MEXICO MONARCH BUTTERFLY RETREAT WITH LETI ALVAREZ
WITNESS THE ANNUAL MIGRATION OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF MEXICO
Trip Style: Retreat
nature, Community & conservation in a MONARCH BUTTERFLY sanctuary
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STARTING AT $2695 per person
February 20-24, 2027 - Yoga Retreat with Leti Alvarez
February 19-23, 2028 - Yoga Retreat with Leti Alvarez
5-day Mexico retreat with an experienced Retreat Leader
6-12 people
Trip Highlights
Witness the monarch migration in their winter sanctuary high in the mountains of Michoacán
Explore the sanctuary on two fully guided excursions, by hike or horseback
Begin each day with mindful movement and nourishment with locally sourced, seasonal meals rooted in Mexican culinary traditions
Meet the local community and discover the crafts, traditions and conservation efforts that surround the sanctuary
Optional excursions including a cooking class, exploring ancient ruins and a Mexico City pre-trip extension
Each winter, millions of monarch butterflies complete one of the world's most extraordinary migrations, traveling thousands of miles from Canada and the United States to the oyamel forests of central Mexico. This thoughtfully curated retreat invites you to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon while connecting with the people, landscapes, and traditions that make it possible.
Stay at a cozy mountain lodge with premium access to the butterfly sanctuaries, enjoy two guided visits into the forests by foot or horseback alongside expert local guides and conservationists, and gain a deeper understanding of monarch biology, migration, and the community-led conservation efforts protecting their future.
Between butterfly encounters, nourish yourself with daily yoga led by Leti Alvarez, fresh seasonal cuisine, and meaningful opportunities to slow down, reflect, and reconnect in nature.
Extend your adventure with an optional Mexico City pre-trip featuring vibrant neighborhoods, world-class museums, incredible cuisine, and the rich cultural heritage of one of the world's great capitals.
Book our 5-day Mexico Monarch Butterfly Retreat starting at $2695 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.
WHY THIS TRIP?
Witnessing the monarch butterfly migration is one of the world’s most incredible wildlife experiences, but it's only the beginning. This retreat was designed to help you experience the remarkable connection between nature, community, and personal renewal in one of North America's most important conservation landscapes.
Travel beyond the butterfly viewpoints with knowledgeable local guides and conservationists who bring the migration to life through stories of ecology, science, and the inspiring community efforts that protect these forests each year. Visit the village of Macheros to meet local artisans and small businesses whose livelihoods are closely intertwined with the health of the monarch reserves, creating a deeper appreciation for the people who call this region home.
Balanced with daily yoga, nourishing meals, cozy accommodations, and time to simply be present in nature, this retreat offers space to slow down and reconnect - with yourself, with fellow travelers, and with one of the planet's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles.
Whether you're drawn by conservation, photography, wellness, or a love of the outdoors, you'll leave with a renewed appreciation for the delicate connections between people, place, and the natural world.
Travel with purpose. Every Traverse Journeys departure includes a contribution to a carefully selected Community Partner, supporting local organizations creating meaningful impact in the destinations we visit. For this trip, your booking supports Butterflies and their People, helping protect the monarch migration and strengthen the communities that steward these remarkable forests for future generations.
Testimonials
About YOUR RETREAT LEADER
Leti began her yoga journey years ago and has remained deeply committed to living her yoga. She offers empowering, inspiring flows that encourage students to explore and connect with their deeper, authentic selves. Leti meets students exactly where they are and encourages them to embrace their unique experiences. Leti loves yoga for all its transformative powers –physical and spiritual - and emphatically knows yoga is her “health insurance.”
Leti has led numerous Traverse Journeys retreat including: May 2026 Africa Safari Retreat / May 2025 Greece Yoga Retreat / November 2024 & June 2022 Guatemala Retreat / May 2024 France Retreat / October 2023 (Dia de los Muertos), March 2022, May 2021 & June 2019 Mexico Yoga & Cooking / December 2022 Dominica Jungle Island Retreat / March 2020 Morocco Yoga & Art
Trip Inclusions
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4 nights butterfly sanctuary hotel
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Group airport transfers in/out of Mexico City, about 3 hours’ drive to retreat
Private vehicle transit for included activities
A trusty, well-trained horse with guide for your mountain butterfly excursion!
