nice places to visit in michoacan mexico

Best Things To Do in Michoacán, Mexico

There are so many amazing things to do in Michoacán that visiting this state should be an essential stop on every traveler’s Mexican itinerary. Michoacán has it all: culture, food, handicrafts, hiking, and possibly the cheapest avocados in the world. The tacos aren’t bad, either! With so many places to see in Michoacán, we stayed for three weeks exploring everything we could.

Michoacán is also home to 8 Pueblo Magicos (Magical Towns), a status awarded to various towns by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism for their natural beauty, cultural richness, cuisine, and arts.

In this post, we will write about all the diverse things to see and do in Michoacán, and by the end of this post, we think you’ll be ready to visit yourself.

Love to gorge on some of Mexico’s best tacos? Michoacán has you covered. Are you looking for gorgeous handmade artisan souvenirs for your home? Michoacán’s got plenty of that. Need to stretch your legs and get up close to a volcano? You can do that, too, here!

With so many things to do in Michoacán, we’re about to share our complete list below so you can get the most out of your trip to this beautiful state.

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Where Is Michoacán?

Michoacán is a state in Mexico located in the center-west of the country. It is conveniently located between Mexico City and Guadalajara, making it easy to travel to Michoacán from either city.

The name Michoacán does not originate from Spanish but from Nahuatl, meaning ‘Place of the Fisherman,’ referring to those who used to (and still do!) fish on Lake Pátzcuaro.

Best Time To Visit Michoacan

August – February: Temperatures are temperate and reasonable. The Monarch butterflies will also be at the reserve after November.

March – July: Summer can be sweltering, especially in Morelia, the state capital.

Best Things To Do in Michoacán

1. gawk at architecturally rich morelia: michoacán’s capital city.

Unsurprisingly, this capital city is one of the best places to visit in Michoacán.

Founded in 1541 by the Spanish, Morelia exhibits some of the best colonial-era architecture outside of Mexico City. The city was later declared a UNESCO World Heritage for its beautiful display of colonial architecture throughout the city.

There are so many things to see in this city, but we condense some of our favorite things to do in Morelia.

Morelia Cathedral (Catedral de Morelia)

One of the largest and most intricately detailed Baroque-style Roman Catholic cathedrals we’ve ever been to. Stunning outside architecture, especially when the lights turn on in the evenings.

Right next to the central plaza, this church is hard to miss.

Morelia Aqueduct (Acueducto de Morelia)

Completed in 1730, Morelia’s aqueduct was used to bring water to the city. Frequently falling into disrepair and restored, the aqueduct was finally decommissioned in 1910. But plenty of the aqueduct remains for a pretty photo op.

Morelia University Library

Constructed initially to become a Jesuit Convent in 1660, the building was redesignated to become the primary library for the University of Michoacán in 1930.

As you stroll through the main hall, look at several fantastic murals painted along the walls.

Santuario De Nuestra Señora De Guadalupe

This stunning little church on the city’s east side might be one of the most beautiful churches we’ve ever visited here in Mexico. It’s worth a visit to come out here and admire the walls and ceiling. Lunch (or coffee) at nearby ORIGO is also recommended.

2. Wander the Streets of Picture Perfect Patzcuaro

Depending on who you ask, Pátzcuaro is one of the most beautiful and authentic Pueblo Magicos in all of Mexico. It’s no wonder visiting this magical town is one of the best things to do in Michoacán.

The town is the center of Purépecha culture and the market hub for many smaller villages to sell their handcrafted goods. Visitors can purchase these handicrafts, such as baskets, copperware, and handmade ukuleles, at all the markets, stalls, and official stores throughout town!

One of Pátzcuaro’s defining aspects is the town’s distinctive architectural style, which is strictly adhered to by almost every building and shop.

This architecture and design consists of a single-story, white-painted adobe house with a red stripe painted along the bottom.

Even the shop signs strictly follow Pátzcuaro’s strict design principles.

Some of the best things to do in Pátzcuaro include:

Walk Through Pátzcuaro’s Central Park / Plaza

Interestingly, Pátzcuaro’s central plaza is the second largest in all of Mexico, behind only the one in the nation’s capital. It is also one of the only central plazas without a church built along the perimeter.

