SOUL OF M E X I C O TOURS
MEXICO'S SACRED MIGRATION
Americans and Canadians aren't the only snowbirds who migrate south for the winter. The single most phenomenal migration of the world takes place between the Canadian province of Ontario, and Mexico's majestic state of Michoacan. This February, Biologist Trecia Neal leads an iconic journey through three UNESCO Protected Monarch Butterfly Reserves, and we have helped piece together an itinerary that will introduce guests to a hidden region of Michoacan, that is untouched by tourism and will bring guests through a rural area that is bursting with lovely handicrafts and museum quality textiles. From whimsical ceramics to outstanding embroidery, backstrap weaving, loom-woven ponchos from hand-spun wool, dance masks, dishes and more, our guests are in for a real treat! From the Meseta and Lake Patzcuaro region, we follow the Monarch Migration to a corner of Michoacan that borders Mexico State, and is where millions of Monarch Butterflies snowbird annually, from mid-November to mid-March. Our journey ends with a tranquil trajinera boat ride through the floating gardens of Xochimilco, to the legendary Island of Dolls, which National Geographic rates in the top 25 creepiest places in the world! This tour is far from the tourist resorts and sunny beaches, and is designed for the adventurous of our world, who are passionate about art, history, culture and nature.
We hope you will join us!
" I thoroughy enjoyed every aspect of the trip. The experience changed my life in so many ways that I cannot express in a few words. The trip was packed with tons of activities that kept us going at every moment. I only wish that I could go again!"
*****
Trecia Neal Tours
GETTING HERE
This tour begins in Guadalajara and ends in CDMX, so international guests may find direct flights into Guadalajara, and out of Mexico City. If you live in an area that doesn't directly connect with Guadalajara, you may find a flight path through Los Angeles, Houston, or opt for a return flight to Mexico City, with a one-way ticket to Guadalajara on February 10.
PLEASE READ OUR FULL ITINERARY BEFORE BOOKING YOUR RETURN FLIGHT FROM CDMX, IF YOU PLAN ON FLYING HOME ON FEBRUARY 18. WE COMMUTE THAT DAY FROM RANCHO SAN CAYETANO, AND GUESTS MUST CHECK-IN 3 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTING FLIGHT. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND FLYING HOME ON FEBRUARY 19, TO SAVE ANY HICCUPS IN THE EVENT OF A TRAFFIC JAM ETC.
If you need any assistance, we are here to help you!
Please email Jennifer at info@soulofmexicotours.com
DETAILED ITINERARY
Friday February 10, 2023
Please confirm your flight time to Guadalajara Airport so we can assist you. Our tour begins with dinner tonight, in the centro of Guadalajara City. We will go over the itinerary, and answer any questions you may have. We will also take guests to an ATM, so you can access pesos for your trip through the Meseta over the next two days.
Saturday February 11, 2023
This morning we will have an early breakfast, and depart Guadalajara by 9:15 AM. Our first stop is in the small village of San Jose de Gracia, where we will have lunch with a local family, and learn about their pinecone vessels that are fashioned from clay, and finished with a high-gloss glaze. We will then visit the small village of Ocumicho, where the locals are famed for their whimsical devil sculptures, among irreverent depictions of Christian stories, such as Nativity Scenes and The Last Supper. Following this, we will visit an incredible family of textile artisans, before arriving at our hotel in Uruapan.
Sunday February 12, 2023
This morning we will have an early breakfast and opportunity to view a collection of interesting “Tableau Vivant” photographs before heading to the lush and the National Park, which follows the Cupatitzio River from it’s source, through a series of gorgeous water features, cobble stone pathways and arched bridges. From Uruapan, we will head to the Pueblo Magico of Paracho, which will be holding Sunday Market. Enjoy browsing through the plethora of rebozos and handicrafts. We will enjoy some lamb tacos and other treats at the local market before heading down the road to Cheran, to learn about their indigenous resistance, and Sevina, to visit a mask carver. We will arrive in Patzcuaro on time for dinner.
Monday February 13, 2023
This morning we will meet for breakfast at 9 AM, and start our walking tour of Patzcuaro at 10:15 AM. At 1 PM, we break for lunch and an afternoon of free time. This evening, we will enjoy our dinner + lecture with Trecia Neal, which will cover Monarch biology, habitats, and insights into her research and projects.
