IN Michoacán, MEXICO

Guests are responsible for air travel to and from Mexico City.

A week of twice daily kirtan/yoga/mantra meditation is included along with organic meals and a Monarch excursion. Other excursions are optional at a cost. Additionally guests can choose to book their own private experiences such as a massage directly with the property.

Travel insurance is required, particularly given that all sales are final once deposit has been submitted. We suggest AllianzTravel but there are a number of insurance companies. Costs will likely range from $125-$250.

Because Santosha is required to book the resort property in advance, there is no cancellation option. All payments are final; however payments are transferrable to a friend or family member. Also. we do require travel insurance to protect your investment in the retreat should an unforeseen conflict arise.

Aqua Blanca Hotel is located in the mountains of Michochan, Mexico. Flights can be booked through your preferred carrier to Mexico City where a shuttle service is coordinated by the retreat host to the property. Drive time is approximately 3.5 hours from the airport.

Upon confirmation and receipt of deposit, the host property and/or retreat host will make recommendations to guests upon request.

If you are coming from the US, you only need a valid passport. A Visa is not required, nor are special vaccinations.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Moderate / Difficult

Visiting the butterfly sanctuaries requires walking through the forest for approximately 3 to 4 miles round-trip, at altitudes that could reach up to 11,000 feet. Because the location of the butterflies within the sanctuaries changes throughout the season and from year to year, exact hiking distances on each departure can vary. At times, the terrain can be rough and rocky, and we will have to traverse uneven ground and step over or around sticks and branches. Uneven, steep inclines may require us to maintain balance as we watch the butterflies. The effects of altitude should not be underestimated. The physical exertion involved can be considered strenuous for people who are less active and not accustomed to hiking at altitude.

The entrance to El Rosario butterfly sanctuary can only be accessed via a 30-minute, open-bed truck ride over cobblestone roads, which can make for a somewhat bumpy ride and may be considered uncomfortable for travelers with back or neck issues. Once inside the sanctuaries, horses are available to ride uphill to reach the butterfly colonies, but not down. When riding the horses, we will be led by a local guide through trails that can, at times, be narrow and rugged, so riders must be alert and maintain balance. Travelers should expect to spend 30-45 minutes on horseback at a time. Due to the diminutive stature of the local horses, the maximum rider weight each horse can carry is 260 pounds.

It is important to note that even with the option to ride horses, there will still be some hiking involved while going up to the colonies, as the horses cannot travel the entire length of the trail. After dismounting, travelers will be required to walk a final 1/4 to 2 miles up a steep slope to reach the butterfly colonies. Depending on where the butterflies are located, this final slope can be less steep at times. Anyone who opts not to ride horses will have an approximately 3-mile uphill hike with roughly 1,000 ft. elevation gain. All travelers must hike downhill back to the sanctuary entrance, descending at least 600 steps over approximately 3 miles, with an elevation change of about 1,000 feet

Essential Gear:
- Reusable water bottle
- Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket (Rain is always possible.)
- Windproof fleece
- Lightweight, water-resistant hiking shoes. (Make sure your shoes/boots have good tread and are broken-in ahead of time to prevent blisters.)
- Comfortable second pair of shoes
- Warm sleepwear
- Socks (Look for wool or other moisture-wicking material.)
- Hat & gloves (Mornings can be chilly.) Comfortable clothes for movement (yoga)
- Water resistant daypack for hikes
- Reliable alarm clock, head lamp or phone