Walk around the park, oogle the handicrafts, and settle down for a coffee at one of the many cafes.

Admire Pátzcuaro’s Three Historic Churches

During your walk around town, don’t miss these three historic churches.

1. Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Salud

2. Iglesia de la Compañia

3. Templo de el Sagrario

Fantastic murals, creaky wooden floors, and centuries of history. The arches of the Temple of Sagrario are a popular photo-op location.

Arts & Crafts Shopping at the House of 11 Patios (Casa De Once Patios)

Originally built as a convent around 1743, the structure is now an excellent property to stroll and peruse some of the finest artisanal arts and crafts in Michoacán. Incredible woven rugs, garments, and copperware line the stores throughout the perimeter of the building.

3. Day Trip to Janitzio Island

The island of Janitzio provides a beautiful day trip from Pátzcuaro.

The largest of five islands on Lake Pátzcuaro, Janitzio is home to people of indigenous descent, known as the Purépecha.

Though the island is now an established tourist attraction, a trip to Janitzio allows visitors to watch the butterfly fishermen in action as they fish for the Pescado Blanco on Lake Pátzcuaro and watch The Dance of The Old Men.

To get to the island, you must catch a boat from the pier on the south side of Lake Pátzcuaro.

The top 3 sights on Janitzio Island, Michoacán include:

1. Enjoy the Boat Ride & Fishermen

Just taking the long motorboat to Janitzio Island is a highlight of the trip. Pack in with the many other domestic tourists, feel the beat of the Mexican beat blasting through the speakers, and feel the breeze blowing through your hair.

Just before arriving at the island, if you’re lucky, you might glimpse the butterfly fishermen working their craft on the waters of Pátzcuaro Lake.

2. Scramble up the Lighthouse / Museum

3. Catch an Impromptu Show of Dancing “Old Men”

Catch the Viejitos (“Old Men”) as they dance and clack their wooden clogs on the stone ground in unison for tourists throughout the island.

There are several theories about the origin of the Old Man’s dance, but the earliest theory is the dance from pre-Hispanic times when the indigenous Purepecha people would dance as part of a ritual to the God of fire.

How To Get to Janitzio Island

Janitzio Island is best visited as a day trip from Pátzcuaro. Most northbound public minibusses (called Colectivos) head to the port, where you can then catch a boat ride to visit the island.

4. Shop for Copper Souvenirs in Santa Clara Del Cobre, Michoacán

A stop at Santa Clara del Cobre is a must for anyone who loves to peruse local handicrafts.

One of Michoacán’s eight Pueblo Magicos, Santa Clara del Cobre’s, claim to fame is their copper craftsmanship, which has been worked on and mastered since the pre-Hispanic times.

Over 80% of the town is employed in the copper trade. And when you stand in the town center, you’re surrounded by shops selling every possible product you could think of, all made from copper.

From copper bowls, cups, and sinks to earrings, clocks, and chess sets! If you cannot find what you’re looking for here in Santa Clara del Cobre, it probably doesn’t exist in this world.

Stroll around the central plaza of Santa Clara, and you’ll find several small kiosks selling copper trinkets and cookware.

Where To Shop for High-Quality Copper Products

For higher quality products (and higher prices), several prestigious workshops are located on the roads just off the central plaza. We shopped at and loved the Turkish coffee pot and cups we purchased there.

How To Get to Santa Clara Del Cobre

From Pátzcuaro, cheap collectivos run from an informal bus station on the south side of the town to Santa Clara del Cobre.

5. Hike up Paricutín Volcano

For nature lovers and those who need to get on a good hike, visiting Volcán Parícutin and the surrounding ruins is worth the trip.

Parícutin is a relatively new cinder cone volcano that erupted in 1943 but has since been classified as extinct.

Though the top of the volcano sits at 2800m above sea level, the total height of Paricutin is only just taller than 400m. This means that a hike from the volcano’s base to the volcano’s summit can be accomplished in just under an hour.

Though it would take over a year to do so, the lava from the erupted volcano finally destroyed two nearby villages.

All that remains today are the ruins of the San Juan Parangaricutiro church. Amazingly, the church tower and altar remain largely untouched by the passing lava, which has since cooled into lava rock.

