Mexico
Mexico’s Monarch Migration: Butterflies, Local Heritage & More
Program No. 2484560MEADV-1116-60
Come to the mountains southwest of Mexico City for the Monarch butterflies, stay for the opportunities to learn about art, natural wonders and local life!
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 6 - Jan 13, 2025
Starting at
2,899Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2025
Starting at
2,899Nov 17 - Nov 24, 2025
Starting at
2,899DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 6 - Jan 13, 2025
Starting at
3,739Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2025
Starting at
3,739Nov 17 - Nov 24, 2025
Starting at
3,739Dec 1 - Dec 8, 2025
Starting at
3,739Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2026
Starting at
3,929Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
8 days
7 nights
19 meals
7B 6L 6D
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Mexico City
3
Monastery in the Woods, Lakeside Community, Waterfall
Valle de Bravo
4
Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterflies Sanctuary, Free Time
Valle de Bravo
At a Glance
Each year, millions of Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico, creating a unique concentration of butterflies that is a sight to behold. The Monarch butterflies might bring you to Mexico, but you’ll depart with a greater understanding of biology, indigenous culture, history and more! Walk amidst the fluttering Monarch butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as experts lead you in learning about the complex migration pattern of these insects and the importance of habitat conservation. While spending three days viewing butterflies in different sanctuaries to maximize your viewing opportunities, delve into the natural and human history of the areas you explore, including visiting a botanical garden encased in stained glass, an ex-Carmelite monastery and indigenous villages. Experience magnificent natural beauty and rich culture on this incredible learning adventure!
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Sanctuaries are at altitudes above 9,000 ft. and require 1-3 hours of walking/hiking on graded paths, with uphills, often steep.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore three different butterfly sanctuaries to maximize your viewing opportunities and learn more about the Monarch butterflies and their annual migration.
- Immerse yourself in this region’s history and culture through discussions with locals, including a trout farmer and the Mazahua people.
- Begin and end your adventure in Mexico City, where you can delve into history and art at museums and iconic buildings, including Templo Mayor.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Esther Mitrani
Esther Mitrani was born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, then worked in San Francisco for three years in human resources in high-tech. Missing her home, she return to her native city. Esther has been guiding since 1994, and joined the family business in 2002 as an organizer and tour leader. She is an eager traveler, and she loves sports and languages.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Esther Mitrani
View biography
Esther Mitrani was born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, then worked in San Francisco for three years in human resources in high-tech. Missing her home, she return to her native city. Esther has been guiding since 1994, and joined the family business in 2002 as an organizer and tour leader. She is an eager traveler, and she loves sports and languages.
Ariushka Herrera
View biography
Ariushka Herrera has shared her love for her country and deep knowledge of its history and culture throughout over three decades of traveling in Mexico as a guide and anthropologist. Born in Chihuahua, Ariushka grew up in Morelia where she studied colonial architecture at the distinguished Colegio de San Nicolas. In Mexico City, she continued her studies in diverse fields: anthropology at the National School of Anthropology; tourism at the National University; and monarch butterflies and birds at the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Mexico’s Monarch Migration: Butterflies, Local Heritage & More
Program Number: 24845
Like Water for Chocolate
This classic love story takes place on the De la Garza ranch, as the tyrannical owner, Mama Elena, chops onions at the kitchen table in her final days of pregnancy. While still in her mother's womb, her daughter to be weeps so violently she causes an early labor, and little Tita slips out amid the spices and fixings for noodle soup. This early encounter with food soon becomes a way of life, and Tita grows up to be a master chef, using cooking to express herself and sharing recipes with readers along the way.
Malinche
When Malinalli, a member of the tribe conquered by the Aztec warriors, first meets Cortés, she -- like many -- believes that he is the reincarnated forefather god of her tribe. Naturally, she assumes that her task is to help Cortés destroy the Aztec empire and free her people. The two fall passionately in love, but Malinalli gradually comes to realize that Cortés's thirst for conquest is all too human. He is willing to destroy anyone, even his own men, even their own love.
Throughout Mexican history, Malinalli has been reviled for her betrayal of the Indian people. However, recent historical research has shown that her role was much more complex; she was the mediator between two cultures, Hispanic and Native American, and two languages, Spanish and Náhuatl.
Bursting with lyricism and vivid imagery, Malinche finally unveils the truth behind this legendary love affair.
