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Michoacán

Michoacán, Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Migration - Crafts and Cultural Tour

January 22 to January 31, 2026

Come join the adventure to Michoacán, cradle of an amazing ancient civilization - the Purepecha Empire. We will witness one of nature’s most incredible migrations – the Monarch Butterfly migration. Among this mountainous, fir covered region of Michoacan, between 8,000-12,000 feet, the monarch butterflies rest for the winter months before making their 3,000 mile return trip to the USA and Canada. Each day as the sun comes out and the temperatures rise, you will see them flying in very large groups, the skies are filled with orange and black. We will also travel to the town of Morelia and the shores of Lake Patzcuaro where we learn about the past and present Purepecha people, and the arts and crafts they still produce. Visits to archaeological sites, museums, artisans workshops, markets and of course sample delicious regional cuisine.

 

Includes*:

  • Lodging

  • Most meals (see itinerary)

  • Group ground transportation to/from airport

  • Daily tours with local guide and private van (see itinerary)

  • Admissions to museums, churches and archaeological sites

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Overview

Dates:  January 22 to January 31, 2026

 

Duration: 10 days; 9 nights 

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Price:

  • $2,900 per person (double occupancy) Two people sharing the room.   2 double rooms remaining

  • $3,400 per person (single occupancy)​  1 single room remaining.

​Notes:

  • Tour starts and ends at Morelia airport

  • Tour is limited to 12 people and will run with a minimum of 6 people 

ITINERARY
Thursday, January 22 (D)

Tour starts with your arrival at Morelia airport at a designated time to meet the flight from DFW.  Group transfer to hotel will be provided.  Individuals arriving at other times will need to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel at their own expense.  Group Dinner. Overnight in Morelia.

 

Friday, January 23     (B,L)

Morning walking tour of Morelia with our private guide. Sites will include the Historic Center, Cathedral on the Zocalo, Palacio de Gobierno, Plaza de Armas, Palacio de Justicia and Casa de Las Artensanias.  Free time to explore after lunch. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Morelia.

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Saturday, January 24      (B,L)

Depart Morelia for the Lake Patzcuaro region. Along the way a stop at Capula where the “Catrinas” are made. We continue on to the village of Santa Fe de Laguna to visit a pottery workshop. In the town of Tzinzuntzan we will visit the straw market, the Convent, a pottery workshop and the archaeological site.  Dinner on your own. Overnight in Patzcuaro.

 

Sunday, January 25      (B,L) 

Morning walking tour of Patzcuaro that will include Basilica of Our Lady of Healty, Gertrudis Bocanegra Library, Las Casa de los 11 Patios and if time permits the Museo de Arts Populares.  After lunch we will take a boat ride on Lake Patzcuaro to the island of Juanitzo.  Dinner on your own. Overnight in Patzcuaro.

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Monday, January 26    (B,L)
After breakfast we will visit several villages around Lake Patzcuaro which may include, masks, reed baskets and handwoven shawls.  In the 1500s, a Spanish bishop turned a collection of pueblos around the Mexican town of Pátzcuaro into a center for craftsmanship. The people here are still making and marketing their wares in much the same way as they did hundreds of years ago.  Dinner on your own.  Overnight in Patzcuaro.  
 
Tuesday, Jauary 27     (B,L)

After breakfast we head to Santa Clara del Cobre to visit the copper museum and copper making workshops. Climb to the top of the church bell tower for a great view of the city and surrounding area. Next stop will be in Tupataro to visit the Temple de Santiago Apóstol which is referred to as the Sistine Chaple of Michoacan. Afternoon will be spent driving to Zitacuaro area. Overnight at Rancho San Cayetano who has a nice onsite restaurant.  Dinner on your own.

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Wednesday, January 28  (B,L)

Today we venture out to for our first encounter with the Monarch butterflies. Usually the highest concentrations of monarchs are found at the El Rosario Sanctuary. Monarchs are located at elevations of 8,000 – 10,000 feet above sea level. After a steep hike of approximately one mile we will finally find the millions of Monarchs covering the tall oyamel fir trees, and as the sun warms their orange and black wings, the butterflies take flight. Mexico’s sanctuaries are the only places in the world where you can actually hear butterflies wings beating. Optional horse ride up the mountain to the butterflies. Overnight in Zitacuaro at Rancho San Cayetano. Dinner on your own.

 

Thursday, January 29     (B,L)

Breakfast at hotel, then off to visit the Sierra Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary for our second memorable experience with the Monarchs. Since the butterflies are located further away, horses are highly recommended to reach the butterfly area. No worries, you don’t need to know how to ride a horse, they are very tame, sturdy and know the path and their owners lead them for us. Lunch along the way, then an afternoon drive back to Morelia.  Overnight in Morelia.  Dinner on your own.

 

Friday, January 30 (B,D)

Free day in Morelia to just relax or get in a little last minute shopping or seeing the sites. Farewell Dinner at a restaurant in Morelia. Overnight in Morelia.

 

Saturday, January 31 (B)

Group transfer to the Morelia Airport. 

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B - Breakfast 

L - Lunch

D - Dinner

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*Excludes:

  • Airfare

  • Travel insurance

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Meals not included in itinerary

  • Non-group transportation to/from airport

  • Medical expenses

  • Personal purchases

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