MEXICO’S MAGNIFICENT WILDLIFE MIGRATIONS Led by the BBC’s Nick Baker with Expert Local Guides 30th January – 12th February 2016 Price: £5,626 pp sharing. Single Supplement: £790 - Max 14 persons Return Flights Included GROUP TOUR DESCRIPTION This exceptional group itinerary covers two of the world’s greatest wildlife migrations in depth – those of the monarch butterflies and grey whales. See them both in Mexico in the company of personable biologist and photographer Nick Baker (of BBC2’s Springwatch) and a group of like-minded people. The wildlife adventure begins in San Jose del Cabo on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Sur peninsula, an arid, cactus-festooned landscape sweeping down to turquoise waters rich in marine life. Enjoy two mornings of humpback whale watching before travelling by road northwards to La Paz on the Sea of Cortez, which contains an incredible 39% of the world’s marine mammal species.Kayak through turquoise waters, hike on Espiritu Island, snorkel with playful sea lions at Islas Islotes, and hike the sea cliffs on the mainland. The group then travels to Baja California’s Pacific coast for your next incredible wildlife migration – the North Pacific grey whale. In the autumn, grey whales migrate from their summer feeding grounds in the northern Bering and Chukchi Seas and head south along the coast of North America to breed and calve in the lagoons and bays off the coast of Baja California. This is a journey of over 10,000 miles, making it one of the world’s longest mammal migrations. Staying in Puerto San Carlos in Magdalena Bay, you will have the opportunity to observe, and possibly interact, with these gentle marine giants on two whale watching boat excursions. Then head north-eastwards back to the Sea of Cortez to explore the rich waters of Loreto Bay National Marine Park, one of the best places in the world to see the mighty blue whale. There will be two opportunities to search for this colossus of the deep, the largest animal ever to have inhabited the earth. There is then a total change of scenery with a return by road to La Paz, flight to Mexico City and overnight before travelling northwestwards to the town of Zitacuaro in Michoacan state. A lovely ranch-style hotel is the base to explore the monarch butterfly reserves in the nearby rugged oyamel fir forested mountains. Each autumn millions of monarch butterflies arrive here from wide areas of north-eastern North America and cluster in small areas of the forest to overwinter. In spring they begin the long journey back, an eight month migration during which four successive generations are born and die. How they find their way back to their overwintering sites remains one of natural history’s abiding mysteries. From Zitacuaro the group returns to Mexico City airport for the flight home, or a two night post-tour extension to explore Mexico City and its environs. Come and join Nick and the group on a truly marvellous adventure, showcasing some of nature’s greatest wildlife spectacles. NICK BAKER Your Group Leader Reef & Rainforest is delighted to welcome back Nick Baker as leader of our Mexico Migrations group for 2016. Being a trained biologist who has visited Mexico and Baja California in the past (he filmed an episode of Weird Creatures there), Nick can explain the natural history of various species in detail, providing you with greater insight into the enthralling world that is wild Mexico. In love with the natural world since early childhood, Nick has a rare gift – his ability to impart his passion for wildlife effectively to others. That gift has led to his considerable success as a writer, television presenter and tour leader. Nick’s impressive list of shows, both in the UK and abroad, includes the BBC’s Tomorrow’s World, Under the Skin, Really Wild Show, Autumnwatch and Springwatch; Channel 5’s long-running series Weird Creatures, The Wildlife Quiz and Nick Baker Down Under; and his 3D one-off for Sky, Nick Baker’s Beautiful Freaks. The last show gives a clue as to one of Nick’s major benefits to you as a tour leader: his genuine fascination with the lesser-known, smaller creatures which live side by side with the larger headline animals. Nick is also a published professional photographer and (on request) should be happy to assist in honing your wildlife-shooting techniques. We are supremely confident that, given Nick’s considerable skills as a biologist, communicator and broadcaster, his track record leading groups for Reef & Rainforest, his passion for all things wild and his friendly and considerate nature, he will prove to be one of your all-time favourite group leaders for years to come. Please see below some of the