The Lacuna: A Novel
In this powerfully imagined, provocative novel, Barbara Kingsolver takes us on an epic journey from the Mexico of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo to the America of Pearl Harbor, FDR, and J. Edgar Hoover. The Lacuna is the poignant story of a man pulled between two nations as well as an unforgettable portrait of the artist—and of art itself.
The Mexico Reader: History, Culture, Politics
The Mexico Reader is a vivid introduction to muchos Méxicos—the many Mexicos, or the many varied histories and cultures that comprise contemporary Mexico. Unparalleled in scope and written for the traveler, student, and expert alike, the collection offers a comprehensive guide to the history and culture of Mexico—including its difficult, uneven modernization; the ways the country has been profoundly shaped not only by Mexicans but also by those outside its borders; and the extraordinary economic, political, and ideological power of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Last Monarch Butterfly: Conserving the Monarch Butterfly in a Brave New World
The Last Monarch Butterfly provides a thorough and essential overview of these delightful creatures and helps readers to understand their plight. The book documents the monarch's life cycle to provide a clear understanding of its natural condition including its migratory nature. Easy-to-understand text is illustrated with thirty bright, colorful photographs.
The western butterfly winters in California and the eastern butterfly winters in Mexico. Natural disasters such as a recent cold snap in Mexico imperil the already depleted monarch populations. Areas in California that once hosted the monarch are now being used for residential and industrial development. Even the vast fields of flowering weeds that supported the monarch in the northern states are depleted for new development.
Mexico The Beautiful Cookbook: Authentic Recipes from the Regions of Mexico
Mexico the Beautiful Cookbook captures the fascinating culinary heritage of Mexico in one stunning volume. The recipes, prepared by Acapulco-based Susanna Palazuelos, represent a vast selection of authentic Mexican dishes, from all of the states of Mexico. Many of them are unusual regional dishes that have been passed along by word of mouth, such as garlic chicken from Veracruz, and San Luis Potosi's own version of enchiladas. The traditional favorites are here--chiles en nogada, tamales, pozole, tortilla soup--along with some contemporary surprises such as tequila mousse, cilantro soup and lobster crepes. With pine nut sauce. Other well-known Mexican cooks have also contributed their own special recipes to the book.
All 250 recipes have been photographed by Ignacio Urquiza, one of Mexico's foremost food and travel photographers. He also provided the scenic photographs, which lead the reader through the regions of Mexico, revealing the markets, the countryside, the way the people live and eat in this varied and beautiful country. Marilyn Tausend's text provides an informative accompaniment to the recipes and photos, exploring Mexico's dramatic history through its food.
Mexico the Beautiful Cookbook is the essential cookbook for anyone interested in Mexico and Mexican food.
Monarchs in a changing world: Biology and conservation of an Iconic Butterfly
To meet the demand for a timely synthesis of monarch biology, conservation and outreach, Monarchs in a Changing World summarizes recent developments in scientific research, highlights challenges and responses to threats to monarch conservation, and showcases the many ways that monarchs are used in citizen science programs, outreach, and education. It examines issues pertaining to the eastern and western North American migratory populations, as well as to monarchs in South America, the Pacific and Caribbean Islands, and Europe.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
Mexico City
Program Concludes
Mexico City
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
19
| 7B |
6L |
6D |
Activity Level
Each year, millions of Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico, creating a unique concentration of butterflies that is a sight to behold. The Monarch butterflies might bring you to Mexico, but you’ll depart with a greater understanding of biology, indigenous culture, history and more! Walk amidst the fluttering Monarch butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as experts lead you in learning about the complex migration pattern of these insects and the importance of habitat conservation. While spending three days viewing butterflies in different sanctuaries to maximize your viewing opportunities, delve into the natural and human history of the areas you explore, including visiting a botanical garden encased in stained glass, an ex-Carmelite monastery and indigenous villages. Experience magnificent natural beauty and rich culture on this incredible learning adventure!)
Best of all, you'll...
- Explore three different butterfly sanctuaries to maximize your viewing opportunities and learn more about the Monarch butterflies and their annual migration.
- Immerse yourself in this region’s history and culture through discussions with locals, including a trout farmer and the Mazahua people.
- Begin and end your adventure in Mexico City, where you can delve into history and art at museums and iconic buildings, including Templo Mayor.