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Two full-day mountain excursions by hiking or horseback to see the monarch butterflies, including all transit and entry fees
Local guide for the history and science behind the butterfly migration
A village visit to experience everyday life in the region and learn about the craft industry that supports the local economy alongside butterfly tourism
Daily yoga and meditation with Leti Alvarez
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Daily breakfast
Welcome & Farewell Dinner + 2 dinners +
2 picnic lunches with fresh, healthful, local ingredients.
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Visit with our local Community Partner + donation to their organization.
Dedicated Traverse local guide throughout your trip
Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
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Cooking class, to learn some of Mexico’s best recipes and techniques
Pyramid adventure, to see local ruin sites dating back to 700 AD
3-day Mexico City pre-tour add-on with a boutique hotel stay, full day farm food excursion, and free time to explore DF’s best sites, cuisine and museums!
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International airfare
Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
Tips to your local guide, Traverse guide, drivers, etc.
Alcohol, unless specified
Required travel insurance
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You'll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room.
2027: $2695 per person, double occupancy
$3095 per person, single occupancy “my own room”
2028: $2795 per person, double occupancy
$3195 per person, single occupancy “my own room”
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+$795 per person 3-day Mexico City add-on
Mexico City Pre-tour February 18-20, 2027 / February 17-19, 2028
A 3-day pre-tour adventure to get to know one of the largest, most vibrant cities on earth! Arrive in Mexico City any time on arrival day and stay in our hand-selected boutique hotel in the city center. We’ll provide our best recommendations for where to eat and what to see your first night in town!
For your full day in the city, we’re focusing on one incredible site: Xochimilco. This lush network of canals and floating farms that traces its roots back to pre-Columbian times. You spend an immersive, full-day experience to venture beyond the busy tourist waterways and into the quieter agricultural heart of this UNESCO-listed site, where the ancient chinampa farming system is still in use today.
Your day begins with coffee and pastries in the city before traveling by private van to the reserve. From there, you glide through narrow canals by boat, stopping to see how crops are grown—from carefully prepared seed beds to thriving plots—while sampling fresh ingredients along the way in the bustling marketplace. The experience take you to a local farm, where your host will welcome you for a generous, seasonal meal made with just-harvested produce. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a living tradition that continues to nourish Mexico City both culturally and literally.
That evening, opt for some R&R back in Mexico City or experience some of its vibrant night life. On the retreat start day, you’ll the have the better part of the day to explore before our group departure to our retreat leaving from a central location at 2 p.m.
Cost:
$795 per person
Inclusions:
2 nights’ centrally located, boutique hotel stay with breakfast
Full day Xochimilco tour, including all transit, private guide, myriad food tastings and a farm-to-table lunch
Our best city tips for restaurants, museums, neighborhoods and what to see in your time there
Transit pickup for group transfer to retreat
Faqs
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While of course you're welcome to participate, you're welcome to hold back from the yoga sessions and just enjoy the cultural and adventure aspects of the trip - which are plenty!
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Yes, absolutely! We collect your dietary restrictions prior to the trip and pass them on to all of our cooking and meal partners to ensure that you have the options you need.
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It sure is! If you sign up solo, we’ll pair you with a roommate of your same gender. Or, you can select “my own room” if you prefer not to share.
Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $500 deposit per person per trip is required for each traveler to secure the booking. The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable unless otherwise indicated on booking with the exception of our 24-hour No Regrets policy. A booking is not final until you receive a final confirmation from us.
24-hour No Regrets Policy: If, within 24 hours of submitting your deposit, you decide to cancel your booking you may request a refund, which will be granted less transaction fees.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) Normal Payment terms of 50% due 30 days after booking and 50% due 90 days prior to departure or 2) Monthly terms of equal installments with a $10 per month fee. Payments options include ACH, wire, credit card or Zelle. Payee is responsible for all transaction or processing fees. Late payments are given a two-week grace period; after that a $10 per month late payment fee will be charged.
Cancellations Policy
Group Trips & Retreats: Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 120 days prior to the trip start date.
Custom and Self-Guided: All payments non-refundable. Requests for transfers may be considered in extenuating circumstances and may incur a change fee.
To cancel a booking, Traveler must submit a request to us in writing by email to hello@traversejourneys.com
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $150,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.
