MEXICO ROAR of the monarch Butterfly Expedition Two opportunities to travel: February 19-26, 2017 February 26 - March 5, 2017
INTO THE WOODS Every fall, millions of monarch butterflies travel to the forests of Central Mexico for winter. This breathtaking spectable is becoming an endangered phenomenon due to the stresses on the environment caused by deforestation, pesticide use, and climate change. See the natural wonder firsthand and learn what ECOLIFE Conservation does to help prevent the monarch s extinction. This is a unique opportunity to experience a side of Mexico s nature and culture you won t find anywhere else.
The ECOLIFE EXPERIENCE During this trip, you will explore the forested mountains of Michoacán, discover colonial cities, and relax in beautiful accommodations while traveling in a style unforgettable in itself. This experience will not only be balanced in nature and culture, but you will be an essential part in supporting the monarch butterflies and local people who live near the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. INCLUDED: Food and beverages, including alcohol First-class accommodations Comfortable ground transportation Tips, park entries, horse rides ECOLIFE Executive Director and local guides with over 25 years of experience in Mexico and extensive knowledge of local wildlife, culture, and history Your deposit of $1,000 is a fully tax-deductible donation to ECOLIFE Price: $3,250 Airfare not included This trip takes place in areas of high altitude - nearly 11,000 feet in some areas. Seeing the butterflies requires horseback riding over steep and rough terrain for up to two hours each way. Walking is not recommended. SUNDAY After your arrival to the historic city of Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, you will stay at the incomparable Villa Montaña - a colonial style hotel with magnificent views of the city. Spacious rooms, great food and attentive staff make for a luxurious arrival. www.villamontana.com.mx MONDAY Just a short trip away from Morelia, you will arrive at the colonial gem of Patzcuaro where we will check into the boutique Hotel Casa Leal in the heart of the city. Along the way you will get a glimpse of local history while visiting the home of the famous artist and sculptor, Juan Tores, followed by a stop at a majestic Franscican Monastery with the most spectacular and ancient olive trees. You will also get a chance to visit the pottery studio of Manual Morales.
TUESDAY Journey to the town of Santa Clara del Cobre where you will find some of the finest copper artisans in Mexico. We will have a private demonstratration by a family of coppersmiths, where you will learn a forgotten trade and have a chance to shop for some unique Mexican souvenirs. Following a traditional Mexican lunch, we will take the short drive back to Patzcuaro where you have the option of a guided walking tour before a relaxing dinner at Hotel Casa Leal. WEDnesDAY A morning departure will find us on the outskirts of Zitacuaro for lunch at one of our most loved stops before pulling into the spacious grounds of Rancho San Cayetano, your home for three nights. This beautiful, private ranch is owned and managed by ECOLIFE s good friends, Pablo and Lisette. The estate includes a solar-headed swimming pool, 13 acres of lawn, and a short walking trail down to a river. Spend the afternoon at leisure of take a short walk to a local community featured in Humphrey Bogart s, Treasures of the Sierra Madres. www.ranchosancayetano.com ThursDAY & Friday Butterflies! Each day you will take off early to visit the butterflies at local sanctuaries.you will learn what the roar of the monarch butterfly means. After a special lunch in our friend s home, we will visit with a family who received a stove supplied by ECOLIFE and our supporters. SATURDAY Return to Morelia to stay in the modern Hotel de la Soledad in the heart of downtown nestled among historic buildings. After an optional walking tour of Morelia s stunning old town, you will enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner and watch fireworks and the lighting of the Cathedral. SUNDAY Transportation to the airport for departure flights from Morelia. ECOLIFE 350 STATE PLACE ESCONDIDO, CA 92029 760.740.1346 ADMIN@ECOLIFECONSERVATION.ORG
Registration Form Total Fees: $3,250 per person (excludes airfare) Single room supplement** $$275 Tax Deductible Deposit* $1,000 Name on Passport Preferred Name Gender Age DOB / / Passport # (Attach copy of passport) Nationality Country of Birth Phone Email Address City State Zip Emergency Contact Relationship Phone q Enclosed is my tax tac deductible check made payable to ECOLIFE for $1,000. q Please charge my $1,000 to my credit card: q Visa q Mastercard q Discover q American Express Card # Name on Card Exp. Date / Billing Zip * Deposit: A non-refundable, tax deductible deposit of $1,000 per person, payable by credit card or check made to ECOLIFE confirms your reservation along with this registration form. The final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. **Singles & shares: Travelers who would prefer a single room or are traveling alone are subject to a single room supplement fee of $275. We cannot always guarantee single accommodations even after reservations and confirmations have been made. We will be happy to make a roommate match for you. Cancellations & refunds: Cancellations must be received by mail at 350 State Pl, Escondido, CA 92029 or via email at admin@ecolifeconservation.org. Cancellations must be received no later than 90 calendar days prior to departure. LIABILITY WAIVER I, hereby acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate in Roar of the Monarch 2017 as indicated in the Application Form. I am aware that during my participation in a tour of this sort, certain risks and dangers may arise, including but not limited to: the hazards of traveling in mountainous terrain, high altitude, or undeveloped areas; travel by train, plane, automobile, horseback, boat or other means of conveyance; roads, trails, hotels, vehicle, or other things which are not operated nor maintained to standards common in the United States; the forces of nature, terrorism, accident or illness without access to means of evacuation or availability of medical supplies; physical exertion for which I am unprepared; consumption of alcoholic beverages; negligence of ECOLIFE, its principals, guides, agents or others; or factors known or unknown. I am also aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time that I am participating in the trip. I agree that ECOLIFE, its principals, guides and agents are not liable for the adequacy or availability of any equipment or supplies that may be provided in conjunction with the Roar of the Monarch 2017 or the adequacy or availability of any first aid or medical care. I am voluntarily participating in these activities with knowledge of the dangers, delays, logistical and other problems in connection with the trip that may be involved and hereby agree to be responsible for my own welfare and assume any and all risks of illness, injury, emotional trauma and death and hereby release and discharge communities in common, inc. and its agents for associates from all actions, claims or demands for damages resulting from my participation in the trip. I agree that under no circumstances, including negligence, shall liability to the applicant, his/her heirs, executors and administrators and all members of his/her family, of ECOLIFE, its principals, guides or agents exceed the total amount of funds paidby the applicant under the contract. The exclusions and limitations on the Liability Waiver or in the Brochure, are effective, and apply to claims in contract or in tort, including negligence, and whether or not there is a fundamental breach of the contract. I agree that the foregoing obligation shall be binding upon me personally, as well as upon my heirs, executors and administrators, and all members of my family, including any minors accompanying me. I have read carefully the brochure and the application form, including this liability waiver, and fully understand and agree with their contents. I am aware that they contain releases, exemptions and limitations of liability and are part of the contract between myself and ECOLIFE, and I sign it of my own free will. Signature Date ECOLIFE 350 STATE PLACE ESCONDIDO, CA 92029 760.740.1346 ADMIN@ECOLIFECONSERVATION.ORG