The Monarch Butterfly Migration in Mexico

Every year, from the end of October, Monarch butterflies travel 3,000 miles from North America to the eastern perimeter of Mexico. The butterflies reach a wingspan of around 4.5 inches, weigh one gram or less and adults only live for three-to-four weeks; this journey is monumental.

The best time to see the butterflies is in January (and February) and brand-new company, Awesome Experiences, has launched a new tour to Mexico centred around this incredible phenomenon.

Journey to the dense fir forests near Angangueo and look up into the trees, where thousands of orange-beating wings whir above.

Astonishingly, it takes several generations to complete the migration, so none of the butterflies guests see in Mexico have been there before, nor will any of them ever return.

Before leaving Mexico, jump in a hot air balloon and soar high above the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, cruise through the floating gardens of Xochimilco on a traditional trajinera boat and taste the sweet delights of José Ramón Castillo, the country’s most famous chocolatier.

A six-night Monarch Butterfly Migration, Aztecs & Hot Air Balloons private tour, departing in January 2019, costs from £2,416 pp (two sharing). Price includes accommodation in three-and-four-star hotels, breakfast every day, one lunch, private English-speaking guides, private transfers, entrance tickets and permits, hot-air balloon ride over the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán with a glass or sparkling wine and a horse ride to see Monarch butterflies. International flights, other meals and personal expenses extra.