As more of us get our covid shots, we can envision our world after covid. I for one, can’t wait to book my next trip. If visiting the overwintering sanctuaries is on your bucket list, I recommend booking sooner than later. With the best itinerary, dates, and price, this best kept secret tour could fill up quickly.

The company is Explora Latin America. Your guide, Sid, is a local who has run this trip so many times that all the places he goes know him by name. He and his partner take you to THREE monarch sanctuaries in a 7 day tour. The Teotihuacan pyramids and Cosmovitral Botanical Gardens are included in the tour price. Before going to this botanical garden, famous for its stained glass, I wondered why people were getting excited over stained glass. Well, this is not your church stained glass. It is floor to ceiling wall to wall cartoon figures and stories, very hard to describe. The hour you spend there is a perfect rest stop when travelling from Mexico City to the sanctuaries, or on the way back.

You stay in Angangueo, a small quaint town near two of the sanctuaries. You also stay over in the beautiful resort town of Valle de Bravo, where the souvenir shopping is a cut above that of the other sanctuaries. Trust me, you will want some monarch bling after visiting the sanctuaries. Three people I know took this tour, in different years, and loved every minute of it. How can Explora do it for so much less than all the others? First of all, the owners, Sid and Chris, do it all. From start to end, you will directly communicate with them. Breakfasts are included. Meals are cheap and fun in Mexico; you’ll love choosing your own. There are only 12 people in each group! How’s that for personal?

If you decide to go, I would recommend staying a few days in Mexico City before or after the tour, if you can. You’ve travelled a long way; it would be a shame to miss the highlights of Mexico City. There is something to thrill every area of interest. I recommend spending a few hours on a weekend at the downtown market. It’s hopping with local food, music, artists and vendors. And some of the downtown is pedestrian only, no cars!

Here is the website, where you can check the detailed itinerary, and read more of the testimonials. https://www.exploralatinamerica.com.mx/monarch-butterflies/?fbclid=IwAR0cduDIkClJDDpaU8sTE3sRpAMyhp9S5d0BZvFfQhKKuoUF5YNAJO-852Y

“Could not recommend Sid and Chris more. There are not enough stars to rate the quality of our experience!First, Sid and Chris are thoughtful about their support of local communities and businesses, something my family and I also value. They also have deep love and appreciation for the environment, the butterflies and our impact on them.Second, they are excellent communicators, making sure the you know what to expect and when to expect the unexpected. They give you all the details, answer questions and are always a step ahead, anticipating and responding to your needs and surprising you by learning about your preferences.Third – the trip was deeply personal. We worried about not clicking with them. Not a problem! They are two beautiful human beings who are passionate and knowledgeable about the butterflies, the regions and the culture. They share a piece of themselves in each of part of the trip. They know when to offer options and when to step back and give you space. They are flexible and open to helping make the trip what you want it to be.Finally, it’s important that you know that we are already planning a second trip with them. That’s how much we enjoyed our trip and our time with Sid and Chris.Don’t wait! You will not regret it.”Lindsay, N. , Playa del Carmen, Private Tour