many enthusiastic comments received from Nick’s previous Reef & Rainforest group members: “I’d book a tour with Nick any day.” Mr M B “Absolutely SUPERB. Nick’s knowledge, expertise and attitude was fantastic as well as the fact that he is just a lovely all-round chap and very approachable.” Mr J C “Nick Baker was staggeringly well informed about all of the flora and fauna and was also very caring of the individual members of the group.” Miss C K “Thanks for one of the best of many trips we have been on all over the world. The group gelled very well and new lifelong friendships have been made.” Dr J K “Nick was great company…The fact that the ‘Baker’s Dozen’ plan reunions speaks for itself!” Mr & Mrs K H “Nick worked hard to make sure we saw as much as possible, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.” Mrs S P “Nick Baker is a great tour leader - we booked because of him.” Mrs S K “Reef & Rainforest went to pains to put together a wildlife package for the intrepid traveller and we went to four exotic eco-lodges to discover the best, so thank you very much.” Mrs A C ITINERARY IN DETAIL Sat 30 JAN Depart LONDON HEATHROW (Terminal 3) at 1205 on AMERICAN AIRLINES flight AA081 to DALLAS, arriving at 1635 (Flight duration: 10 hrs 30 mins). Connect at 1845 with AA2289 to SAN JOSE DEL CABO, arriving at 2036 (Flight duration: 2 hrs 51 mins). Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. No meals (except on transatlantic flight) are included today. O/n HOTEL CASA NATALIA (standard room). This comfortable hotel is located in the heart of historic San Jose del Cabo in a secluded enclave of palm trees. There are 19 individually decorated en suite guest rooms and suites, all with a private terrace. The rooms have a safe, but no minibar or TV. Facilities include an in-room spa service, bar, Mi Cocina Restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. Sun 31 JAN After breakfast transfer to the jetty in Cabo San Lucas for a morning humpback whale boat excursion in Cabo Bay. The humpbacks return to the waters off Cabo San Lucas and Mexico’s Baja Peninsula for the winter to give birth, nurture their calves and mate. In spring they make the long journey back to their feeding grounds in Alaska. During the boat tour there should be encounters with adult, juvenile and baby humpbacks and we will hope to see an array of behaviours including tail slaps, spy hopping, and breaching. There is also a chance of encountering grey whales, and occasionally sperm. blue, Bryde’s and fin whales: orca, bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin and false orca may also be seen. Return to your hotel after lunch to enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore San Jose del Cabo on your own. Breakfast and lunch are included today. O/n CASA NATALIA (B,L) Mon 01 FEB After breakfast enjoy another whale watching boat trip in Cabo Bay before returning to your hotel to pick up your bags and a packed lunch and transferring northwards by road (2 hrs 30 mins) to LA PAZ on the Sea of Cortez. La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur state and was founded in 1535. Breakfast and a packed lunch are included today. (2)…/ O/n HOTEL SEVEN CROWN MALECON (B, BL). Located in front of the boardwalk (malecon) this hotel has 55 en suite rooms and suites with air-conditioning, cable TV, phone and Wi-Fi. The standard rooms have a partial view of the bay. Facilities include a roof top restaurant and bar, small business centre, and Jacuzzi. Tue 02 FEB Today, wind permitting, enjoy a full day excursion to ESPIRITU SANTO ISLAND and ISLAS ISLOTES, two of the most beautiful islands in the SEA OF CORTEZ (Gulf of Mexico). ESPIRITU SANTO is one of 244 islands, islets and coastal areas that form the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Islands And Protected Areas Of The Gulf Of California. Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez a “living aquarium” and it is easy to see why – 39% of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals and a third of the world’s cetacean species can be found here. Blue, fin, Bryde’s, humpback and sperm whales; pods of orcas, pilot whales, bottlenose and common dolphins – there are just a few of the cetaceans that can be seen in the Sea of Cortez. Rugged cliffs and sandy beaches contrast with beautiful turquoise water where pelicans, cormorants, frigatebirds and brown and blue-footed boobies can be seen along the shore. Inland life thrives in a seemingly harsh desert landscape where cactus stand sentry, emerald-tailed lizards scurry amongst the scrubby vegetation, and cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens and verdin take flight. After breakfast