Monarch Butterflies

For years no one knew where the Monarch Butterfly migrated in the winter time. Now we know!  The delicate creatures begin their migration in November.  You will find them at their peak in January, February and March.  Join us for an almost ethereal experience in the beautiful state of Michoacan – 3,000 miles from home for our migrating friends – the Monarchs.  Daily as the sun warms the wings of the colorful insects, they descend from their lofty perches among the pines to drink at a nearby stream.  The stillness of the forest, the rustling of the millions of butterfly wings, the tinkling of the bubbly mountain stream all combine to form a natural paradise.

DAY 1 – Your adventure begins as your chartered motor coach travels west over a recently completed four lane highway to Monterrey.  Then on to Saltillo and Matehuala where we spend our first night.  Late afternoon finds us in Matehuala on what they call the high plains of Mexico.  Overnight in Matehuala, San Luis Potosi.

DAY 2 – Arrive into San Miguel Allende for a late lunch.  Known as the Mexican Hill Town and considered by America ns as a retiree’s mecca, San Miguel is a photographer’s delight, a  shopper’s paradise, a history buff’s dream.  Put on your walking shoes as you explore the town.  Each turn of the cobble stone streets presents a new vista.  Overnight in San Miguel.     B

DAY 3 – Continue into the beautiful state of Michoacan where we spend the night in the small village of Angangueo.  This little village snuggled in the pines was originally a mining town before the the wintering home of the monarchs was located.  Can you imagine these small delicate creatures migrating some 3000 miles from Canada to spend their winters in this lovely area.  Be sure to wear your long handles or be prepared to cuddle up as there is no central heat in our colonial hotel.  Overnight in Angangueo. B, D

DAY 4 – Today is “the day”.  After your included breakfast (B), bench-seated pick-ups carry us to a nearby Indian village where with special permission we enter into the Monarch Preserve.  Those not able to walk at this altitude need only to wait in the peaceful solitude of the meadows for as the sun warms, the Monarchs descend to you. A tail-gate picnic lunch provides more time for us to enjoy the tranquility of this preserve. Then lean back and relax as our charter motor coach takes us to spend the next two nights in picturesque Patzcuaro, center of the Tarascan Indian culture. Overnight in Patzcuaro.  B, Picnic Lunch

DAY 5 – Early morning is a good time to encounter Tarascan Indians using their butterfly nets as they seine for the famous whitefish in nearby Lake Patzcuaro.  Have your cameras ready! Return to the mainland to shop in the Casa de Once Patios where each room is filled with a different regional craft.  Then shop in the local market. Time after lunch to visit Santa Clara del Cobre where a centuries old trade of hand-hammering copper is still practiced.  A special treat tonight after our included dinner is  the dance presentation of Los Viejitos (the little old men). Overnight in Patzcuaro.  B, D

DAY 6 – As we start homeward, our first stop is Morelia, capital of Michoacan, where the baroque style Cathedral houses a German made organ boasting 4,600 pipes. Then on to Queretaro with the awesome aqueducts stretching 6 miles into the mountains.  After lunch, continue to San Luis Postosi where Jo has a wonderful surprise scheduled for 8:00p.m. Overnight in San Luis Potosi.  B

DAY 7 – Alas, today is the last day of our adventure.  Return to the magic Rio Grande Valley through Cd. Victoria where we pause for an included lunch.  Continuing to the border around 6:30p.m.  B, L