Tuesday February 14, 2023
This morning we check out of our hotel, have breakfast and head to the iconic copper town, Santa Clara del Cobre. Learn how the maestro’s here fashion all sorts of pieces from copper! We will enjoy lunch at Rancho le Mesa, then stop at Teofila Servin’s embroidery studio, before visiting the Ex-Convento of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan. Our last stop is at an artisan studio in the small village of Capula, before we head to Morelia to check into our hotel, and enjoy our Valentine’s Dinner.
Wednesday February 15, 2023
This morning we begin the next segment of our epic adventure, with the Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Reserve. Departing after breakfast, no later than 9 AM, the commute time to Sierra Chincua is approximately 3.5 hours. We will have yogourt and a granola bar for everyone to eat prior to heading into the reserve, and a beautiful picnic waiting for you, when you return. After enjoying our picnic, which includes lovely wines from Baha, we will make our way to Rancho San Cayetano to rest.
Thursday February 16, 2023
This morning we will enjoy a lovely breakfast at Rancho San Cayetano, then head to the beautiful Pueblo Magico of Angangueo, to enjoy a walking tour and lunch. We will head to the Rosario Butterfly Reserve around 12:30 to enjoy the afternoon in the reserve. From the reserve, we will head back to Rancho San Cayetano to rest and enjoy a Mezcal Tasting.
Friday February 17, 2023
This morning we will visit the most rarely visited Monarch Reserve of Cerro Pelon. Today, we must ride horses, as the reserve is very steep and difficult to climb. Spend the day in the most tranquil reserve, as our last gift in this region during our tour! This evening, we return to Rancho San Cayetano for our last evening in this region.
Saturday February 18, 2023
This morning we will have breakfast, and depart for Mexico City. Our guide will bring our group to Xochimilco, where we will board a trajinera and head out to the Island of Dolls, through the floating gardens. We will enjoy a simple picnic on the boat, and have the chance to unwind and process all we have experienced. Upon returning to our hotel, we may have some time to take in some sites, which we will play by ear. This evening, guests can catch an early night of sleep, or opt to head out to a Tenampa in the city, which is a rooftop party with Mariachi Music. (Not included in the price, as this is optional).
Please Note: Our guide will take one guest to CDMX airport after dropping us off in Xochimilco, so if you are contemplating this tour and need to fly home this day, please contact us before you book your flight, to make sure you have enough leeway. It should be noted that you must check-in at Benito Juarez Airport 3 hours before an international flight.
Sunday February 19, 2023
This morning, guests will depart Mexico City Airport for home, and the guides will head back to Morelia and Patzcuaro. Please email us your departure times. We will be staying at the Benito Juarez Airport, so guests will be within walking distance of the Airport. Please remember – you must check in 3 hours prior to your flight, at CDMX Airport.
Questions?
Please email Jennifer at info@soulofmexicotours.com
PHOTO GALLERIES
The following photo galleries represent some of the activities and scenes you can expect to see during our tour, though the experience is unlike anything we can portray here. We can never predict what guests will see, but if you remain aware of your surroundings, you will undoubtedly enjoy the visuals!
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Questions?
Please email Jennifer at info@soulofmexicotours.com
ART MEDIUMS OF MICHOACAN
These photos show some of the art mediums you will see while in the Meseta and Lake Patzcuaro Region of Michoacan State. If you see something you'd like to know more about, or have a specific request, please let us know. Please carry cash for art purchases, as the artisans do not have machines for processing credit cards. Prices can range from $100 MXN to $30,000 MXN, ($10-$2500 US) and even more, depending on what you are purchasing. While bartering is not customary in this region anymore, we can help advise you about the prices and quality while on tour.
NATIONAL PARK OF URUAPAN
The National Park of Uruapan is one of Michoacan's beloved treasures. Spring fed, the beautiful Cupatitzio River is legendary, and an important feature of this park, which is ornamented with gorgeous water installations.
RESISTANCE TOWN OF CHERAN
The story of Cheran has been the subject of Anthropological study and research, and is an important discourse among the P'urepecha and indigenous groups of resistance movements in Mexico, and indigenous groups around the world. We may see some check-points along the road, like the one shown in this collection of photos, but please do not feel alarmed. The local people have set these up in accordance with self-government policies that have helped them keep problems away from their community.