Featured Expert
Esther Mitrani
Esther Mitrani was born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, then worked in San Francisco for three years in human resources in high-tech. Missing her home, she return to her native city. Esther has been guiding since 1994, and joined the family business in 2002 as an organizer and tour leader. She is an eager traveler, and she loves sports and languages.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Ariushka Herrera
Ariushka Herrera has shared her love for her country and deep knowledge of its history and culture throughout over three decades of traveling in Mexico as a guide and anthropologist. Born in Chihuahua, Ariushka grew up in Morelia where she studied colonial architecture at the distinguished Colegio de San Nicolas. In Mexico City, she continued her studies in diverse fields: anthropology at the National School of Anthropology; tourism at the National University; and monarch butterflies and birds at the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Sanctuaries are at altitudes above 9,000 ft. and require 1-3 hours of walking/hiking on graded paths, with uphills, often steep.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(7 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
19 meals | 7B | 6L | 6D |
11 expert-led lectures
13 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Mexico City
Meals:
D
Stay:
Zocalo Central Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and confirming the meeting room with the front desk, take some time to freshen up and relax. 6:00 p.m. Gather in the hotel lobby to register with the program staff and walk a short distance to a local restaurant. Settle in a private room for orientation and the welcome dinner. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will receive a welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, and other important information. We will then discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will also serve as our Study Leader on field trips and other group activities, presenting important aspects of Mexican history, culture, traditions, and economy during transfers. Transportation will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. For meals designated on your own, you may join the Group Leader at a designated restaurant, if desired. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet and instructions from the Group Leader at the hotel front desk when you check in.
Dinner:
In a local restaurant
Evening:
Return to the hotel, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Chapultepec Park, Anthropology Museum, Historic Zócalo
Location:
Mexico City
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Zocalo Central Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; city driving. Walking up to 3 miles on city sidewalks and museum, generally flat and uneven. Standing up to 2 hours. Climbing one flight of stairs.
Breakfast:
On the scenic terrace of the hotel.
Morning:
As the ancient center of the Aztec Empire and the first and most important of Spanish colonial marvels in the New World, Mexico City offers culture and history in a vibrant atmosphere. We will begin to explore this fascinating city. We will board our motorcoach and ride along majestic Reforma Boulevard where every roundabout exhibits a monument, to reach the more visited section of Chapultepec Park. The origin of Chapultepec Park, one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in the world, dates to the Aztecs who planted the first Ahuehuete trees — a few of which are still alive today — near a spring and built an aqueduct that was later destroyed by the Spanish. In addition to its wonderful variety of green spaces, the park contains nine museums, a zoo, an amusement park, lakes, and more. Chapultepec is an important social and cultural destination for local people as well as visitors. Among the many attractions, the park houses the world-famous Anthropology Museum in which we will have an expert-led exploration.
Lunch:
At the museum restaurant
Afternoon:
Back on the motorcoach, return to the city center to get to know the zocalo. Led by the Group Leader, we will enter the Metropolitan Cathedral, constructed with stones from the destroyed Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. We will view from atop the recently excavated Templo Mayor archeological site where the base of Tenochtitlan’s main pyramid has been unearthed. We will also learn the importance of the imposing National Palace, currently the home of Mexico’s President. Since the days of the Aztecs, the plaza has been and still is the site of political, religious, and social events. It is always busy and lively. The remainder of the afternoon and the evening are free, enjoy what you like.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Monastery in the Woods, Lakeside Community, Waterfall
Location:
Valle de Bravo
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Avandaro Club de Golf & SPA
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 95 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 2.5 miles, gravel paths with slight uphills; standing up to 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and leave Mexico City behind driving past the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Santa Fe neighborhood. The Group Leader will give an insight on the rich mestizo culture and the socioeconomic issues of today’s Mexico. We will then reach forested mountains and detour into “Desierto de los Leones” (Desert of the Lions). It was declared a Forest Reserve in 1876 and a National Park in 1917, the first in Mexico and Latin America. It is not a desert nor are there lions! In the 17th century, a Carmelite convent was established in its midst, and the monks, seeking peace for meditation, called the dense forest a “desert” because of its isolation. Leones is a last name linked to the history of the forest. We will arrive at the former convent, admire the setting, the gardens, and patios, and learn its intriguing history as we are led by a local expert though the chapel, kitchen, refectory, monk cells and tunnels.
