The Soul of Mexico + Monarch Butterflies – 2023
Customized tour for those who love to discover and explore
Tour Highlights
Feast your eyes on millions of monarch butterflies • Stroll the cobblestone streets of Patzcuaro
Visit Janítzio Island • Discover the beauty of San Miguel • Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine
Explore Morelia’s candy market and fantastic colonial architecture • Meet the children who your tour benefits
Every winter millions of monarch butterflies from North America travel 3,000 miles to migrate to a park preserve in the highlands of Mexico. This is an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list! Travel to this natural wonder at the perfect time—when the butterflies are active and stirring to make their long journey back.
Beyond butterflies, you’ll explore ancient archeological wonders, colorful colonial cities, rich vibrant culture, and the unforgettable cuisine in this part of the country known by locals as the “Soul of Mexico”.
Small groups
Attentive,
personalized service
Private local guides
and transportation
8 Days in the Soul of Mexico
Guanajuato, Days 1-2
Tunneled streets, gilded churches and ornate private homes all boast of Guanajuato’s sophisticated past. Today you can experience a modern city that draws visitors from across the Mexico.
Day 1 – Authentic cuisine. Welcome to Mexico! Arrive in Guanajuato, once famed worldwide for silver mining. After an overview of this Mexican Baroque city, get your first introduction to authentic Mexican cuisine and a dinner you won’t forget.
Day 2 – Beekeeping destination and Mexican heroes. For an optional am excursion, travel to a sprawling farm for a hands-on introduction to the art of beekeeping. Then explore the city and discover the story of Mexico’s heroes of independence, catch the sunset from the heights of El Pípila, and welcome the evening with the singing-storytelling troubadours, a “must” on any trip to Guanajuato.
Two nights in Guanajuato
San Miguel, Day 3
Day 3 – Insider’s look. This morning it’s on to colorful San Miguel with a visit to the markets in Dolores Hidalgo on the way. After an incredible lunch in the heart of San Miguel, explore the history, shops, and galleries from a local insider’s point of view.
One night in San Miguel
Patzcuaro, Days 4-5
This charming town located alongside Lake Patzcuaro is filled with local potters, textile weavers, enamel painters, and woodworkers who often create beautiful works of art right inside their small shops.
Day 4 – Charming Patzcuaro. Today it’s on to the cobblestone streets of Patzcuaro and a restaurant destination filled with beautiful artisanship. Wander the plaza, walk alongside the lake, tuck into small shops in this quaint town and discover Patzcuaro’s true charm.
Day 5 – Janítzio Island and copper artisans. Misty morning boat ride to Janítzio Island where you’ll wind your way through brightly colored shops to the top of the mountain. In the afternoon, discover the marvel of copper artisans who have been working their craft for over a hundred years.
Two nights in Patzcuaro
Morelia, Days 6-8
Morelia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and for many Mexicans the most beautiful city in the country. At the center of downtown is the magnificent baroque-style cathedral made from pink stone. At markets nearby you’ll find the building blocks of Morelia’s cuisine and sweets industry, including local honeys.
Day 6 – Making a difference. Tour a family-owned avocado farm for a taste of amazing guac and an inside look at “green gold”. Visit a nonprofit making a difference in Morelia’s community. Enjoy made-to-order, can’t-be-beat tacos in the home of a local family. Everything you experience today has strong connections to a nonprofit making a difference in this community.
Day 7 – Millions of butterflies! Early morning departure for the Monarch Butterfly reserve. Then hike, or take a horseback ride, to see millions of monarchs in all of their brilliance. Wander the meadows and take in the views before heading home for a farewell dinner overlooking the city.
Day 8 – Final goodbyes. After breakfast enjoy free time explore before your flight back. We hope you come again!
Two nights in Morelia
Due to weather and other factors itinerary is subject to change.
Discover the Soul of Mexico
8 Days!
March 3 – March 10, 2023
Tour Price
$2589
based on double occupancy
Space is limited!
What does the tour price include?
- Seven nights’ accommodation
- Breakfast and one other meal daily
- Private transportation, inclusive of airport transfer
- All tour activities and entrance fees per itinerary
- Local, English-speaking guide who’s fluent in Spanish and knowledgeable of the local region and culture
- All pre-trip information, including detailed itinerary, travel and cultural tips
- Detailed personalized service
Does not international airfare into Leon-Guanajuato (BJX) and out of Morelia (MLM), alcoholic beverages and gratuities.
Hotels and itinerary subject to change.
How is this tour unique?
You’ll get to explore several places that outside guests don’t usually get to visit. You’ll get the inside scoop on Mexican culture and history and have fun while doing it. Just by taking a tour you’ll be benefitting people making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children in colonial Mexico.
What are some cultural activities included in this tour?
Throughout the tour, we’ll introduce you to local artisans and cultural insights. Here’s a sampling:
- Sample dishes unique to colonial Mexico and learn the interesting stories behind them.
- Travel to a small family avocado orchard, hear from the family about their small business, and sample some amazing chips and guacamole.
- Interact with local people to get an inside look at life in small town Mexico
Janítzio Island, photo courtesy of Brian Overcast
