This season will be a banner season for the Monarchs. If you have long dreamed of visiting the over wintering sites, you might give some thought to making the trip this year because the monarch viewing should be excellent.
Status of the Population
The evidence continues to mount; the all-time low monarch population of 2.19 hectares in 2004/2005 will soon be a distant memory. Large numbers of monarchs began to arrive in the vicinity of the overwintering sites during the last days of October in time for the Day of the Dead (1 November). The arriving monarchs typically move from place to place for a few weeks before colonies are completely formed. New monarchs continue to arrive in the area through early December. Once the colonies are well established (mid December) Eduardo Rendon and his team from World Wildlife Fund Mexico will begin to count the trees and measure the areas occupied by monarchs at each site. I’m still predicting that the total area for all colonies combined with be in the range of seven to nine hectares, with the lower figure being more likely. |
"If you want a small, personalized tour of the Butterfly Sanctuaries take this one...personal, comfortable, informative-to see winged magic. A wonderful experience." (MS, Canada) |
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"Wonderful trip. The best-organized & personable trip I have ever scheduled. I loved it." (AH, Missouri) |
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"Of the many visits to Mexico, Sue's warmth,
knowledge & experience with the language & cultures have made this
the most rewarding visit." (JP, New York) |
| They're back! The monarchs are making a recovery from the low populations that have persisted since the winter of 2004. As you may
recall, severe storms at the over wintering sites in January and February of 2004 reduced the population to an extremely low level. ... The good news is that we should see a near average migration in most of the country this fall and an over wintering population in Mexico that could be in the five to seven hectare range or higher (a considerable improvement over last year, yet a bit below the long-term average of nine hectares). ... All in all, the prospects for a good fall migration are excellent! [ Read the full text of this article at http://www.MonarchWatch.org |
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary |
You will simply love this truly privileged trip that few enjoy. Marvel at the magic beauty of the shimmering color & movement of millions of Monarch Butterflies that winter near Morelia, Michoacán. The Oyumel Forest highlands of the western Sierras are the perfect refuge for the Monarchs. Commune with them as they personally greet you, resting on your arms & head.
Two hundred & fifty million of these fragile Monarch Butterflies migrate 2500 miles from Canada to the Western Sierra Madre mountain range in central Mexico for the winter. Learn about this epic journey & experience that special encounter as you meet these amazing creatures face to face. On this enchanting trip spend two days walking through two of the protected winter sanctuaries of the Monarch Butterflies.
Venture "off the beaten path" & savor an unusual taste of Mexico in this wildly beautiful state of Michoacán. North of Mexico City, it is culturally set apart by its lush, picturesque mountainous terrain. The landscape is punctuated with many colorful villages, each specializing in a rich centuries-old traditional folk art. Shop for the wonderful gifts of handsome hand-loomed fabrics, straw sculptures, unique hand-carved wooden furniture, shimmering copper, Talavera pottery, & distinctive lacquer ware.
Walk the historical district of Morelia, the capital of Michoacán. In the midst of ancient Spanish architectural elegance, it has earned a reputation as one of Mexico's most intellectual & artistic centers. The oldest surviving institution of higher education in Latin America is still in operation there.
This
trip is suitable for anyone in good health that likes to walk & has a spirit
of adventure to enjoy off-the-beaten-track places. All hotels are very
comfortable & located in the heart of the historic districts. The
butterfly sanctuaries are not easily accessible. The altitudes are 9,000-10,000
ft elevation & some walks are over steep, rocky terrain. Horses are
available in some places.
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Reserve
your space today on this tour. You do not want to miss this rare opportunity to
travel into the western Sierras
with us.
2009 Package price is $2080 p/person double room. Add $525 for a single occupancy. The package includes all 7-night, 8-day hotels, 15 meals, all entrance fees, day tours, transfers & all normal tips (except for local guide). The package does not include airfare to Guadalajara, airport transfer, horseback riding, meals not specified in the itinerary, or trip insurance. It begins & ends in Guadalajara. |
| Registration: To reserve a tour, a $300 deposit per
person is required. The
balance is due 60 days out from the departure date.
Refund Policy: the $300 deposit is non-refundable; 60% of the trip balance will be refunded 60-30 days prior to travel; 20% will be refunded 29-15 days prior to travel; $0 will be refunded less than 15 days prior to travel. Once the tour has started there will be no refunds for unused services. |
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