Friday, January 22:  Arrivals in Mexico City.  We’ll have a driver pick you up at the airport and take you to our quaint small hotel in the heart of Zona Rosa (The Pink Zone).   This is a beautiful neighborhood filled with shops and restaurants, so there’s plenty to see and do in Zona Rosa if you arrive early.  We’ll plan a group dinner that evening so everyone can get acquainted.

Saturday, January 23:  After a good breakfast, we’ll head out to San Angel, a gorgeous colonial neighborhood.  We’ll spend the better part of the day enjoying Bazar Sabado, a weekly event with a building filled with artisans; and the park surrounding the Bazar filled with fine artists of all mediums.  This is a great place to find paintings, sculpture and prints from many of today’s working artists in Mexico City.  Next door there is another outdoor market with lots of other treasures.  Time permitting; we’ll visit Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s famous home and studio in the same neighborhood.  And, we’ll enjoy a wonderful comida at one of Mexico City’s classic restaurants.

Sunday, January 24:  Sunday in Mexico City is a time for all to enjoy.  We’ll keep this day open and decide what to do once the group is formed.  Choices will include; La Gunilla (The Thieves Market).  This is a huge flea market downtown where you’ll find antiques, trinkets and trash and of course treasures if you are a good shopper. Xochimilco is a series of canals where many of the flowers for Mexico City are grown.  We could take a lazy boat ride through these romantic canals.  World Class Museums are abundant in this amazing city and include all genres of art, archeology and more. Cathedrals, theaters and other important cultural sites are everywhere and you could easily fill the day touring many colonial era structures.  The famous Pyramids of the Sun and Moon are just outside of the city and rival those in Egypt – a must have experience at some point in life.  And of course, it will be bull fighting season in Mexico City and Bob is always up for taking those interested.  This incredible city is filled with surprises and riches around every corner.  One day will only give you a taste of what is here.  Of course the city is also filled with great restaurants, and we’ll enjoy a late afternoon comida in one of them.

Monday, January 25:  We’ll head 2 hours west to Zitacuaro, at the base of the mountains where the Monarch Butterfly Reserves are.  We’ll travel through the countryside and be free to stop and sight see along the way.  When we arrive, we’ll stay in a wonderful small B&B.  The owners, Pablo and Lizette are the perfect hosts.  Lizette has an incredible organic garden and is a great chef.  Pablo is an expert on the migration of the Monarchs.  We’ll spend the evening with them, have one of Lizette’s sumptuous feasts and have Pablo educate us on what we’ll see the next day – and share a video explaining some of the science behind the Monarchs journey.  If we’re lucky, renowned chef, cookbook author, and friend, Diana Kennedy will join us.

Tuesday, January 26:  After one of Lizette’s fine breakfasts, we’ll head up the mountain to approximately 11,000 feet to experience the magic of the Monarch Butterfly migration.  There’s a good chance that a horseback ride and a bit of a hike will be on the agenda, so make sure you’re up for that.  We’ll try to arrive just as the sun is heating the wings of these magnificent creatures so we can see them take flight.  We’ll enjoy the afternoon in the reserve with a guide who will be able to answer everyone’s questions.  After we leave, we’ll stop for our comida on the way back to the hotel and spend a quiet evening.

Wednesday, January 27: We’ll have an early breakfast and get a jump on the day.  We’ll go about half way back toward Mexico City and stop in Metepec.  Metepec is known for the artists that create the famous clay trees of life, casuelas and other fine pieces.  We’ll visit the Soteno family, the Castillo’s, and other famous clans.  We’ll walk the market and the streets filled with shops and studios and have a chance to buy from all.  From there, we’ll head back to Mexico City and have dinner close to the hotel.

Thursday, January 28:  After breakfast we’ll hop in our van and head to Cuernavaca for the day.  Cuernavaca is said to have a perfect climate and was once known as the resort getaway city for residents of Mexico City.  Cortez’ palace commands presence in the middle of town.  After a walk through the city and public market, we’ll enjoy a full afternoon at Las Mananitas.  This enchanting restaurant and its beautiful grounds, complete with peacocks and parrots offers one of the most enjoyable dining experiences in Mexico.  Be prepared to be pampered as we wrap up the last day of our trip.

Friday, January 29:  Individual departures from Mexico City.

Monarchs in Zitacuaro, Metepec, Mexico City and Cuernavaca Trip Cost:  $1950 per person based on double occupancy.  Single occupancy, please add $650.  Includes shipping your purchases back to Boerne, Texas.

All lodging, breakfasts and "comidas" included.  Note:  We usually eat a big breakfast and try to have "comida" or a late lunch/early dinner and don't stop for lunch.  We will have a cooler available in the van for beverages and snacks during day trips.  All ground transportation, including transport to/from the Mexico City airport included.  All entry fees and guide fees for the Monarch Reserve included. 

A non-refundable $500 deposit is required at time of reservation.  Deadline for reservations is October 25 in order to block rooms in Zitacuaro during their high season.  Balance due no later than January 1.  Please make checks payable to COSAS.  Group size limited to 8 people on a first come basis.  No children please.

*Ground transportation provided to events listed in details of itinerary.  Activities may change if unforeseen circumstances occur.  Personal items including: alcoholic beverages at times other than "comidas," snacks, laundry, phone calls and other incidentals are not included.  No refunds for breakfasts not consumed; events/services not used; early departures.  If for any reason COSAS cancels the tour, a full refund will be issued. 

Shipping Art to Boerne is included.

Shipping your treasures home is included in the cost.  However, space will be somewhat limited.   Please limit your purchases to items that will fit on pallets.  Special arrangements can be made for an additional cost for larger items.  We will help with organizing all your packing needs (bubble wrap, boxes, tape, etc.) but the actual cost for materials will not be included.  There may be personnel available to assist in packing for an additional charge.  Ultimately, the packing to ensure the safe return of your items will be your responsibility.  COSAS cannot be responsible for any breakage.

Please contact us if you have any questions.