ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MEXICO: Explore the flora, fauna, culture & history of this magnificent country and the unforgettable Monarch Butterfly migration.

FEBRUARY 22-MARCH 2, 2019

February 22

Rise early this morning and meet at the Cross Border Express for your included direct Volaris flight from Tijuana to Mexico City. Arrive to bustling Mexico City in the early afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure to get settled.

Mexico City is one of the most dynamic cities in all of Latin America. Built on the ancient site of Tenochtitlan , it was once the prosperous Aztec capital controlling the surrounding region. The famous Zocalo main square is located at the centre of the city and is flanked by the National Cathedral, the largest and oldest in Latin America, and the National Palace which during colonial rule was the seat of power of the Spanish viceroy.

This evening, a special welcome dinner is planned for the group in the vibrant Polanco District at an authentic local restaurant.

Overnight in Mexico City at the Hotel Marquis Reforma Mexico City or similar

February 23

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before setting out to explore the city. Meet your local guide in the lobby of your hotel and transfer towards the charming historic city center.

You’ll begin this fascinating tour by walking through the Calle Francisco I. Madero , a narrow, pedestrian avenue surrounded by colorful galleries and quaint shops until finally reaching the historic city center. Here, you’ll learn about both the history and contemporary context of the Zócalo main square , Palacio Nacional and the National Cathedral . Your guide will help you to appreciate the intricate colonial architecture and rich culture of this must-see area.

Next you’ll continue onto the Templo Mayor , a fascinating archaeological site which sits right next to the Zócalo. There are many treasures to be found and this visit will allow you to view areas that are still being excavated. Next, continue onwards to Antiguo Colegio San Ildefonso , a former Jesuit boarding school that now serves as a museum and cultural center; also considered to be the birthplace of the Mexican muralism movement. Lunch is included at a local restaurant while you are in the historic center, before visiting the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts. Otherwise know as the “cathedral of fine art” due to its dramatic architecture, here you will see excellent examples of the Mexican muralism movement including colorful works depicting the evolution of Mexican culture and politics.

Late this afternoon, you’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out on an exciting evening excursion. Meet in the lobby of your hotel to depart for the National Museum of Anthropology, where a special after-hours visit has been exclusively arranged for your group. Get behind the scenes with your expert guide in this incredible space, which contains one of the world’s largest collections of archaeological and anthropological artefacts from pre-historic Maya civilization, prior to the Spanish conquest.

Following your exclusive after-hours tour, transfer to a colorful local restaurant for an included dinner.

Overnight in Mexico City at the Hotel Marquis Reforma Mexico City or similar

February 24

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, your guide will lead you to the La Roma neighborhood to meet the fabulous host chefs that will be taking you on a culinary journey through Mexican culture.

Your hosts Beto and Jorge will welcome you to one of Mexico City’s most well-known historic colonial mansions, Casa Jacaranda , dating back to the year 1913 and the earliest years of the Colonia Roma. Art gallery, treasure trove and funhouse all in one, the mansion is everything that Beto and Jorge love in life.

The first portion of your day is dedicated to visiting the local market and in Mexico, visiting the market is a dialogue! It’s unique smells, tastes and colors inspire and shape the experience to come.

Back at Casa Jacaranda, your hosts will help you to develop your own, one-of-a-kind sazón. Sazón means seasoning in Spanish and you’ll chop and dice herbs and spices to create a flavour that appeals to you. Everything is completely made from scratch. You’ll get the hang of Mexican cooking and gain an intuitive skill that you can take home and recreate after your Mexican travels end.

Lastly, you will of course savor your creations! An intimate al fresco lunch will be set at a magnificent vintage table in the rooftop garden , beneath the namesake jacaranda tree. Fill up on flavorful, homemade creations and reflect everything learned as well as the aromas and tastes at the table. Artisanal mezcal also makes an excellent aperitif.

At the end of the day, return to the hotel for a bit of time at leisure, before an included dinner hosted in the city’s historic center.

