, and Tocuaro, known for its traditional wooden mask carvings.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
La Casa Encantada or similar
GDay 7Morelia
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll say goodby to charming Patzcuaro for your return journey to the capital city, Morelia. Today you can spend more time visiting places that captured your attention on the city tour. The Music Conservatory, Regional History Museum, and Arts and Crafts market are favorite stops. Morelia often has temporary art exhibits to explore as well.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel de la Soledad or similar
HDay 8Morelia / Onward
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Land Cost from
$2,995
Single Supplement
+ $450
The cost quoted is the Land Cost and is subject to change. This covers accommodations, transfers, activities, touring, guide services and meals as described in Journeys’ Trip Notes. The quoted Land Cost will apply when group size falls in the specified range and when travel is on the indicated dates.
Travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip, please ensure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to take part in the listed activities. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or inconvenience to the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
The monarch butterflies are located in the mountains of Michoacan. To see them requires climbing a long stretch/series of stairs at El Rosario Sanctuary. Altitudes can reach 10,000 feet. On this trip, we allow plenty of time for everyone to ascend and descend at their own pace (there is no rush, as we have all day). Note: for those who are unable or choose not to do this, there are horses for hire. This is an experience that many people do, so it is not defined as “specialty adventure travel”, but it does require some degree of stamina.
At Sierra Chincua, there are no stairs, but climbing on the mountainside also requires some stamina. Horses are also available here.
The ability to maintain a reasonable walking pace. More specifically, you must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and climbing stairs that may not have handrails.
Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.
Expenses covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses not covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
Deposit and payment schedule
$800 per person per trip or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. (Note: this schedule supersedes that listed in the general Terms and Conditions.) A second deposit of $1000 per person is due four months prior to departure, and the final payment for land arrangements is due 60 days prior to departure. Any applicable permit fees required in advance are non-refundable as well. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditions as noted on our website, and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.
Airfare
We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Insurance
When you make your reservation, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.
Itinerary Change Fee
There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.
Duration 8 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 2 - 10
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Superior
Comfortable & delightful hotels
Activity Level
Active
Altitudes of 10,000 feet in the mountains of Michoacan and climbing the mountainside. Stairs at the sanctuary.
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.