Experience the wonders of Mexico’s rich culture and natural beauty on our tour to see the resilient Monarch butterflies! Dive into the vibrant culture of Mexico City, explore the iconic canals of Xochimilco, and visit the charming resort town Valle de Bravo. Then, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Monarchs at the Sierra Chincua and El Rosario sanctuaries and create unforgettable memories amidst Mexico’s breathtaking tropical landscapes.
Hosted by:
Katey Pratt
Horticulturist and co-founder of Olbrich's Garden Scouts program
Mike Gibson
Program Specialist for the Gardens' Blooming Butterflies exhibit
DAY 1—WELCOME TO MEXICO CITY!
Arrive in Mexico City and transfer to the Marquis Reforma hotel where you’ll have time to unpack before meeting your fellow travelers and Tour Director for our welcome dinner. D
DAY 2—XOCHIMICO/FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM
After a delicious breakfast embark on a tour of Xochimilco to learn the construction of the floating “Chinampas”, an agricultural system dating back to the Aztecs. You will also have time to visit the market to shop for colorful fruits and vegetables and fragrant herbs and spices. After lunch, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, dedicated to the life and work of this accomplished artist. B, L
DAY 3—VALLE DE BRAVO/BOTANICAL MUSEUM
This morning we depart for Valle de Bravo, a charming resort town with whitewashed stucco and red-tile roof houses. Stop in the city of Toluca to visit the Botanical Garden with its beautiful stained-glass windows. Continue to Valle de Bravo for lunch on your own and a visit to the downtown area before settling into our hotel for dinner. B, D
DAY 4—MONARCH SANCTUARY
Today, we immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of Monarchs at the Sierra Chincua sanctuary. A day filled with nature’s wonders awaits, complete with a boxed lunch within the sanctuary. Later, we return to Valle de Bravo for dinner. B, L, D
DAY 5—EL ROSARIO SANCTUARY
After breakfast depart for El Rosario Sanctuary for a second day of Monarchs. High elevations and rigorous trails require horseback riding and a scenic hike for a unique encounter with the hibernating Monarchs. Enjoy a boxed lunch as you explore the park. On your way down the mountain, shop for butterfly souvenirs or you may even
want to try a tasty quesadilla made right in front of your eyes. Delicious! Later this afternoon, return to the hotel for a rest before dinner. B, L, D
DAY 6—SEMILLAS DE ESPERANZA/LA MARQUESA
Start today with a relaxing breakfast before we visit the “Semillas de Esperanza” botanical garden, which specializes in organic agriculture. Next, travel back to Mexico City where we will stop for lunch at La Marquesa, located in a pine forest. Tonight, overnight in Mexico City and enjoy dinner on your own. B
DAY 7—CHAPULTEPEC PARK/ FOLKLORICO SHOW
Explore Chapultepec Park, the famous anthropology museum and botanical garden. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon before our farewell dinner, afterwards we will be entertained by a local folklorico group. B, D
DAY 8—TRAVEL HOME
Adios Mexico! Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we transfer to the airport for your flight home. B
Quality Accommodations
Nights 1-2: Marquis Reforma Hotel, Mexico City
Nights 3-5: Hotel Misión Grand, Valle de Bravo
Nights 6-7: Marquis Reforma Hotel, Mexico City
Please Note:
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in this tour. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day.
Horseback riding and rugged hiking at 10,500 ft in elevation is required to visit the butterfly sanctuaries. The hiking involves walking on dirt paths with tree roots and rocks throughout the trail. There are no benches along the trail to take a break.
Dates:
Feb 14-21, 2025
Price Per Person:
Double $4,297
Single $5,285
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL
Inclusions:
Roundtrip airfare from the U.S.
Roundtrip coach transfer from Madison to Chicago O'Hare Airport
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Flight schedules will be available 10 months prior to departure.
Departure Time
Flight schedules will be available 10 months prior to departure.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Free parking is offered during the tour at our hotel in Chicago with a Pre or Post night booked.
Walking Distance
Horseback riding and rugged hiking at 10,500 ft in elevation is required to visit the butterfly sanctuaries. The hiking involves walking on dirt paths with tree roots and rocks throughout the trail. There are no benches along the trail to take a break. In addition, while you are touring throughout other parts of this tour, you will be walking on uneven pathways.
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in this tour. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day.
Average Temps
High of 75°, low of 43°
Currency
Mexican Peso
Time Zone
GMT-6 (2 hours behind New York) Mexico is CT, so -1 hour behind NYC
Hotel Amenities
Marquis Reforma Hotel: ATM, complimentary newspapers in lobby, fitness center, 24-hour room service, room safe, on-site spa
Hotel Misión Grand: swimming pool, on-site spa, on-site wine cellar
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Airport transfers to your starting hotel are not included with Land Only Tours.
Dress on tour is casual. Comfortable walking shoes are needed.
Bottled water will be available on tour. All meals on the trip provide both safe drinking water and food preparation.
Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