Overnight in Mexico City at the Hotel Marquis Reforma Mexico City or similar

February 25

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and say farewell to Mexico City as you transfer into the countryside and specifically, Valle de Bravo (approximately 2.5 hours). Once in the area, head to the unforgettable Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Every year, millions of Monarch Butterflies (danaus plexippus ) arrive to Piedra Herrada traveling over 3,000 miles from Canada to breed in Mexico´s warm, elevated hills. Take it easy and enjoy a picnic lunch on arrival to adjust to the elevation, before exploring the sanctuary. The beautiful landscape of Piedra Herrada is truly one of a kind as it has a forest full of Oak Trees ( quercus ), Pine Trees ( pinus ) and other abundant vegetation and is inhabited by a large number of species of endemic flora and fauna.

Located at over 10,000 feet, it will be challenging (but rewarding) to reach the butterflies . You will begin your ascent on horseback heading up a steep marked trail and once near the top, it will be necessary to hike on foot. It is important to note that this journey is strenuous, but it is well worth the effort! Ultimately, you will arrive to find thousands of butterflies covering the trees so that they are alive with activity and appear almost animated. In total, the Sanctuary is more than 11,409 square hectares, full of beautiful rivers and trees. A great place to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy nature, you’ll relax and admire its beautiful scenery observing the behaviour of the striking Monarch Butterfly.

Mid-afternoon, continue onwards to Valle de Bravo town for a walking tour. In 1971, Valle de Bravo was recognized by the Mexican government as a “typical city” and then it was again recognized in 2005 for being one of Mexico’s official “magical towns”.

Your afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the center of Valle de Bravo town on a guided visit through the cobblestone streets and along the shores of Lake Avandaro . Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Valle de Bravo at the Rodavento Hotel or similar

February 26

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel this morning before checking out. Your guide will then meet you in the lobby of your hotel to transfer to the Zitacuaro area (approximately 1.5 hours) en route to another fascinating butterfly sanctuary. A picnic lunch will be provided en route.

On arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary where over 20 million Monarchs gather each year! Open to the public since 1980, El Rosario has become an incredibly popular place to visit and will be the busiest of the sanctuaries that you will visit. Please note that there is an Eco Tourism Center here, where you can expect to find several food stands, artisan vendors, bathrooms and more.

Next, you’ll then begin your journey towards the butterflies. The area of butterfly hibernation is found at over 9,000 feet located among the mountains and is reached via another horseback ride followed by a challenging hike through the Oyamel Fir Tree (abies religiosa) forests. Tonight, reflect on your experiences so far over an included group dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Zitacuaro at the Rancho San Cayetano or similar

February 27

This morning following an included breakfast, enjoy some time at leisure. If you’d like, stroll into Zitacuaro town and browse the local shops and artisan stalls. After an included lunch, resume your adventure with a visit to Sierra Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary.

After El Rosario, Sierra Chincua is the second most visited butterfly sanctuary and offers the most accessible, gentle route to the butterflies. Most of the ascent into the mountains is done by vehicle, on a road that passes through the scenic village of Angangeo . Once in the mountains at over 10,000 feet , the trail leading to the butterflies is gentle, lasting about 45 minutes. It is also possible to go by horseback ride; however, most travelers will be comfortable with walking this route.

The trees here are almost all Oyamel Fir Trees (abies religiosa) , making for striking dark green surroundings that contrast well with the bright orange of the Monarch Butterflies. This evening, return to the hotel for an included dinner.

Overnight in Zitacuaro at the Rancho San Cayetano or similar

February 28

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out mid-morning, to transfer to colonial San Miguel de Allende (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, stretch your legs in the beautiful city center before an included lunch at an authentic local restaurant.

This afternoon has been left at leisure, so that each individual can meander the charming and colorful streets of San Miguel de Allende. Safe and traveler friendly, San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage city whose narrow cobblestone streets, fine colonial architecture and leafy courtyards make it one of the prettiest colonial cities in Mexico. Filled with opulent mansions and handsome churches, it was once an important crossroads for mule trains, which carried silver and gold to the capital.

Late this afternoon, gather in the lobby of your hotel for a short walk to Casa Dragones Tequila House for a private tasting. Casa Dragones invites you to experience this exclusive, private tasting of their house Casa Dragones tequila, one of the finest, premium tequila brands from Mexico. Visit the historic 17th century Casa Dragones house (otherwise closed to the public) and attend a tequila presentation and degustation to discover the unique qualities of this limited edition, hand crafted tequila .

Following the tasting, head to a quaint local restaurant for a delicious group dinner.