Lunch:
In the restored refectory of the convent.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll continue driving through the hills and countryside while trying to sight the snow-covered tips of the volcanos that form the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, ultimately arriving in Valle de Bravo and our hotel. Set in nature, the colonial town and surrounding villages are set on hillsides facing Lake Avandaro. Because of its natural attraction and proximity to Mexico City, the region has become a favorite vacation destination for Mexicans. Located among vegetation and including a golf course, the ample hotel grounds offer relaxing, hiking and strolling opportunities. After some time to freshen up, we will set out with our Group Leader to reach the nearby Velo de Novia (Bridal Veil) waterfall set in a wooded glen. We’ll then return to the hotel for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to relax at the bar with your travel companions, or take advantage of the hotel amenities.
Day
4
Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterflies Sanctuary, Free Time
Location:
Valle de Bravo
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Avandaro Club de Golf & SPA
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 4 miles in sanctuary, approximately 1-3 hours roundtrip; uphills and downhills on gravely dusty uneven trail; standing up to 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we begin our Monarch encounters! In a lecture before we depart the hotel, an expert will help us to fully understand the complex, amazing migration of these beautiful little creatures. Every year, Monarch butterflies migrate over 2,500 miles from the United States and Canada to the Western Sierra Madre mountains in central Mexico, an incredible journey and a fascinating story of survival requiring four distinct generations – each generation with a different life span – to complete the journey. In Mexico, butterflies overwinter on Oyamel fir trees (Abies Religiosa) at elevations of 9,000 to 11,000 feet. in a particular microclimate and ecosystem necessary for their survival. We will depart by motorcoach to Piedra Herrada Sanctuary for a first encounter with the Monarchs. The exact location/altitude of the butterflies varies because the colonies shift according to weather conditions. Access to these remote areas is only by foot; however, the overwhelming sight of millions of butterflies filling the sky rewards the hike. Leaving the motorcoach, we begin the uphill hike. As we approach the Monarchs, small clusters begin to appear until we reach the main colony. The landscape fills with orange and we remain in awe. Sensitive to cool temperatures, these delicate creatures roost at night and on cooler days on tree branches bending and even breaking them with their weight. As the sun warms the atmosphere, they take flight glittering in the sky or posing on flowers; their fluttering can even be heard. When ready, we begin the downhill walk back to the base of the trail where we will have a well-deserved lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. We’ll then return to the hotel and adjourn for the day.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
5
El Rosario Sanctuary, Trout Farm, Indigenous Village
Location:
Coatepec
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Rancho San Cayetano
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking up to 4 miles in sanctuary, approximately 1-3 hours roundtrip; uphills and downhills on graded trail with approximately 400 steps; standing up to 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and depart Valle de Bravo after breakfast. The motorcoach drive takes us deeper into the mountains into the heart of the Butterfly Reserve. As we drive, the Group Leader will delve on the importance of conservation of the ecosystem. Protection of the overwintering sites began in the 1980s; sanctuaries were established and a biosphere was declared. Finally, in 2008, the mountainous region was declared a Butterfly Reserve World Heritage Site. Deforestation of the Oyamel Fir forests and the diminishing availability of milkweed for Monarchs to feed on and to lay their eggs are the two most important threats to their survival. Aqua farms specializing on rainbow trout production have recently developed within the Reserve. Taking advantage of the fresh clean mountain water to grow the trout, the farms offer a productive low-impact activity. In a visit to a farm, we will learn about the social, economic, and ecological importance of this venture for the communities.
Lunch:
At the farm, we’ll have a pond-to-table trout meal.
Afternoon:
We will continue to El Rosario – the most important of the Sanctuaries – generally receiving the highest number of butterflies. It is also the most accessible with a well-adapted trail that includes steps to help with the uphill hike. Again, as we reach the colony, we are delighted at the sight of millions of Monarchs. Mazahua indigenous people live in the villages sprinkled throughout the mountains. We will stop in a traditional village to get to know their traditions and lifestyle, see their crafts with unique weaving patterns, and learn about the importance of keeping their language as well as the complex dress of the women – including symbolic earrings – in order to maintain their identity. We will then reach the hotel and check in. The following two overnights are in a ranch set in nature. The rustic yet well-equipped cottages and the charming gathering and dining areas face a lovely garden surrounded by a forest. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy what you like. Stroll in the gardens and the surroundings, swim in the heated pool, schedule a spa, or find the perfect spot to read and relax. Before dinner, we’ll join the Group Leader on a brief walk to see a 16th-century Franciscan chapel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the peacefulness of the ranch.
