Frequently Asked Questions - Monarch Butterfly Tour to Mexico
1. When is the best time to visit the monarch butterfly overwintering sites? The monarchs arrive in the forests of Mexico from late October but the overwintering sites usually don’t open until the last weekend of November. According to our experience, most people enjoy the period when the monarchs are active and can be observed moving through the forest. Therefore, our tours are carefully scheduled between the second half of January and beginning of March to maximize your chances of witnessing this breathtaking spectacle.
2. Is this trip suitable for beginners or non-hikers? Yes! While visiting the sanctuaries involves some walking on mountain trails at altitude (around 3,000 m / 10,000 ft), the pace is relaxed and we make sure everyone can move at a speed that is comfortable for them. We recommend a moderate level of fitness, but no prior hiking experience is required. Horses are available at most sites for those who would like to shorten the walk. Please note that the horses can not access the area of the clusters and that you will always have to walk the last stretch to get to the monarchs.
3. What is included in the tour price? Our tours are designed to be worry-free from start to finish: airport pick-up, transportation, bilingual expert guides, sanctuary entrance fees, accommodation, and most meals are all taken care of. We want you to enjoy the butterflies and the overall experience and feel comfortable in Mexico. At the same time, our itinerary is thoughtfully paced to leave room for personal time and individual needs. A detailed inclusions list is available on each specific tour page.
4. How large are the tour groups? We keep our groups small and personal with no more than 12–14 guests. This ensures a personalized experience, better wildlife observation, and more meaningful interaction with your guide and fellow travelers.
5. Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Safety is our top priority. Our team has deep local knowledge and long-standing relationships in the region. We use trusted, well-established routes and partners, that we are in constant correspondence with and our guides are experienced in operating tours safely in the area. Thousands of visitors travel to the Biosphere Reserve each season without incident.
6. Do you cater to dietary restrictions or food allergies?While traditional Mexican cuisine is largely meat-focused, and options for vegetarians, vegans, or those with specific allergies can be limited, you can be confident to book the tour. We have longstanding relationships with our hotels and restaurant partners, and we work directly with their kitchens that will do their best so that every guest is well fed. Our guides are always on hand to assist with any special requirements throughout the trip. We encourage guests with dietary needs to book with confidence and to to come with an open mind and some patience and to trust that we'll take good care of them.
7. What should I pack for the trip? During our tour we will cross different climates and swap between cities, forests and local villages. Therefore, you might need a variety of clothes. In Mexico City it will be warm throughout the day and chilly at night. In the mountains and Valle de Bravo it can get cold at night and early mornings (down to 5°C / 40°F), while it warms up during the day (20-25°C/ 66—77°F). This said, we strongly believe that layers are key. We’ll provide a detailed packing list before your trip starts, but essentials include comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
8. Will we definitely see the butterflies? While nature can never be 100% guaranteed, the monarch overwintering sites offer one of the most reliable wildlife spectacles on Earth. So far, we have always encountered the monarchs and you can be assured that we we will do everything that is in our hands to create the best experience possible.
9. How do I book, and is a deposit required? Booking is easy, simply select your preferred departure date and complete the reservation form on our ‚Join a tour‘ page. A deposit secures your spot, with the balance due 4 months before departure. Spots are limited and high in demand, so we recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Once you have booked your spot, we strongly recommend to purchase a travel insurance within 14 days to secure your investment as the deposit is not refundable.