Overnight in San Miguel de Allende at the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada or similar

March 1

Following breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel for a guided tour of San Miguel de Allende as well as the nearby and somewhat hidden village of Atotonilco . You will start the day by visiting Atotonilco village just 30 minutes north of San Miguel; the main church of the village is known because of the al fresco painting that covers the entire building.

Next, return to San Miguel where your guide will point out the iconic symbols of San Miguel del Allende such as San Miguel Archangel Parish and other churches around the main square, as well as the historic houses of Casa de las Conspiraciones and Casa de los Condes de la Canal . See colorful buildings and thriving parks, visit the Parroquia , the Oratorio , or any one of the numerous other churches in town.

You’ll also explore the Museo Casa de Allende , the house of San Miguel's most famous son and namesake, the independence leader Ignacio Allende, which is now a museum. Turquoise and silver jewelry can be found in one of the many myriad shops. An included lunch will take place in the historic city center.

Later this evening, return to San Miguel de Allende’s main square for a private callejoneada through the cobblestone streets of the town. A callejoneada is a walking serenade and folkloric event unique to Guanajuato state. Enjoy an unforgettable stroll though town led by costumed performers, winding around the streets singing popular songs about local legends. At the end of the callejoneada, depart for an included farewell dinner at Antonia´s Bistro restaurant.

Overnight in San Miguel de Allende at the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada or similar

March 2

Depart your hotel following an included breakfast this morning and transfer back to Mexico City (approximately 4 hours) where you will bid farewell to your local guides. Here, board your outbound departure flight on Alaska Airlines to fly home to San Diego.

NOTES AND PRICING

INCLUDES: • 8 nights accommodation in double occupancy rooms • Daily cultural and wildlife excursions as stated • Daily transportation in Mercedes Benz Sprinter vehicles with air conditioning (seats up to 12 passengers) • English-speaking local naturalist guides • 2 Museum hosts (Judy Gradwohl and Michael Wall) to accompany the group throughout the trip • Roundtrip international economy flights from San Diego – Mexico City • Daily breakfast with non-alcoholic beverages • Daily lunch & dinner with non-alcoholic beverages, local beer & wine (up to two wines or beers per person per meal) • Bottled waters, juice and sodas during all vehicle transfers • Snacks such as fruit, granola bars and chips during all vehicle transfers • Tips and gratuities for restaurant wait staff and local support staff • All national park fees, entrance fees and taxes

EXCLUDES: • Tips and gratuities for main guides and drivers, hotel housekeeping • Additional alcoholic beverages

NOTES: • This program requires a minimum of 10 travelers to operate. • 1 Expert Local Guide and 1 Mercedes Benz Sprinter is included for groups with 10-11 travelers. • 2 Expert Local Guides and 2 Mercedes Benz Sprinters are included for groups with 12-16 travelers. • This program has a maximum of 16 travelers.

PRICING: • $7395.00 per person (two people sharing a double occupancy room). • Solo travelers: We regret to inform you that all of the hotels we work with charge a single supplement because operational costs typically do not decrease if just one person occupies a room instead of two. If you particularly want to have a single room, we are able to provide you with one for the supplement cost listed below. If you wish to share a room to avoid paying the supplement, we can usually match you up with someone of the same gender also wishing to share. If we are unable to do this, we regret that the single supplement must be charged. o Solo travelers who are willing to share a room with another traveler of the same gender will not be charged a single supplement at the time of booking. ° If we are able to successfully pair you with another traveler before final payment* is due the single supplement will not be charged. ° If we are not able to pair you with another traveler before final payment* you will have the choice to pay the single supplement to guarantee your own room, or to cancel your trip and have your deposit refunded. o Alternatively, if you prefer to guarantee your own room from the time of booking, the single supplement will apply at the time of booking. o A maximum of two single rooms can be accepted for the trip to operate. o The single supplement is $1845.00.

*Final Payment is due 120 days prior to departure on October 22, 2018. Please note that final payment is non-refundable within 120 days of departure.

REGISTRATION: • Contact Alison Carey at Scott Dunn Private Journeys, 858.345.1492 or [email protected] .

OTHER QUESTIONS? • Contact Eowyn Bates at the San Diego Natural History Museum, 619.255.0172 or [email protected] .