Monarch Butterfly Mexico Reserve: Piedra Herrada Tour and Valle de Bravo (12h)

Overview

Experience the Monarch Butterfly Mexico Reserve and discover Piedra Herrada, one of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve’s sanctuaries, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Later, stop at Valle de Bravo to wander its charming cobbled streets, markets, squares, parks, and numerous cozy spots to enjoy a bite. Don’t miss out on this colorful flight!

Highlights

Itinerary

Begin your Monarch Butterfly Mexico Reserve with an early meet-up with your guide at your accommodation. From there, we’ll head out on a journey toward the Monarch Butterfly Mexico Reserve, a breathtaking natural wonder in the oyamel forests of Michoacán and the State of Mexico. This extraordinary experience will allow you to witness one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the world. From November to March, millions of Monarch butterflies migrate from the northern United States and Canada to these forests, where they overwinter in the safe embrace of the cool mountain climate.

As you arrive at the Monarch Butterfly sanctuary, the air will be filled with the gentle fluttering of thousands of butterflies, covering the trees in a mesmerizing display of orange and black. Seeing so many butterflies gathered in one place is nothing short of magical. These incredible creatures travel over 4,000 miles during their migration, and it’s here, in the tranquil forests of Michoacán, that they find rest and refuge. This natural spectacle is one of the most awe-inspiring events on Earth, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness it up close, experiencing the quiet majesty of the butterflies as they cluster on the branches and fly through the crisp mountain air. Your guide will share fascinating details about the Monarch butterfly’s life cycle, the migration process, and the conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.

After diving into the Monarch butterfly sanctuary, we will continue our adventure to Valle de Bravo, a charming colonial town nestled beside the beautiful Lake Avándaro. This quaint town, known for its cobblestone streets, historical architecture, and stunning lake views, is a popular destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. As we stroll through the historic center, you’ll be surrounded by the charming colonial buildings and markets that have made Valle de Bravo famous.

You’ll also have the opportunity to try some authentic local food. The area is known for its delicious Mexican cuisine, and you can sample dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and fresh tamales in the bustling town squares. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy some artisanal ice cream, made from local fruits, to refresh yourself as you explore.

As you wander through the town, your guide will share stories about the area’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Valle de Bravo has something for everyone, from its rich cultural significance to its picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and lake.

After the tour and a day full of new experiences, return to our vehicle and relax back to Mexico City.

How is this tour different?

Authentic

  ?How this tour provides an actual image of the destination, life, and practices of the host community.

We do our best to make our trips educative and fulfilling, in which travelers can interact with local populations, learn about their traditions, and culture, and connect with their core values.

A tour with impact

  ?How this tour positively affects the destination and local communities on economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions.

We support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.Our tours are aligned with SDG 8 and 12, focusing on empowering local communities and promoting sustainable consumption and production practices. We take tourists to underdeveloped regions, creating opportunities for economic growth while respecting local traditions and educating communities on sustainable approaches.

Other

  ?Other advantages this tour offers to travelers.

• You will get to live one in a lifetime experience.
• We will spend the time of the tour purely on hiking and sightseeing: no visits to restaurants and souvenir shops (unless you ask).
• We are flexible: we can adjust the program and route to your interests while the duration of the tour can be always extended for an extra fee.

Prices

• This tour is private: only your group will participate.
• The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).

Inclusions

Included ✅

Local Expert Guides

Service of a multilingual local guide:

• Small-group tour: English & Spanish (our guides are bilingual). 
• Private tour: Spanish & English + other languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, Portuguese) upon prior request (based on availability).

Transportation

Round transportation from Mexico City:

• Small-group tour: shared (with other participants in the group tour) pickup from a defined location.
• Private tour: private (just for your group) pickup from your accommodation or another place of choice in Mexico City.

The type of vehicle depends on the size of the group and may include a car, 7-seater, or minivan.

Meals

Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Activities

Entrance and guided visit to Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Velo de Novia Waterfall, and Museum of Popular Art of Valle de Bravo; and walking tour in Valle de Bravo.

         

Excluded ❌

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included: find the one exactly for you.

Personal expenses

Flights

Flights are not included: check our partner deals.

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.

Tips

Details

Customization ? The way how tour organizer can customize this tour for you

We can do the following customizations on your request (subject to availability and needs to be confirmed before the tour):
1. Adjust the starting time of the tour.
2. Adjust the time you spend at each destination of the tour.
3. Add extra places of your choice (e.g. attractions, restaurants, etc.) to the itinerary on a complimentary basis if those visits.
(1) fit the default duration of the tour, (2) don’t involve a significant change of the route and extra fees (e.g. entrance tickets, tolls, parking, etc.).
Changes other than those will involve an extra fee and must be communicated to the tour organizer at least 72h before the tour (e.g. in the “Special Requirements” field during the booking or via email).

Cancellations

This and most of our 1-day tours can be canceled up to 48 hours before the departure (see cancellation policy for more info).

Frequently asked questions:

How do I book?

To reserve the tour, select a date and complete the booking form. Afterward, you will receive a confirmation email.

How can I contact the tour organizer?

The tour organizer's contact phone number and email can be found in the confirmation email. If you have any other questions you can also contact us.

Cancellations & Modifications

You can review the full terms and conditions of each tour organizer before completing your booking. To cancel or modify your booking, contact the organizer directly using the email or phone number provided in your booking confirmation. Cancellations and modifications are subject to availability and approval by the organizer, based on their terms and conditions, which will be provided during the booking process.

Unless explicitly stated (when "Tour Organizer" is listed as Vibe Adventures), the tour and activity providers ("Tour Organizers" – see the tour widget for more details about each organizer) are independent third parties and not agents or affiliates of Vibe Adventures. Therefore, Vibe Adventures is not liable for any injuries, illness, accidents, delays, negligence, fraud, weather conditions, or expenses related to the Tour Organizers, their tours, or their affiliates. If the tour does not include insurance, travellers are responsible for obtaining travel insurance, as well as having valid passports, visas, and necessary vaccinations.

If you have any other questions please contact us.