January 27 – February 3, 2025

8 days / 7 nights

Imagine standing amidst a sea of orange, as millions of monarch butterflies take to the skies. This mesmerizing spectacle is not just a sight to behold but a melody to the ears as the symphony of their delicate wings fills the air.

It’s a rare privilege, an encounter that unfolds in the heart of the Kingdom of the Monarchs with Beatrice Bradley, in the Central Highlands of Mexico. This is where we become part of one of nature’s most astounding marvels…the annual monarch migration.

Each autumn, a fresh generation of monarchs embarks on a remarkable journey of up to 2,500 miles from the northeastern U.S. and Canada to their secluded winter breeding grounds in Mexico. This unique swath of the fir forest is their only breeding site where they roost until spring nudges them northward again.

However, the privilege to be a part of this spectacle is under threat. The monarchs’ habitat is dwindling, and their population is declining, leading to their recent declaration as an endangered species. Our journeys to Mexico not only offer an unforgettable experience but also contribute to the local communities, inspiring and aiding them in protecting the butterflies.

Come with us!

Don’t just tour Mexico, Experience Mexico!

Every Beatrice Bradley trip is crafted to maximize the experiences had during the trip.
The itineraries are specially made to allow time for engaging in conversation and having belly laughs with a new friend. We hope that the activities and experiences may allow you to come out of your comfort zone and to try new or unique things.
These trips are made to replicate a ‘friends get-away trip’. 

Overall Trip Highlights

• Top Notch Accommodations
• Experience the Great Monarch Migration
• Get in-depth insights into the history of Mexico at the Castle of Chapultepec.
• See valuable artifacts and learn about the history of the Mesoamerican cultures in the Anthropology Museum.
• Take a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the impressive Teotihuacan Pyramids.
• Have a guided visit to the Teotihuacan Archeological Zone and the Basilica de Guadalupe
• On foot or horseback, enter the remote fir forests of Mexico’s Central Highlands, where millions of monarchs roost and breed each winter
• Explore traditional Mexican mountain villages and visit an authentic market, witnessing the benefits of butterfly ecotourism for local people
• Enjoy Lunch overlooking Lake Avandaro
• Visit Velo de Novia Waterfall

Itinerary Subject to Change

Day One: Welcome to Mexico City a place like no other!

Arrive at Mexico City International Airport

• Transfer to the Zocalo Central Hotel.
  • Right next to the National Cathedral, this hotel in downtown Mexico City overlooks the famous Zocalo plaza.
• Enjoy dinner at the Balcon del Zocalo, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant that provides panoramic views of the city.

Day Two: Chapultepec Castle and Anthropology Museum

In the morning, take a ride to Chapultepec along Paseo de la Reforma. With beautiful trees and outstanding monuments resembling France’s Champs Elysées, it is one of the most famous avenues in Mexico City. Upon arrival at the park, visit the Chapultepec Castle, one of the foremost symbols of Mexico that carefully preserves its heritage from different significant historical periods.

A visit to this castle is like going back in time as it served as the official residence of Viceroys, the emperor Maximilian of Habsburg, and several Mexican presidents.

Next we will make a stop at the Anthropology Museum, the largest and most visited museum in Mexico with an astonishing collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts. Learn about the origins of the advanced thousand-year-old Mesoamerican cultures and their valuable heritage in the country.

Finally, after a day of new discoveries, return to our vehicle and relax on the way back to your accommodation.

• Get in-depth insights into the history of Mexico at the Castle of Chapultepec.
• Get acquainted with the pre-Hispanic and colonial history of Chapultepec Park.
• Enjoy beautiful interiors and the view of Mexico City from the Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in the Americas.
• See valuable artifacts and learn about the history of the Mesoamerican cultures in the Anthropology Museum.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Three: Hot Air Balloon Ride over Teotihuacán & Pyramid Exploration

Early Morning! Wake up in the early morning and get ready to soar above the ancient wonders of Teotihuacan in a giant hot-air balloon! Sip your coffee, receive safety instructions, and then let the colorful balloon lift you high, offering breathtaking views of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, and the legendary Avenue of the Dead. Prepare to take some pictures of the panoramic!

Once landing, have a typical Mexican-style breakfast and celebrate receiving your flight certificate with a glass of champagne. Once done with the food, follow your guide to take a walking tour that will make you feel like living in the marvelous land of gods, and learn about the history of this Magnific ancient city.

