México is a vibrant country brimming with history, culture, and remarkable biodiversity. We’ll explore Mexico City's historic center, including the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology, which features an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art and archaeology. The highlight of our experience awaits at the monarch butterfly sanctuary at Piedra Herrada—the butterflies' vibrant scales create a stunning orange hue as they flutter amongst the treetops. Witnessing the millions of monarch butterflies return to this sanctuary every year, filling the sky with their flight, is a truly exceptional experience. The trip concludes with a visit to Teotihuacán, one of Mesoamerica's largest and most impressive archaeological sites.
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Click the "Register now" button below to reserve your spot through our tour partner, Royal Adventures.
Single Rooms are currently full, please click the "Reserve" button below to be added to the Single Room waitlist. Double Rooms are still available.
Please note: You must be an Academy member or donor to register for this trip.
Tim Wong, Senior Biologist
Tim Wong provides care for Steinhart Aquarium's living collection of tropical butterflies, African penguins, and fish in the Philippine Coral Reef. His passion for butterflies has taken him from Golden Gate Park to the Amazon rainforest to better understand their interactions with plants and people.
Day 1 (Monday, January 10) Arrive in Mexico City: Welcome to México! You will arrive at Hotel Barceló Mexico Reforma, where your Academy host will join you for a welcome dinner.
Day 2 (Tuesday, January 11) Mexico City: Journey to Mexico City’s historic center, which is where the ancient capital of Tenochitlán once stood. Soak in the country’s rich history from iconic art like the Diego Rivera murals at the National Palace to the rich architecture around the city. There is mucho to see!
Day 3 (Wednesday, January 12) Mexico City: Continue taking in the culture of México with a visit to the Anthropological Museum, one of the most significant institutions in the country, displaying Pre-Columbian art and the famous Aztec calendar. From there, we’ll take in the sights of Chapultepec Park and its lush botanic garden.
Day 4 (Thursday, January 13) Piedra Herrada: ¡Adiós a Ciudad de México! We’re heading to Piedra Herrada to see the monarch butterflies! Take in the magic of their migration with a visit to the reserve they descend upon. We will stay overnight in Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo.
Day 5 (Friday, January 14) Piedra Herrada / Toluca / Mexico City: Return to the monarch reserve to see the butterflies in a new light! After taking in the sights once more, we’ll journey to Toluca to visit Cosmovitral, one of the most important glass murals of the 20th century, featuring 400 species of plants, trees, and shrubs from México and around the world. We’ll then return to Mexico City, where you’ll have the evening to explore at your leisure.
Day 6 (Saturday, January 15) Teotihuacán: Depart for Teotihuacán, one of the largest archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. Take in the impressive Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. We will return to the city for a farewell dinner!
Day 7 (Sunday, January 16): Depart Mexico City and return home!
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