Patricia has led monarch butterfly adventures as a Nat Hab Expedition Leader since 2004. She was born and raised in Mexico City but has spent the majority of her life exploring the great outdoors. She graduated from the National University of Mexico with a B.S. in biology. During her program, she conducted research in forest ecology, particularly on tropical dry forest and rain forest. She also studied graphic arts and has married her artistic skills with her love of biology via short films she has made that promote the conservation of marine species. She earned a PhD in marine science and limnology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She was postdoc and project scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and today, she is a researcher at UNAM in the areas of biogeochemistry and ecology. She has explored and conducted research across the planet, from tropical to polar ecosystems, and as the co-founder of the Mexican Agency for Antarctic Studies, she participates in science outreach.

Patricia champions science and art as transforming forces. Nature photography (both on land and underwater) is one of her true passions and has been an impetus for her extensive travels throughout Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Paraguay. Her forest ecology background has provided excellent context for understanding monarch butterflies and their habitat. She enthusiastically shares this knowledge as a Nat Hab Expedition Leader. 

Upcoming Adventures with Patricia:
Kingdom of the Monarchs

Praise from Nat Hab travelers:

L.M. Fisher
"WOW! I have done a lot of traveling and am thankful to have had the most amazing of guides. However, Patricia is by far THE BEST! She is extremely professional, attentive, courteous, helpful, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, genuine and flexible. But what sets her apart is the depth of heart with which she guides! She was extremely kind and caring to all we met along the way, and it was clear that they all love and respect her. When Patricia is around, there is an instant feeling of community! She extended kindness and caring to all six of us over and over again in the most amazing and wonderful ways! I have story after story after story to illustrate the heart and soul of a person who seeks at every turn to make this world a brighter, better place for others! Getting to know Patricia was a true and lasting gift for all of us!"

 C. Kloecker
“Patricia was the 'treasure' of the trip!"

D. Whipps
“Patricia was so far above what one could have reasonably expected that I feel she needs to be acknowledged. She made the trip even more special for both me and my wife. She was a wonderful ambassador for Nat Hab and for Mexico. She was pleasant, knowledgeable, patient and went out of her way to provide personal attention to everyone on the trip."

V. Bolin
"Over the years, we have been on 20+ guided trips across the world. As guides go, Patricia and Fernando rank at the top of the list and have a great synergy. They are extremely passionate about their work, and it shows in their limitless energy and constant sharing of knowledge. They always go the extra mile and beyond. Rarely do you encounter such genuine people."

L. Fisher
“Patty was the ultimate guide. She was personable, attentive, professional and super knowledgeable. She shared our senses of humor and we all came away feeling we had made a new friend. We requested a little tweaking in the itinerary and she went above and beyond to make the request happen. She was the best!!"

A. Peters
"Patty was AMAZING! I would do another Nat Hab trip only to have another experience with her. Not only is she kind, funny and easy to be around, but she is incredibly knowledgeable and explains things in a very tangible, clear way. She also went out of her way to do things for us, always making sure we got the absolute most out of this trip. We loved, loved, loved her!"