Mexico: The Monarch Migration Experience
with Andrea Gawrylewski
Highlights
Scientific American Travel invites you on an extraordinary journey to witness one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena—the annual monarch butterfly migration in the mountains of central Mexico. Each year, up to one billion monarchs travel nearly 3,000 miles from across North America to reach their winter sanctuaries, transforming the oyamel fir forests into living tapestries. This expertly guided experience blends natural wonder with cultural discovery, taking you from Mexico City’s rich artistic heritage to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, enjoy hands‑on culinary experiences, immersive ecological learning with local experts and encounters with Mexico’s enduring traditions. This journey offers not only breathtaking wildlife but also an examination of conservation, climate impacts and the intricate natural systems that sustain this iconic species.
Please note: This is a moderately strenuous tour and includes several one-hour hikes on uneven surfaces at elevation (approx. 10,000 feet above sea level). Those who choose can reduce the hiking distance by traveling on horseback. The trails to view the butterfly migration are not accessible to wheelchairs, scooters or rollators.
Expert Guide: Andrea Gawrylewski
Andrea Gawrylewski is chief newsletter editor at Scientific American. She writes the daily Today in Science newsletter and oversees all other newsletters at the magazine. In addition, she manages all special editions and in the past was editor of Scientific American Mind, Scientific American Space & Physics and Scientific American Health & Medicine. Gawrylewski got her start in journalism at the Scientist magazine, where she was a features writer and editor for “hot” research papers in the life sciences. She spent more than six years in educational publishing, editing books for higher education in biology, environmental science and nutrition. She holds a master’s degree in earth science and a master’s degree in journalism, both from Columbia University.
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Itinerary
Friday, February 26: Mexico Meet-Up
Arrive in Mexico City and transfer directly to your hotel near the Paseo de la Reforma. Join your fellow travelers and Scientific American expert for a welcome reception and introduction to the fascinating science of monarch butterfly migration before dinner as a group at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Dinner, Reception
Accommodation: Hotel Marquis Reforma
Saturday, February 27: Cooking School and Casa Azul
Begin your day with a hands-on culinary experience at Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre, acclaimed as one of the world’s most innovative dining spots. Guided by a celebrated chef, you’ll learn how traditional ingredients and techniques shape Mexico’s food culture. Later, visit Frida Kahlo’s iconic Casa Azul, the birthplace, home and studio of one of the most recognized artists of the twentieth century. Tour the vivid cobalt-blue walls and lush courtyard gardens to gain insight into her artistic legacy and personal life. Enjoy a free evening to wander Mexico City’s museums and markets at your own pace.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Marquis Reforma
Gregory Rodruiguez/GettyImages
Sunday, February 28: Valle de Bravo and Star Party
Travel west to Valle de Bravo, stopping in Toluca to explore the botanical garden and brilliant Cosmovitral stained-glass mural. After a brief walking tour, continue to the lakeside town of Valle de Bravo with time for lunch on your own. Those who choose can take a short hike to the Velo de Novia waterfall before settling into your hotel. After dinner, drive to a nearby dark-sky location for a star party led by a local astronomer who will help you identify planets, nebulae, star clusters and deep-sky objects.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
Monday, March 1: Monarch Migration
Today marks your first encounter with the monarchs. At the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary—part of Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve—hike or ride horseback through steep oyamel fir forests where millions of monarchs cluster during the cool mornings. As the sun warms the branches, witness the breathtaking spectacle of monarchs taking flight. Meet with a local ecologist who will share insight into monarch ecology, including their multi‑generational migration, unique adaptations and the critical microclimates that support colony survival. Along the trail, learn about conservation challenges such as habitat loss, climate impacts and the importance of cross‑border monitoring. After lunch at the reserve, return to Valle de Bravo in the afternoon, when you’ll have time to explore its cobbled streets, lakeside vistas and charming colonial architecture at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
JHVEPhoto/GettyImages
Tuesday, March 2: Rosario Refuge
Travel north to El Rosario in Michoacán, one of the most extraordinary sites for observing monarchs in the wild and hear a talk by your Scientific American expert en route. After lunch at a local restaurant, begin the ascent to the butterfly refuge—by horseback for those who prefer it, and on foot for the final stretch. At the summit, observe trees blanketed by hibernating monarchs. Return to Valle de Bravo for dinner as a group at a local restaurant this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
Wednesday, March 3: La Marquesa and Mexico City
Begin the day with a lecture from your Scientific American expert. Then, migrate back to Mexico City, stopping en route outside La Marquesa National Park for a brief birding encounter, nature walk and lunch in a mountain setting. Settle back into your Mexico City base this afternoon with time to explore the city and an early dinner on your own. Then, immerse yourself in Mexico’s rich cultural traditions with an evening of colorful costumes, live music and traditional dance at the Ballet Folklórico at the Palacio de Bellas Artes (subject to scheduling and availability).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Marquis Reforma
Arturo Peña Romano Medina/GettyImages
Thursday, March 4: Xochimilco and Ancestral Agriculture
This morning, travel to the famed canals of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where brightly colored wooden boats (trajineras) glide through the last remnants of the Aztec waterway system. Explore the canals before disembarking at Arca Tierra, an organic farm set on a traditional chinampa—an ingenious, centuries-old method of creating fertile agricultural islands. Meet local farmers who preserve these ancestral practices and learn how regenerative techniques are improving soil health and water quality while supporting conservation of the critically endangered axolotl. Enjoy a fresh, farm‑to‑table lunch featuring seasonal local ingredients. This evening, celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner accompanied by live mariachi music.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Marquis Reforma
Friday, March 5: Adios
Departure. Depart hotel for individual flights home
Included Meal: Breakfast
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.
Accommodations
Hotel Marquis Reforma Hotel & Spa
Located along the prestigious Paseo de la Reforma, the Marquis Reforma blends art deco elegance with contemporary luxury in the heart of Mexico City. Its prime location is steps from landmarks such as Chapultepec Park and the Angel of Independence. The hotel features an on-site spa, fitness center, indoor pool and multiple dining options. Rooms and suites showcase Art Deco–inspired décor, modern comforts and views of Reforma Avenue or Chapultepec. (4 nights)
Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo
The Misión Grand Valle de Bravo is a boutique property located outside the city in the Avandaro Forest adjacent to a natural waterfall. The hotel provides a tranquil getaway with access to nearby trails, along with on-site dining, garden, a fitness center, spa and indoor pool. All rooms are comfortable and spacious with two double beds, regardless of occupancy. (3 nights)
What's Included
All accommodations for the duration of the tour
Group transfers to and from airports
Meals as noted in the itinerary
All sightseeing and visits as noted in each itinerary
Expertise of a Scientific American editor, travel director and local guides throughout the program
All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff as part of the group program
All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
Emergency evacuation insurance
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.