Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies make an incredible journey, migrating thousands of miles south from Canada and the United States to the high mountain forests of central Mexico. Join us for a breathtaking experience to witness this ancient migration up close.
On this 9-day adventure, we’ll journey south to Mexico City and the mountainous regions west to see the monarch migration up close, and explore the amazing culture and landscapes Mexico has to offer. This is Wander Women’s most-talked about trip, and we’re so excited to bring it back in 2027!
Our journey begins in Mexico City, where we’ll dive headfirst into the city’s vibrant rhythm—its history, flavors, and creativity. We’ll enjoy a custom guided tour of the city’s Museum of Anthropology, learning Mexico’s indigenous and cultural history. We’ll also experience all the flavors of Mexican cuisine with a private all-day cooking class, where we’ll tour local markets and create national dishes as we walk through the country’s culinary history. We’ve also built in time for individual exploration of the city, so you can see what interests you most, from museums to art to nature (don’t worry, we’ve got a whole list of suggestions!)
Then, the main event: We’ll travel into the tranquil mountain town of Macheros, where we’ll stay at the Cerro Pelón Butterfly B&B — a haven for travelers and butterfly lovers alike. Over our stay, we’ll enjoy two guided visits to two different monarch sanctuaries, hiking among the firs where monarchs overwinter. Visiting the sanctuaries is a truly magical experience, and a quiet communion with one of nature’s most astonishing migrations.
After a whirlwind itinerary, we’ll close out our adventure back in Mexico City, where we’ll have one last day of exploration, before heading home, awe-inspired and hearts full. Like the monarchs, we’ll return north: with renewed sense of wonder and awe for journeys great and small.
ACTIVITIES
Witness the monarch migration: Journey to the tranquil mountain village of Macheros, home to the Cerro Pelón Butterfly B&B. From here, we’ll visit two separate monarch sanctuaries with local guides to witness millions of butterflies clustering — a breathtaking natural phenomenon few ever experience. While not at the butterfly sanctuaries, we’ll explore Macheros and relax at the mountain-side B&B.
Enjoy a private cooking class with local chefs: We’ve met some amazing folks during our travels to Mexico, and they just happen to be experts when it comes to Mexican cuisine and cooking. In this private class, we’ll tour Mexico’s famous food markets, learning about the ingredients that make up classic Mexican dishes. Then, we’ll head to the kitchen where we’ll learn the ins and outs of creating classic Mexican dishes, like tamales, moles and more, from local chefs with deep roots in the Mexico City food scene.
Explore Mexico City: Dive into the heart of Mexico City on a morning guided tour with Taco Mensch, a local company known for blending food, culture, and storytelling. We’ll wander through historic neighborhoods like Chapultepec and Roma Norte, visit the stunning Bosque de Chapultepec Park, and explore the National Museum of Anthropology, home to Mexico’s most important cultural treasures. We’ve also built in time for individual exploration of the city, so you can see what interests you most, from art to history to nature. We’ll have a whole list of recommendations waiting for you!
Visit a local avocado farm: Tour a working avocado farm in Macheros and learn how this region’s fertile soil and cool climate nurture Mexico’s most famous export. Meet the farmers, walk the groves, and enjoy a tasting of fresh, locally grown produce.
ACCOMMODATIONS & LOGISTICS
In Mexico City, we’ll stay at a 4-star hotel in the middle of the bustling and hip Roma neighborhood. Rooms are shared with one other Wanderer, with the ability to upgrade to a private room in a shared suite.
In Macheros, we’ll stay at the Cerro Pelón Butterfly B&B, a family-owned hotel set in the mountains. We’ll eat at the on-site restaurant each day for our meals. Each participant will have their own bed in a shared room with one other Wanderer.
Transportation
Once in Mexico, all in-country transport is arranged to ensure an efficient, comfortable trip. We’ll travel by Uber throughout Mexico City (the fastest and most reliable way to get around). We’ll take private transport to get to and from our B&B in Macheros. And we’ll have private transport for our tours of the monarch sanctuaries and the avocado farm.
For arrival and departure, participants are responsible for flights to and from Mexico City. Step-by-step instructions, including tips for transportation to and from the airport, will be provided well in advance to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
THINGS TO NOTE
This is a fast-paced, jam-packed itinerary. While we’ll certainly have opportunities for relaxation and good rest, participants should be ready for lots of moving around and moderate-level activity.
All of our tours will be delivered in English, and we’ll have a translator and cultural interpreter with us during the whole trip. A working knowledge of Spanish is not necessary.
“Where do I even begin? This is the kind of trip that you can only hope for in a lifetime. Something that most people only dream of experiencing, but never have the opportunity to actually enjoy. Without Wander Women, I’m not sure I would have ever made the trek into the mountains of Mexico to see the monarch migration. And I know for sure that if I had, my experience would not have been half as meaningful due to the people I met and connections I made during our trip.”
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your registration provides you:
Expert planning and guiding from Kerri and Jenn, co-owners of WW
8 nights of comfortable lodging in Mexico City and Macheros
A dedicated translator and cultural interpreter for the entire trip. Our Spanish-speaking guide has joined us on this trip before and is an invaluable resource for understanding Mexican/Latinx culture, navigating the country and making your visit meaningful.
All in-country ground transportation, including taxis and private tour transportation
All entrance and tour fees to monarch sanctuaries and museums
A private cooking class with local chefs and culinary experts
All local guide tips for each of our activities. Tipping culture is important to the guides and activities we’ll be engaging with, and Wander Women will handle all tip payments and logistics.
Meals provided during tours (cooking class, sanctuary tours, etc.) and breakfasts at Cerro Pelón Butterfly B&B
Pre-trip group information session to answer all your questions and fully prepare you for the adventure
Wanderer swag bag full of goodies
Comprehensive pre-trip online guide with detailed logistics, packing recommendations, and insider tips
List of local recommendations for individual exploration
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Participants are responsible for:
Flights and transportation to/from Mexico City
Meals beyond B&B breakfasts and tour meals — enjoy exploring local cafés, and restaurants in Mexico City
Personal gear — bring your favorite equipment for a comfortable, personalized trek, guided by our recommended packing list
Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend for international travel
INVESTMENT
$4,200
*private room upgrade in shared hotel suite (Mexico City lodging): $150
PAYMENT PLAN
We offer payment plans for all our trips, so you can pay a deposit now and the rest over time! WeTravel (our booking platform) easily lets you make a downpayment (this is also your non-refundable trip deposit!) and set up automatic payments for the remainder. For the payment plan schedule, just check the WeTravel page for details. There is NO fee for choosing the payment plan option!
Deposit for this trip: $2,100