Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my cohort?

Yes. Any cohort change requests made before the festival begins must be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Requests will not be handled by phone.

Please note that changes are based on availability. If your preferred cohort is full, you may be placed on a waiting list. We will do our best to accommodate requests whenever possible.

Do I have to remain with my cohort during the festival?

Participants are encouraged to remain with their assigned cohort throughout the festival experience. However, we understand that some attendees may wish to pursue butterfly sightings, bird alerts, or independent exploration during the event.

Please note that access to private properties and admission to fee-based sites are only arranged for registered participants traveling with their assigned cohort. Guides will only have admission lists and access arrangements for participants on their roster.

As always, flexibility, communication, and cooperation are appreciated by both participants and guides throughout the festival.

Can I request special meals?

Lunch options include:

• meat
• poultry
• vegetarian

At this time, these are the only meal selections we can guarantee.

While many catered meals may include options that are vegetarian or potentially gluten-free, we unfortunately cannot guarantee accommodations for strict dietary restrictions including vegan, kosher-only, gluten-free, or allergy-specific meals. Participants with specialized dietary needs are encouraged to bring supplemental meals or snacks.

Additional meal information will be posted as catering details are finalized. We always request caterers prepare at least 30% of their offerings as vegetarian, and many prepare items that MAY BE gluten-free, kosher and so forth; however, we apologize we cannot guarantee to meet the needs of anyone on a restricted diet for health or other reasons. 

How much walking is involved?

All field trips involve walking and outdoor activity, though the level of difficulty varies by destination.

Some locations feature shorter and easier walking conditions, while others may include uneven terrain, longer distances, or more physically demanding conditions. Guides will work to provide options whenever possible for participants with varying mobility needs.

Can you provide exact field trip destinations and schedules in advance?

Unfortunately, no. Festival destinations and schedules remain flexible and are finalized shortly before the event based on scouting reports, weather conditions, butterfly activity, and other field considerations.

One of the strengths of the Texas Butterfly Festival is the ability of guides to adapt in real time to current sightings and conditions throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Because of this flexibility, participants are strongly encouraged to build extra time into their travel schedules.

Please note that most flights into the Rio Grande Valley require connections through Houston or Dallas, where delays are common. We highly recommend arriving early and avoiding tight departure schedules whenever possible.

If you can stay longer, we encourage Wednesday departures or later. Each year brings exciting late sightings, unexpected rarities, and memorable “chase” butterflies that often continue beyond the official festival dates.