transfer to the marina and travel by speedboat (up to 1 hr 30 mins) to Espiritu Santo Island. Here you will paddle in sea kayaks in turquoise waters beneath volcanic cliffs until lunchtime, when a beach picnic awaits. After lunch enjoy a hike on the island (look out for the endemic black jack rabbit) then board the speedboat again for the short ride to Islas Islotes, two islets and rocky reefs used as a rookery by a large colony of Californian sea lions. Snorkel with these playful acrobats as they frolic playfully around you. Return by speedboat to La Paz in the afternoon, looking out for whale sharks en route. Although the whale shark season usually ends earlier, over the last two years whale sharks have been sighted in the Bay of La Paz well into February. Breakfast and a packed lunch are included today. O/n HOTEL SEVEN CROWN MALECON (B,BL). (3)…/ Wed 03 FEB After breakfast, explore the spectacular coastline on foot and enjoy sweeping views of Baja's stark and rugged beaches and crashing surf. The hike starts at Punta Lobos, the sweeping Pacific beach where the local fishermen of Todos Santos launch their boats each morning and land the daily catch each afternoon. Throughout the hike there is a stunning contrast of desert landscapes running to the sea. The walk passes an active sea lion colony as well as the ruins of the shipping port of Los Algodones. In addition to the wide range of cactus and desert plants, see jack rabbits, roadrunners, quails, raptors, hummingbirds, orioles, gnatcatchers, flycatchers and doves – and virtually no humans. There are often whales swimming, breaching and spyhopping just a few yards off the shore. Along the shore there is a fantastic array of bird life including pelicans, herons, egrets, gulls, frigatebirds, ibis, ducks, cormorants, sandpipers, stilts and many more. After a packed lunch, return to your hotel in the early afternoon. O/n HOTEL SEVEN CROWN MALECON (B,BL). Thu 04 FEB Rise early and transfer (3 hrs) by road north west to the small Pacific Coast fishing town of PUERTO SAN CARLOS on the edge of MAGDALENA BAY. The bay is one of the main winter breeding and calving areas for the North Pacific grey whale. The whales spend the summer feeding off the US and Canadian coastlines between the Bering, Chukchi and western Beaufort seas. Then in the autumn they head south along the coast of North America to spend the winter in their breeding and calving grounds in the shallow lagoons and bays of Baja California, before migrating northwards from late February with their new born calves along the west coast of the USA. At over 10,000 miles this is one of the world’s longest mammal migrations. Upon arrival in Puerto San Carlos you will meet your boat captain, board the panga and head in to Magdalena Bay for a three hour whale watching excursion. With luck, one of these gentle giants may approach the boat for some petting. Return to Puerto San Carlos in the afternoon and overnight. All meals are included today. (4)…/ O/n HOTEL ALCATRAZ (B,BL,D). This simple hotel has 24 en suite rooms with fan, satellite TV (Spanish language channels) and minibar. There is an attractive courtyard garden, restaurant/bar and al fresco dining. Wi-Fi is also available. Fri 05 FEB After breakfast enjoy another three hours of whale watching in Magdalena Bay before returning to Puerto San Carlos. Then, packed lunch in hand, cross (2 hrs 30 mins) by road from the Pacific, eastwards through the desert to the town of LORETO on the Sea of Cortez. Nestling between the clear blue waters of the Sea of Cortez and the towering Sierra La Giganta, the lovely Pueblo Magico was founded by Jesuit Missionaries in 1697, and served as the capital of the Californias until the late 18th Century. The nearby San Francisco Javier Mission is the best preserved mission in the Peninsula. In front of the town is LORETO BAY MARINE PARK, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California. The Marine Park has five islands – Coronados, Del Carmen, Danzante, Monserrat, and Santa Catalina, home to the rattle-less rattlesnake. These rich waters are one of the best places in the world to see the blue whale, the largest animal ever to have inhabited the earth. Breakfast and a packed lunch are included today. O/n LA MISION HOTEL (standard room), (B,BL). This luxurious hotel enjoys an enviable location on Loreto’s beachfront overlooking beautiful Loreto Bay, yet is just minutes from the town centre. There are 70 well-equipped rooms and suites, all with covered patios or terraces with views of the Sea of Cortez, pool, mission bell tower, or Sierra La Giganta mountains. Facilities include three restaurants, Wi-Fi, on-site spa and outside