After Teotihuacan, opt to visit one of the world’s most famous Catholic icons, the Basilica de Guadalupe. Dive into the mesmerizing history of Our Lady of Guadalupe and let the enchantment unfold before your eyes.

After a day brimming with unforgettable experiences, kick back and relax as we whisk you away in our comfortable vehicle, taking you back to your accommodation.

• Take a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the impressive Teotihuacan Pyramids.
• Have a guided visit to the Teotihuacan Archeological Zone and the Basilica de Guadalupe
• Please note we have a 5:00 AM wake up call and a 1 hour drive for our Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Have lunch at La Gruta, an Experience Lunch inside a cave near the pyramids 
• Breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner provided

Day Four: Depart for Valle De Bravo & Explore

We will be checking out of our Mexico City hotel after breakfast and making the 2 hour journey to Valle De Bravo.

We will be checking into The 5 Star vacation resort of Avandaro, which means “dream place” in the Tarascan Indian language. Set on a lush hillside overlooking the valley, the hotel offers a relaxing setting in which to enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views from your casita.

Unwind from the journey and enjoy the views

Day Five: Kingdom of Monarchs: Butterfly Sanctuary

Early Departure for the 1.5-2 hour drive bound for the small mountain town of Angangueo. Once a copper and silver mining town, today it thrives on butterfly tourism and local agriculture. The village is very picturesque, a tumble of pastel buildings set along narrow cobblestone streets that hug the steep mountain slopes. 

Riding small Mexican horses provided by the local community (and led by your own caballero, so no prior horseback experience is necessary), we ascend the trail through the forest as hummingbirds and red warblers accompany us to the heart of the monarchs’ migration site. What we find is an almost surreal sight. At first glance, it looks as though the trees are covered with rusty autumn leaves. But soon we realize we are looking at millions of butterflies, covering the oyamel fir trees in a delicate, quivering blanket of black and orange. Boughs bend beneath their numbers, though each butterfly weighs less than half an ounce. Massed together in a colony, they cling to the trees in huge clusters to survive the cool winter temperatures. When the sun warms their parchment-thin wings, the monarchs take to the sky in a fluttering cloud of orange—so many that the air hums with their movement. Mexico’s sanctuaries are the only place in the world where you can actually hear butterflies’ wings beating. Their beauty is so ethereal that many Mexicans still hold the Aztec belief that the souls of the dead are reborn as monarchs.

• You can choose to hike or take horseback up the trail to the viewing area.
  • The horseback ride is only about 20 minutes and the guide will lead your horse the whole time so you don’t need any prior horse experience.
  • If you decide to hike, be prepared! It is a very nice trail but it is steep and has 3000M elevation. The hike in total is about 40 minutes each way. 
• Breakfast and Dinner Provided

Day Six: Valle De Bravo and Waterfalls

Day Seven: Returning to Mexico City

We will be Departing Valle De Bravo after breakfast and embarking on a 2 hour drive back to Mexico City. We will be checking back into Zocalo Central Hotel for one last night. 

We will be exploring Mexico City to the groups preferences 

Farewell Dinner together 

Day Eight: Departing Mexico City

Airport Drop off at 10:00 AM

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing

Flex Payment Plan available

Flex Pay allows you to pay in installments of your choice until final payment is due 60 days prior to departure

$500 deposit down at time of booking

Flexible pay-as-you-go payment plan

How it Works:

Activity Level – moderate

Role of a Beatrice bradley hostess

Flight Details

Airport Pick Up is included when arriving at the designated airport within the specified pick up window.

Departure Airport: Mexico City International Airport
Departure Date:  February 3, 2025
Drop off Times: Drop off at 10 AM

Important information

As a solo-traveler, we need you to provide self-awareness and an understanding that you are fully responsible for yourself. This includes: your possessions, your physical abilities or fitness, your attitude, and all other aspects that relate to traveling solo in a group. 

• Connect with our Members on our Private Facebook Group – Beatrice Bradley Member’s Only
• You must be able to manage your own luggage and all of your personal belongings on this trip
• This is not a handicap accessible able trip – you must be able to get in and out of a Large Passenger Transit Vehicle
• This trip will have 12 to 14 women and 3 Beatrice Bradley Hostesses
• If you need a roommate, we will happily pair you with another Beatrice Bradley traveler
• Travel insurance is not included. Beatrice Bradley is not a licensed travel insurance operator nor is our staff trained to in travel insurance. You can choose to purchase travel insurance through any licensed provider you choose. We will ask you upon booking if you would like us to send you some suggested licensed insurance companies.