Monarch Butterfly Mexico Reserve: Explore Piedra Herrada and Magical Valle de Bravo (Private / 12h)

Overview

Join our private tour to discover Piedra Herrada, one of the sanctuaries of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. Then, make a stop at Valle de Bravo to stroll its cobbled streets, markets, squares, parks, and plenty of places to sit and eat. 

Highlights

• Discover one of the sanctuaries of the UNESCO-listed Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. 
  
• Experience in your own flesh one of the most spectacular natural phenomena and learn all about these unique insects from a local guide. 
  
• Visit Valle de Bravo and walk down its beautiful cobbled streets from the 16th century in its historic center. 
  
• Make a stop at the Folk Art Museum and get to know about Mexico's artistic heritage. 

Itinerary

In the morning, meet your guide at your accommodation and then head to Piedra Herrada, where from November to March each year, you can witness one of the most spectacular natural phenomena: Monarch butterflies over-wintering in Mexico.

 This insect migrates from Canada and the northern United States in search and its mysterious trip takes it to the oyamel forests of some areas of Michoacan and the State of Mexico. It is a unique natural spectacle of its kind worldwide. A large number of tourists take advantage of the trip to Valle de Bravo to experience this sanctuary.

 Moreover, have the chance to visit Valle de Bravo to take a walking tour of its historic center and an optional lunch to try authentic local food. Mostly built in the 16th century, the heart of this magical city has it all: There are historical and religious buildings, cobbled streets, markets, squares, parks, and plenty of places to sit and eat. Visit the Joaquín Arcadio Pagasa Cultural Center, Independence Square, Portal, San Francisco de Asis Parish, and more while enjoying typical artisanal snow.

 After a day full of new experiences, return to our vehicle and relax on the way back to Mexico City.

Why go with us

• You will get to live one in a lifetime experience.
• We will spend the time of the tour purely on hiking and sightseeing: no visits to restaurants and souvenir shops (unless you ask).
• We are flexible: we can adjust the program and route to your interests while the duration of the tour can be always extended for an extra fee.

Logistics

• DEPARTURE TIME AND LOCATION: Default departure times are 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 9:00 AM but we can also adjust them per your request. Our guide will meet you at the requested time and location and might need to contact you by phone. Therefore, please kindly provide a valid phone number during your booking.
• TOUR DURATION AND CUSTOMIZATION: The standard duration of the tour is 12 h from the moment of a meetup. On the other hand, the tour is customizable which means we can adjust the time you spend in each destination. For example, if you want to visit an extra location (attraction/restaurant/market, etc.), you can do it on a complimentary basis if this visit (1) fits the default duration of the tour and (2) doesn't involve a change of the route.
• TRANSPORT: Complimentary pick-up/drop-off is included: please indicate the exact time and location for your pick-up during your booking (e.g. in the "Special Requirements" field). That is to say, we can pick you up from the following parts of Mexico City: Polanco, Condesa, Roma, and Centro Historico. Other more remote locations might involve an extra fee.
• WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes and shoes; jacket/sweater; hat/cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood and curiosity.

Notes

• Children under 3 come free.
• The type of vehicle depends on the size of your group and may include car, 7-seater, or minivan.
• This is a private tour: only your group will participate.
• Travelers should have moderate physical fitness condition.