pool. (5)…/ Sat 06 FEB After breakfast head out in a panga to Loreto Bay National Marine Park to search for the magnificent blue whales that frequent these waters from February to April. Your naturalist guide will provide you with detailed information on the mating and migration habits of these amazing animals. You will see a host of sea life as you head through the park and down the coast, from dolphins to migratory birds, and if you are lucky, you might also see fin whales or humpbacks. You will enjoy a packed lunch on board, and return to Loreto in the afternoon. Breakfast and a packed lunch are included today. O/n LA MISION HOTEL (B,BL). Sun 07 FEB After breakfast, embark on a second whale watching trip, returning to the hotel in the late morning. In the afternoon, head inland through striking canyon scenery to the village of SAN JAVIER and the Mission of San Francisco Javier. The mission was founded in 1699 by Father Francisco Maria Piccolo and is one of the best preserved in North America. Breakfast only is included today. O/n LA MISION HOTEL (B). Mon 08 FEB After a relaxed breakfast, transfer (5 hrs) by road southwards to LAZ PAZ. Depart at 1730 on AEROMEXICO flight AM2073 to MEXICO CITY, arriving at 2044 (flight duration: 2 hrs 14 mins). Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. Breakfast and a packed lunch are included today. O/n NH HOTEL SANTA FE (B,BL). This contemporary hotel is located on the western side of Mexico City in the newest financial district, making it easier to escape the heavy traffic and drive westwards to the monarch butterfly reserves. There are 135 comfortable en suite rooms and suites with flat screen satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, and free Wi-Fi. Facilities include 24 hour room service, restaurant, bar, and gym. Shopaholics can enjoy the Santa Fe mall, Latin America’s largest shopping mall, which is a few minutes’ walk away. (6)…/ Tue 09 FEB After breakfast head west by road (2 hrs 15 mins) to ZITACUARO in Michoacan state – your base for the next TWO nights to explore the monarch butterfly reserves. There are two monarch butterfly migrations to escape the northern hemisphere winter – one to the west of the Rockies that heads as far south as California, and one from north-eastern America (as far north as Canada and the Great Lakes). For years scientists were baffled about where these half billion or so north-eastern migrants went in winter. Then in 1975, Canadian scientists stumbled upon a small area of forest measuring just 18 by 36 miles in the wooded mountains of Central Mexico where the butterflies overwinter. Arriving in November, the monarchs hibernate in the tree, hanging in huge clumps in conifers where the humidity and temperature is just right for them to survive the winter, then as spring breaks in February they wake up to mate before beginning the long, 2,485 mile migration north. There are still many mysteries concerning the migration. For instance, the adult butterflies have a short lifespan so successive adults breed and die four times during the migration. So the butterflies returning in the autumn are actually the great, great grandchildren of the ones that departed in the spring. No one knows how they find their way back to the same area year after year. The monarchs are also under threat from a loss of milkweed habitat in their spring and summer breeding grounds in the USA, illegal logging in Mexico and climate change. Monarch populations have plummeted 90% over the past 20 years, with 50 million butterflies making it to Mexico last winter out of a population that was once estimated at one billion. Numbers, though still low, are rebounding and this tour will be timed to watch the butterflies wake, mate on the wing, and feed in huge numbers: one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles. In the area where we will be staying, there are three butterfly reserves and, following local expert advice, we will aim to arrive at one of the most active reserves around midday as the butterflies, warmed by the sun, begin to take wing into the surrounding countryside to feed. Note the reserve altitudes vary from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres and can involve a hike (or horse ride) of over an hour on steep, rough trails. (7)…/ In the late afternoon drive to your accommodation on the outskirts of the town of ZITACUARO. All meals are included today. O/n RANCHO SAN CAYETANO (B,L,D). This lovely hotel, French/Mexican owned by Lisette and Pablo Span ably assisted by their chocolate Labradors Choco, Lata and Cayetana, oozes simple rustic charm. There are nine comfortable en suite rooms with TV, fireplace and coffee making