Join the Houston Zoo and Terra Incognita Ecotours. Magical Mexico: Monarch Butterfly Migration and Colonial-era Morelia. 26 to 30 November 2017

Transcription

1 Join the Houston Zoo and Terra Incognita Ecotours Magical Mexico: Monarch Butterfly Migration and Colonial-era Morelia 26 to 30 November 2017 US $3,245 per person (double occupancy) US $499 single supplement MILLIONS OF BUTTERFLIES. THAT S A LOT OF BUTTERFLIES!!! Join us as we journey to Mexico to witness one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world - the annual Monarch butterfly migration. Monarch butterflies migrate from southern Canada and the United States each year starting in October to wintering sites in the highlands of central Mexico, where millions of Monarch butterflies congregate in the Oyamel fir forests found on isolated mountaintops. No individual butterfly completes the round trip; female Monarchs lay eggs during the northward migration starting in March and five generations later butterflies head south again in October. It continues to be a mystery how after five generations the offspring know EXACTLY where to return, and yet they always do. Combine this with the charming colonial city of Morelia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and end with a stay in a luxurious Hacienda and this is a trip you will remember for a long time! This is an Ecotour that will make a difference to you, and to the places we visit. Group size is limited to 16 guests Contact conservation@houstonzoo.org or for reservations.

2 Day 1: Sunday 26 th November arrival to Morelia You are picked up on arrival at the Morelia airport and transferred to the Hotel de la Soledad in the heart of colonial Morelia. (We recommend United Airlines 4163 as it is a direct flight). Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening at our luxurious hotel. Overnight at Hotel de la Soledad (D) Hotel de la Soledad Day 2: Monday 27 th November Morelia to Sierra Chincua Reserve After a relaxed breakfast this morning we head for the highlands, home to the Monarch butterfly sanctuaries. These Monarch butterfly sanctuaries are found in Mexico s Oyamel fir forests, a unique mountaintop habitat, of which only 2% of the original forests still remain, and are comprised of only 12 isolated patches, each found at around 10,000 feet above sea-level. We plan to enjoy a picnic lunch in the Sierra Chincua Reserve, one of the winter homes for the Monarch butterflies. Spend the afternoon among millions of butterflies that flutter about in the Oyamel fir trees. We will return to the small village of Angangueo this evening and our base at the simple but comfortable Plaza Don Gabino Hotel. Overnight at Plaza Don Gabino Hotel (B,L,D) Day 3: Tuesday 28 st November El Rosario Reserve Another relaxed breakfast, no need to rush, the butterflies get more active as the sun warms the forest. We will enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive to El Rosario Sanctuary, a different forest sanctuary, and home to perhaps a larger colony of butterflies. We plan to spend the whole day here enjoying the forest and the butterflies. We return to Angangueo late afternoon, and will have time to stroll through this charming and authentic town before another delicious dinner at our hotel. Overnight at Plaza Don Gabino Hotel (B,L,D)

3 Butterflies clinging to Fir tree branches at El Rosario Day 4: Wednesday 29th November Angangueo to Morelia This morning we return to Morelia, and will have a little more time to explore this charming colonial city. We suggest you enjoy lunch on your own, so that you can choose where to wander, which restaurant to visit, and where to shop. Don t miss the many candy stores for which Morelia is famous! We will enjoy dinner this evening at a fabulous local restaurant - Los Mirasoles - and can try some of the local delicacies. Overnight at Hotel de la Soledad (B,D) Hotel del la Soledad Day 5: Thursday 30th November Morelia to Home This morning is an early start as the United 4164 flight departs at 7:50am. You arrive back in Houston at 10am.

4 Cost per person (double occupancy) is $3,245 Group size is limited to16 guests. (single supplement is $499; B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner) We are now accepting reservations for this very special trip. Deposits Included: Accompanied throughout by English-speaking local guides; all transportation within Mexico; bottled water; all accommodations; meals as specified; and complete pre-departure information. Not included: International round-trip airfare to Morelia; Insurance fees; visas and passport fees; medications; items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, and gratuities. Terra Incognita Ecotours Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration # ST36712 CLIENT INFORMATION Magical Mexico November 26-30, 2017 Trip Date: November 26-30, 2017 Name(s): Address: PLEASE COMPLETE ONE FORM PER PARTICIPANT City: State: Zip: Phone Number: address: Country of Passport: Date of birth (dd/mm/yy): Please tell us briefly about your hiking/walking ability: Dietary Requirements and/or special requests: Emergency contact: Phone number: Traveling as a single person? Yes / No Payment:*Deposit of $500 per traveler is required to reserve space on this trip. Airfare to Morelia, Mexico and return not included. Remainder of balance will be due 90 days before departure. Checks can be made out to: The Houston Zoo, Attn: Conservation Program, 1513 Cambridge St., Houston, Texas Credit Card authorization - if paying by credit card please call, Kathleen Anderson in our accounting department at

5 About our lodging: Hotel de la Soledad, Morelia Hotel De La Soledad is in the historic center of Morelia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located just 350 feet from the Morelia Cathedral and Plaza de Armas Square, this elegant hotel is in a lovingly restored 17 th century house with original artwork and antiques. The central courtyard, surrounded by tropical plants is a relaxing haven away from the bustling town center. Each colonial-style room has WiFi, LCD TV, and free bottled water. Plaza Don Gabino Hotel, Angangueo Conveniently located between the Sierra Chincua and El Rosario sanctuaries is the colorful and comfortable Don Gabino Hotel and Restaurant. With just nine rooms we have booked the whole property and can enjoy the exclusivity of being the only guests. All the rooms have WiFi, free bottled water, and an ample supply of blankets as the rooms can get quite cold at night.