Day
6
Sierra Chincua Sanctuary, Mining Town
Location:
Coatepec
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Rancho San Cayetano
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 55 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking up to 4 miles in sanctuary, approximately 1-3 hours roundtrip; uphills and downhills on rough dusty uneven trail; standing up to 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out by motorcoach to visit our last sanctuary, Sierra Chincua. Depending on the weather, the time of day, minor changes in migration, and the diversity of the location, each Sanctuary offers a different experience. Sierra Chincua Sanctuary is secluded, slightly away from the beaten path, a more intimate plunge into nature and a more private experience with the butterflies. The site is somewhat more challenging yet the hike in the dense forest with spectacular views are rewarding with the Monarchs always the reward.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
On the return drive, we will stop in the former mining town of Angangueo. Because of its historic importance as a silver mining center in the 18th century, it is included in the listings of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos – Magical Towns – a designation given by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism to towns characterized by a “magical” quality, whether it be their architectural beauty, historical importance, natural wonders, or cultural manifestations. Rows of colorful homes with red-tiled roofs stretch along a very narrow canyon honoring its name: Angangueo, meaning “town between mountains” in the indigenous language. We will get to know its important past as a mining center and stroll along the main street. We then return to the hotel with time on our own to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We’ll gather with the Group Leader and fellow participants to share thoughts and any unanswered doubts in regard to our small fluttering friends. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
7
To Mexico City, Botanical Garden, Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo
Location:
Mexico City
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Fiesta Inn Ciudad de Mexico Aeropuerto
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking up to 3 miles, flat paths, and city sidewalks; standing up to 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart the Sierra and the peaceful solitude of the ranch, and head out to Mexico City where we will get acquainted with another attractive niche of the Big City: the Coyoacan neighborhood. On our return drive, we will stop in the city of Toluca to visit the Cosmovitral Jardín Botanico, a unique botanical garden enclosed in over 30,000 square feet of stained glass, featuring the world’s biggest nonreligious stained-glass window. Our Group Leader will lead us through the garden and provide insight into the historical building that began as a market place built in 1909, eventually becoming a botanical garden and art center in the 1970s. The monumental project represents Mexico’s art, culture, history, and nature.
Lunch:
In a restaurant in Toluca.
Afternoon:
We will drive the last stretch of the program while the Group Leader will impart a lecture on Mexican art, specifically on Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera, a leader of the muralism movement. We’ll arrive in Mexico City where we will get to know another of its highlights: Coyoacan, a picturesque colonial neighborhood with a bohemian flair. Restaurants and markets abound around its plazas and cobblestone streets. We will visit Casa Azul, the home-museum of Khalo. We will then walk to the main plaza for time to independently enjoy the atmosphere. You may stroll in the plazas and through the Mexican crafts or produce markets, enter the church and courtyard, visit a local museum, or just sit in a café to people watch. If desired, you may join the Group Leader for an expert-led walk.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Coyoacan. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We’ll board the motorcoach and transfer to a hotel by the Mexico City International Airport to provide easy departures the following morning. We’ll check in and confirm the time for your shuttle to the terminal in the morning. The Group Leader will assist you in arranging your transfer, explaining departure details, and checking your passports, permits, and flight status for the next day. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
8
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Getting on/off a shuttle; minimal driving. Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers. Personal travel permits must be returned upon leaving Mexico; the airline will collect them during check-in.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Shuttles are provided at the hotel to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 of the Mexico City International Airport for your return flight. We’ll depart independently, and the Group Leader will be available for assistance. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
19 Meals
7 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
6 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025
- Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025
- Jan 27, 2025 - Feb 03, 2025
- Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025
- Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025
- Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 19, 2026
- Jan 26, 2026 - Feb 02, 2026
- Feb 09, 2026 - Feb 16, 2026
- Feb 23, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026
- Dec 07, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026
No reviews for this trip.
This learning adventure hasn't been reviewed yet.