Located in Mexico’s southwestern region in an area with abundant natural beauty, thanks to the volcanic rock formations of the Sierra Madre del Sur.
In this territory you’ll discover vast natural areas and national parks such as Cupatitzio Canyon and the Jose Maria Morelos park. At these places you can go camping, do ecotourism outings and extreme sports, including mountain bike riding and paragliding. Also of interest is the protected Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, where the fir forest serves as nesting grounds for the monarch butterfly. In the state of Michoacan you’ll also find a wide variety of cultural events, some of which have many years of tradition, such as the Day of the Dead celebration at Lake Patzcuaro and on its nearby islands. There you’ll see some of the most visited churches in the state, try the excellent local cuisine and find all kinds of regional crafts at the stores and markets. Later, you can check out the nearby archaeological zones of Tzintzuntzan and Ihuatzio. In the city of Morelia, the state capital, you’ll see magnificent buildings in the Historic Center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The notable edifices include the Cathedral and the Palacio de Clavijero, both of which remind visitors of the city’s fascinating history. Other interesting sites are the Hospital de la Huatapera de Uruapan and the Zamora Cathedral. On Michoacan’s coast you’ll find gorgeous beaches like Playa Azul and Lazaro Cardenas, which offer lodging and restaurants, and Maruata, Michoacan’s most famous beach and the nesting grounds for the black sea turtle.
Morelia
Morelia, the state capital of Michoacan, is a beautiful city built during Mexico’s vice regal era. It is located in the state’s northern region, 303 km (187 mi) west of Mexico City. It has a warm, semi-humid climate with rain during the summer and an average temperature of 20º C (68º F).
The city offers a pleasant and hospitable atmosphere, as well as many architectural treasures in its Historic Center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. There you’ll find numerous colonial-style constructions, such as the National Palace and La Catedral (The Cathedral), a Baroque-style structure built with pink ashlars. Morelia also hosts important cultural events, such as international film and music festivals.
Thanks to its strategic location, many tourists use the city as a base before heading out to nature reserves, such as the monarch butterfly sanctuary and the Parque Nacional Jose Maria Morelos (The Jose Maria Morelos National Park).
Morelia also is a place where the traditions of the Tarascan Indians persist, as seen in the traditional attire they wear, the handicrafts they make and the historical importance of the archaeological ruins at Ihuatzio and Tzintzuntzan. While in Morelia, don’t forget to try the traditional Purepecha dishes, such as corundas and uchepos (regional tamales). You can also indulge in such local fare as enchiladas placeras and ates (candied fruit). So don’t wait any longer: Come and experience the joy, traditions and colorful atmosphere of Morelia.
Patzcuaro
Patzcuaro is located in the central valley region of the state of Michoacan, 50 km (31 mi) southwest of Morelia. Because of its lake, the climate is humid, with rainfall during the summer and an average temperature of 16º C (61º F).
The magnificent adobe constructions with red tile roofs give this destination a rural feel. Also of interest are the monumental churches, such as Nuestra Señora de la Salud and Templo de San Agustin, as well as the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, which is bustling with commercial activity. At |