facilities in one building, three casitas and a separate building towards the rear of the property housing three duplex suites. All are set amongst lush, spacious and wellmaintained gardens. The main building houses the reception area where Lisette sells Rancho San Cayetano honey and jams. There is also a small library and dining room/lounge where films about the monarch butterflies are shown by Pablo in the evening. Outside is an al fresco dining area, swimming pool and small spa. Wed 10 FEB After a relaxed breakfast, board the vehicle and head out to one of the butterfly reserves. Depending on which reserve is most active the drive could take over an hour. Enjoy another enthralling butterfly spectacle and return to your accommodation in the late afternoon. All meals are included today. O/n RANCHO SAN CAYETANO (B,L,D). Thu 11 FEB After breakfast, transfer to MEXICO CITY. For those returning to the UK, depart at 1557 on AMERICAN AIRLINES flight AA393 to DALLAS, arriving at 1844 (flight duration: 2 hrs 47 mins). Connect at 2030 with AA078 to LONDON HEATHROW (flight duration: 9 hrs). Those continuing with the Mexico City extension will be met at Mexico City airport. Breakfast only is included today. Fri 12 FEB Arrive LONDON HEATHROW at 1130. Price: £5,626 pp sharing. Single Supplement: £790 – Min 10, Max 14 persons The price includes: International and domestic economy class flights; all ground transportation; bed and breakfast accommodation (accept Rancho San Cayetano – full board); services of local bilingual naturalist guides; all boat and land tours and excursions as stated; park entrance fees; and the peace of mind knowing your payments are protected by ATOL (www.atol.org.uk). The price does not include: Meals unless indicated; drinks; tips; items of a personal nature; and travel insurance (mandatory – please supply details). (8)…/ HISTORIC MEXICO CITY POST-TOUR EXTENSION Thu 11 FEB After dropping the rest of the group off at the international airport around midday, transfer to MEXICO CITY’S historic centre. The capital was founded by the Spaniards in 1521 and built upon the remains of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. Explore the Zocalo (main square), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Aztec ruins of the Templo Mayor (from the outside), National Palace, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The evening is at leisure. Breakfast only is included today. O/n HOTEL HAMPTON INN AND SUITES (B). Located in the heart of downtown Mexico City, the hotel has 108 rooms and suites equipped with all of the amenities you would expect of a comfortable 3* hotel. Facilities include complimentary WiFi, business centre, fitness room, rooftop terrace, laundry and breakfast room. There is also an adjoining seafood restaurant and a bakery, and a number of good restaurants and cafés within walking distance. Fri 12 FEB After breakfast drive with your guide 30 miles northeast of Mexico City to TEOTIHUACAN for a guided tour of the stunning archaeological zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Temples of the Sun and the Moon and other important structures of Mexico’s oldest and most important settlement. It is thought to date from around 300 BC and during the peak of its development between the 1st and 7th centuries AD housed at least 25,000 inhabitants. However, to this day the founders of the city, where they came from and why the city disappeared are still subject to some debate. (9)…/ After Teotihuacan, explore the cobblestone streets, colonial churches, bustling little markets, coffee shops and quiet squares of COYOACAN, one of the most attractive and best-preserved suburbs to the south of Mexico City. According to local lore, Hernan Cortes lived here after destroying Tenochtitlan, briefly making Coyoacan the capital city of New Spain. Coyoacan was also the birthplace of surrealist artist Frida Kahlo, and the colonial style house, Casa Azul, was where she grew up, worked on her paintings, held art classes for her “Los Fridos” students, and lived with her muralist husband Diego Rivera from 1941 until her death in 1954 aged just 47. The house now houses the Frida Kahlo Museum and there will be an opportunity to visit the museum which contains drawings and paintings by both artists. