Monarch Butterflies and Historical Downtown Mexico City

This is something worth seeing: The Monarch butterflies as they go back to Mexico for the Winter and Historical downtown Mexico City.

We will have a two-day urban hike in Historical downtown Mexico City, before we go to the Monarch butterfly sanctuary.

Day 1, Feb. 15: Arrival in Mexico City. Sunset: Walk to the Main Square to see the lowering of the Mexican Flag while having a drink. Night: Garibaldi Plaza (traditional musicians’ plaza) and optional dancing to Latin music (salsa, etc.).

Day 2, Feb. 16: Breakfast at hotel and walking tour of Historical Mexico City, visiting the Alameda Park, Palace of Fine Arts, National Palace, City Hall, National Cathedral, Old University of Mexico, Department of Education, Old School of Medicine (once upon the Palace of the Inquisition), Main Post Office, colonial churches, several historical cantinas, museums, and more. Don't feel intimidated by the number of landmarks. They are all within walking distance. Afternoon: Visit to the Ciudadela craft market.

Day 3, Feb. 17: Brunch at the Grand Hotel of México City, walking tour of the Main Square with the Concheros (Aztec dancers), Templo Mayor archaeological site, National Gallery of Art. Afternoon: Meeting at hotel to take land transport to Angangueo, Michoacan, spending the night there.

Day 4, Feb. 18: Breakfast at hotel and transport to Monarch butterfly sanctuary. Afternoon: Return to Mexico City.

Day 5, Feb. 19: Return to Atlanta.

Note: The days will be warm, but the nights cold in both places, due to the high altitude. Bring appropriate clothing. The maximum group size is based on transport capacity (microbus) to the Monarch butterfly sanctuary (to keep cost down).

Mexico City was founded by the Aztecs in 1325 and conquered by the Spaniards in 1521. During those 198 yrs. the Aztecs built an empire that stretched from the Southern U.S. to Central America. The magnificence of its' buildings (both, Aztec and colonial) can be seen in the historical downtown. The Europeans of the time called it "The City of Palaces". It is at an altitude of 7,350 ft. above sea level, surrounded by mountains. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_city

Angangueo is the entry point to visit the Monarch butterfly sanctuary, in the mountains West of Mexico City, at an altitude of 8,400 ft. above sea level. We will spend the night there to visit the Monach butterfly sanctuary the following day.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is located in a mountainous region roughly 120 miles northwest of Mexico City. The protected area covers more than 200 sq miles of Mexico and Michoacan states. Every Autumn millions of Monarch butterflies migrate from as far north as Canada to central Mexico where they stay clustered within small areas of the reserve until the following Spring when their journey begins all over again. The 8 month migration takes them all the way to Eastern Canada and back, during which time four successive generations are born and die. How the final generation makes it back to the same forested area year after year remains a mystery.

The Monarch Butterfly Migration, Fly Away Home, The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/03/science/03butter.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l42ca94m-bE

If you wish to stay in Mexico City longer, I will be happy to provide additional information about what to do and see.

PS: If you did not make it to the participant list due to space limitations, or would only want to do the Mexico City part, I will gladly open a simultaneous event to accommodate those of you interested in doing the Historical downtown Mexico City urban hike.

Registration Requirements:

1. A deposit of $100.00 must be received by the organizer not later than Jan. 15, 2013. This will get your name moved to the participant list, so you can buy your airplane ticket. I will not cash the checks before Jan. 15, 2013. The sooner you send your deposit check, the sooner you can buy your airplane ticket at a lower rate.

   Please make out and mail your deposit check to: Oscar Tarrago, 4146 D Youville Trace, Atlanta, GA 30341.

2. The day you arrive in Mexico city you will provide the organizer the remaining part ($175.00). Because of the high credit card fees and conversion charged by local banks, payment must be made in cash (dollars). ATM machines are widely available in Mexico City (in Mexican pesos).

After I move you to the list of participants, please buy your ticket as soon as possible to avoid increasing airfare rates. Flying Delta non-stop to Mexico City is $383 now.

Participant Cost: $275.00/person

Cost includes: - Three night accommodations in Mexico City.

                        - One night accommodation in Angangueo.

                        - Land transportation to Angangueo.

                        - Entrance fee to the Monarch butterfly sanctuary.

NOTE: We will schedule a meeting in Jan. to answer questions and organize ourselves for this unique adventure!