Mexico Butterly Retreat with Leti Alvarez

February 20-24, 2027

A thoughtfully curated retreat in the mountains just a few hours outside of Mexico City to witness the monarch butterflies and their annual migration to Canada. Start your days at your cozy butterfly sanctuary hotel and enjoy two fully guided mountain excursions – by hike or by horseback! -  to see the butterflies. You’ll also visit village of Macheros to learn about conservation and community efforts and see local handicrafts and small business that support the economy. Enjoy daily yoga with Leti, feast on fresh, locally inspired meals and opt to add on a cooking class, visit to local ruins, and our 3-day pre-trip Mexico City excursion.

Butterly Sanctuary Excursions (included)

Experience two distinct butterfly sanctuaries while contributing to meaningful, year-round employment for local communities beyond the short butterfly season. The first day, you’ll begin with an orientation session where you gain insight into monarch biology, regional history, and conservation challenges. Each day, your entry tickets, local guide, a picnic lunch and transit are included – a combo of vehicle, hiking and horses! No experience is required for the horseback portion, as each horse is led by its owner. At nearly 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level, both experiences are shaped by ever-changing butterfly locations and conditions, making each visit unique. Which sanctuary we visit first will depend on the butterflies!

Cerro Pelón is the sanctuary closest to the village and deeply connected to local conservation effort. You will ride about an hour along mixed terrain before possibly hiking to a secluded colony often enjoyed in near solitude; this is also the historic site where scientists confirmed the monarchs’ migration from Canada. The other sanctuary, Sierra Chincua, starts with a scenic mountain drive replaces a gentler 30–45 minute walk (with optional horse assistance) leads you through dense oyamel fir forests to a typically smaller colony. 

Village Traditions Tour (included)
We’ll step into everyday life in village of Macheros with a walking tour designed to support local families beyond butterfly tourism. As you wander through the village, you’ll visit a handful of welcoming homes where residents have built small, home-based businesses to support their livelihoods. You might see a backyard piñata workshop, sample fresh tortillas, admire Basilia’s beautifully woven pine-needle baskets decorated with butterfly motifs, or hear about local herbal tonics, giving you a personal glimpse into the creativity and resilience of the community.

San Felipe Los Alzati Ruins Tour (Optional add-on)

Visit to the loca ruins of San Felipe Los Alzati, one of Michoacán’s most significant archaeological sites, dating from around 700–1300 AD. Perched high in the mountains, this former hub of daily life, trade, and ceremony invites you to explore its history—including climbing the impressive western staircase for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Your excursion includes a scenic picnic before heading to the lively Mercado Melchor Ocampo. There, you can wander through vibrant stalls and along the famous “Calle de Hambre,” sampling fresh fruits, breads, cheeses, and authentic Mexican street food while browsing handmade goods and local specialties.