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure. Breakfast only is included today. O/n HAMPTON INN AND SUITES, B. Sat 13 FEB After a relaxed morning transfer (driver only) to MEXICO CITY AIRPORT. Depart at 1557 on AMERICAN AIRLINES flight AA393 to DALLAS, arriving at 1844 (flight duration: 2 hrs 47 mins). Connect at 2030 with AA078 to LONDON HEATHROW (flight duration: 9 hrs). Breakfast only is included today. Sun 14 FEB Arrive LONDON HEATHROW at 1130. Price: £342 pp sharing. Single Supplement: £150 – Min 4 persons 2 persons supplement: £328 pp sharing. The price includes: All ground transportation; bed and breakfast accommodation; services of a local bilingual naturalist guide; entrance fees; and the peace of mind knowing your payments are protected by ATOL (www.atol.org.uk). The price does not include: Meals unless indicated; drinks; tips; items of a personal nature; and travel insurance (mandatory – please supply details). IMPORTANT NOTES TO ACCOMPANY THE ABOVE ITINERARY NB: This tour involves some travel in remote areas. This adds to the adventure and increases the opportunity to enjoy a true wildlife experience. However, due to terrain, weather, road conditions, and other factors beyond our control, some elements of the tour may have to be altered. Times of some activities may need to changed or even cancelled due to the conditions. If an activity is cancelled it will usually be replaced with an alternative activity that is more appropriate for the conditions. Advance notice will be given for any changes where possible, although at times changes may need to be made whilst the tour is in progress. NB: Once the tour has been booked and a deposit paid, any further changes initiated by the client may be subject to additional charges. NB: The quoted price for the above itinerary is based on current airline fares (both international and domestic), current exchange rates, fuel surcharges and flight taxes. These (and other tour costs) may be subject to unanticipated increases beyond our control at short notice, either before or after you have booked the tour, in which case the price would need to be revised accordingly. NB: Prices are based on a specific airlines and specific economy seating classes. Flights are booked on an ad hoc basis and so early booking is recommended to take advantage of the cheapest fare availability. Prices may rise if a more expensive seat class needs to be booked. Please call for information on price variations for using alternative airlines or for seat upgrades. NB: All itineraries are subject to change without notice to take into account possible airline flight schedule changes which can take place before departure date or during the tour, and other operational factors NB: Adequate insurance cover is mandatory. Please supply us with details of your cover. NB: Should for any reason the specified tour leader be unable to accompany the group, a suitable substitute will be provided. NB: Before and after booking, clients must familiarise themselves with current UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advisories so as to satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the destination(s) to be visited in this itinerary. All decisions relating to the tour will be based on UK FCO advisories, and not those of any other countries' governments. In the event of any emergency or other problem encountered in the destination, it is advisable if appropriate to contact the local UK Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for assistance. The FCO in London also has dedicated telephone call centres: Crisis Management Dept - 0207 008 5335 (during UK office hours), and Global Response Centre - 0207 008 1500 (out of UK office hours). NB: Some service providers may require that guests sign an indemnity waiver form and may refuse services if these forms are not signed. Reef and Rainforest Tours cannot give refunds for services not provided due to a refusal to sign such forms. NB: All travellers flying via the USA are required to obtain electronic travel authorization prior to boarding an air or sea carrier. Travellers who do not receive travel authorization prior to their departure may be denied boarding, experience delays or be denied admission into the United States. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, but no less than 72 hours prior to departure. Travel Authorization is obtained through an online registration system known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. If your registration is successful, it will be valid for multiple applications for two years or until the date on which your passport expires, whichever comes first. If unsuccessful, you will need to obtain a US visa prior to travel - please leave ample time to apply for this. Reef and Rainforest Tours Ltd. A7 Dart Marine Park, Steamer Quay, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5AL, UK Tel: ++ 44 (0)1803 866965 Fax: ++ 44 (0)1803 865916 Websites: www.reefandrainforest.co.uk www.familytours.co.uk E-mail: [email protected]
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