Images from Trips to Mexico
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Monarch Butterfly Winter Habitat
Monarchs east of the Rockies migrate each year to the Transvolcanic mountains of central Mexico. Millions and millions of butterflies fly south. In 1975 the scientific community finally tracked down the wintering sites of the Monarch in Mexico. Until then, the Monarch butterflies' winter hideouts had been a secret known only to local villagers and landowners. The sites the Monarchs use during the winter have particular characteristics that enable their survival. Trees on which to cluster are one of the most important elements of the sites. Nearby trees, streams, underbrush, and fog or clouds all form an intricate natural ecosystem that is the monarchs' winter habitat. These conditions are found in oyamel fir forests, which occur in a very small area of mountain tops in central Mexico. The surrounding trees serve as a buffer to the winds and snow. They cluster together, covering whole tree trunks and branches, and cling to fir and pine needles. The tall trees make a thick canopy over their heads. Protective trees and bushes soften the wind and shield the butterflies from the occasional snow, rain, or hail.
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Bienvenidos!

At Tia Stephanie Tours, we design Cultural and Educational Journeys to Mexico. We focus on Art History, Textile Traditions, Ancient Civilizations of Mesoamerica and Present-day Indigenous Communities, Natural Wonders, Festivals and Holidays. Our unique approach combines education with off the path itineraries, designed to build greater understanding of and appreciation for the richness and complexity of Mexico and the Mexican people, our neighbors to the South.

Why Mexico?

A country so close, yet whose customs are so different from ours; a country of multiple images and stereotypes that bears knowing first hand; a country and people that is much more than its beaches. Mexico is a rich amalgamation of its past and present. Join us on unique trips of discovery to gain a deeper appreciation of Mexico; a country with a complex past, rich present and dynamic future!

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