Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Day Trip from Mexico City

Mexico City , Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Day Trip from Mexico City

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(12 reviews)

14h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

06:45 Meeting point at Barceló Reforma Hotel
10:00 Visit the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary at Valle de Bravo, located in the largest state of Mexico. Monarch Butterfly is arriving each fall on Mexican soil when they start its migration from Canada and the United States. We will also visit the Bridal Veil waterfall, impressive waterfall that feeds the river San Juan. Named because the forms they take their descent give the appearance of an enormous white "Bridal Veil".
Also enjoy a walk through the streets of Valle de Bravo famous for its typical architecture, traditional and colonial and attracts many tourism
21:00 Hrs Approximately we arrive at the Hotel Barcelo Reforma
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, a sweatshirt or jacket, go for breakfast or take something for breakfast on the way, bring cash since at the sanctuary the only form of payment is cash in case you want to buy something, a camera.

Available options

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Day Trip from Mexico City

What's included

Taxes

Round trip transportation from Mexico City and professional guide

Guided visits

Tour driver

Travel insurance board unit

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

To get to the sanctuary, you will take a walk through the forest and our guide will explain to you what the butterflies feed on, how they reproduce, life time among other particularities of their life and specie.

Continuation to the Velo de Novia Waterfall, which is an impressive waterfall that is fed by the San Juan stream. It receives this name because the forms that its descent takes give the appearance of a huge white "Bridal Veil".

Then we will visit the Magical Town of Valle de Bravo where we can see its main tourist attraction * Valle de Bravo Lake where you can currently practice water sports and enjoy incredible boat or yacht rides. It has been part of the Valle de Bravo basin since 1947, when the dam of the same name was created to trap water from the Avándaro River, which now gives its name to the lake and one of the adjacent towns.

What's not included

Tips

Nothing previously unspecified

Admission to the monarch sanctuary (pay by cash)

Food & Beverages

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 2.8

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

- The time of return may vary due to traffic situations or the number of people.

- It is not advisable to book a tour on the same day of the departure of a flight, since we cannot be responsible for the loss of the flight, for any tour delay

Please consider it is a shared service with bilingual guide, not exclusive English or Spanish, depending on the number of participants of each language.

BE RESPONSIBLE If you suffer from a heart disease, food or nature allergy, when boarding immediately let your guide know to take the necessary precautions for your care. Likewise, if you experience any discomfort during the journey, let us know!

COME COMFORTABLE Wear comfortable clothing, a light jacket for the morning and shoes suitable for hiking.

COME PREPARED The communities do not have a card payment service, bring additional cash for personal expenses and purchases

Comply with the provisions of each sanctuary, which are the same for everyone

Do not bring sound devices (recorder, radio, etc.)

Don't leave trash.

DON'T FORGET A BATTERY FOR THE CAMERA (OR TWO)

Important notes

Our Emergency 24 Hours number is +5255.4238.3966

About Mexico City

Mexico City, the vibrant capital of Mexico, is a sprawling metropolis where ancient Aztec ruins coexist with modern skyscrapers. This cultural and historical hub offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from world-class museums and colonial architecture to bustling markets and delicious cuisine. The city's high-altitude location and diverse neighborhoods make it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Zócalo

The main square of Mexico City, surrounded by historic buildings including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. It's the heart of the city and a must-visit for its cultural and historical significance.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (some attractions have entry fees)

Chapultepec Park

One of the largest urban parks in the world, featuring a lake, museums, and the famous Chapultepec Castle. It's a great place for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Nature Half day to full day Free (some attractions have entry fees)

Palacio de Bellas Artes

An iconic cultural landmark featuring stunning murals by famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. The building itself is a masterpiece of art nouveau and neoclassical architecture.

Architecture 1-2 hours MXN 75 (USD 3.75) for the museum

Teotihuacan

An ancient Mesoamerican city with the famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Aztec civilizations.

Historical Half day to full day MXN 80 (USD 4) for the site, plus guide fees if applicable

Frida Kahlo Museum

The former home of Frida Kahlo, known as the Blue House, now a museum dedicated to her life and work. It offers a deep dive into the life of one of Mexico's most famous artists.

Museum 1-2 hours MXN 250 (USD 12.50) for foreigners

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tacos al Pastor

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple and onions.

Street food Contains meat, can be spicy

Mole

A rich, complex sauce made with chocolate, chili peppers, and spices, typically served with chicken or turkey.

Main course Contains chocolate, can be spicy

Chiles en Nogada

Poblano chili peppers stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices) and topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, representing the colors of the Mexican flag.

Main course Contains meat, nuts, and dairy

Tlayudas

A large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa, often referred to as the 'Mexican pizza'.

Street food Contains cheese and meat, can be spicy

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Sierra de Guadalupe Climbing Nevado de Toluca Paragliding in Valle de Bravo Visiting Chapultepec Park Relaxing in Jardín Borda Enjoying a spa day in Polanco Exploring the Historic Center Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during this period.

15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F) 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Mexico City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Mexico City International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Buenavista Station, Toluca Airport Station

By bus

Terminal de Autobuses de Paso de la Reforma, Terminal de Autobuses del Norte

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is the most efficient way to get around the city, with 12 lines covering most neighborhoods. It can get crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center Roma Condesa Coyoacán Polanco

Day trips

Puebla

130 km (81 miles) • Full day

A colonial city known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a rich history and unique charm.

Texcoco

50 km (31 miles) • Half day to full day

A town near Mexico City known for its beautiful gardens and historical sites. Texcoco is home to the ancient Aztec city of Texcoco and the beautiful Jardín Botánico de Texcoco.

Xochimilco

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A unique neighborhood in Mexico City known for its canals and traditional trajinera boats. Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a unique and colorful experience.

Festivals

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) • November 1-2 Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia (Morelia International Film Festival) • October Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Use the metro system to get around the city quickly and affordably
Try street food from busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and safety
Visit museums and attractions on weekdays to avoid crowds and long lines
Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot to discover hidden gems and local culture