How To Get to Paricutín Volcano

Parícutin Volcano is most accessible to navigate with your own vehicle but possible with public transportation.

With public transportation, take the bus to Uruapan, Michoacán’s second largest city, and transfer to Angahuan.

From Angahuan, you can hike towards the volcano or hire a guide from the town.

6. Feast on Delicious Carnitas Tacos in Quiroga, Michoacán

Carnitas is what puts Michocán on the list of best places to eat in Mexico. This slow-cooked pork is a staple and the pride of Michoacán.

Although you can easily find restaurants and food stalls in Michoacán specializing in carnitas tacos, the best place to go is the carnitas food stall market in Quiroga, a town just 40km west of the state capital, Morelia.

7. Barranca Del Cupatitzio National Park in Uruapan

If you are in Uruapan, Michoacán’s second largest city, visiting the National Park of Uruapan provides a beautiful respite from the scorching sun and urban chaos.

The national park is located northeast of Uruapan and encases the Cupatitzio River, which rushes through the park and cascades down in multiple small waterfalls.

What makes the waterfalls of Barranca del Cupatitzio so unique is that most of these waterfalls are artificial. And because they are manufactured, each of the many waterfalls we encountered on our visit was different.

8. Visit Millions of Butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Absolutely one of the UNIQUE things to do in Michoacán!

If you happen to be in Michoacán between November and early March, a stop by the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is a must. Millions of Monarch butterflies travel from across the USA and Canada in the fall and settle in this National Reserve until spring.

Several butterfly sanctuaries are within the entire reserve, each with its own entry fee and tourist services.

Important Tip: Walking to see the butterflies is best done during the warmest part of the day. Go too early or too late; the butterflies will keep warm on the trees, bunched together. But in the heat of the day, they disperse into the air, millions of them scattered all over the forest. Some may even land on you!

Best Places To Eat in Michoacán

1. carnitas tacos at plaza don vasco in quiroga, michoacán.

There is a large carnitas food stall market located on the southern end of Plaza Don Vasco in Quiroga, Michoacán.

Carnitas is the pride of Michoacán. An entire pig is slow-cooked to perfection and then diced up, spread over a warm tortilla, and sprinkled with diced onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.

For the best carnitas in Michoacán, head over to Quiroga for lunch, a town just east of Morelia that is easy to get there by public transportation.

Just south of the main square, the street is lined with carnitas vendors aggressively pushing their own family carnitas recipes. Take your choice!

2. Birrieria Don Prisci

Location: If you are up for greasy meat taquitos, this is the place to be! 

3. Menudo at a Menudo Market in Pátzcuaro

Location: Southwest corner of the Plaza de San Francisco in Pátzcuaro

Not for the faint of heart, ‘Menudo’ (or Pancita) is a stew primarily featuring the stomach lining of a cow, or “tripe.” We like our menudo with a healthy amount of diced onions and lime juice, which helps to cover the taste.

In Pátzcuaro, the best menudo we ate was in a small food market specializing in Menudo located on the southwest corner of the Plaza de San Francisco. This plaza is just 200m west of the main plaza in Pátzcuaro.

Fun fact: Menudo is known as a hangover cure, so it is often served in the mornings on the weekends.

Where To Sleep in Michoacán

Sleeping in morelia.

Best Budget: Hostal San Fransiskuni – Great views from the hostel rooftop and clean, high-quality bunk beds for those on a budget. Located in Morelia’s historic center. Great deal for those on a budget.

Best Mid-Range: NaNa Vida Hotel Morelia – Beautiful tilework throughout this stunning hotel. Perfect location right in the city center.

Best Splurge: Hotel De La Soledad – The hotel of choice if you want to stay within Morelia’s historic center. Beautiful stonework, lovely garden and restaurant, and the best hot water showers in Mexico. We stayed here for three days as a Christmas holiday treat.

Sleeping in Pátzcuaro

Best Budget: Villa Pátzcuaro Hotel & RV Park – Simple hotel, but clean and peaceful. Located 3km south of town, but easy access to the town center with frequent public transportation. Large grassy area, swimming pool, and perfect for those with their own vehicles.

Best Mid-Range: Hotel Casa Del Naranjo – Another gorgeous hotel just off the main plaza/park. We had lunch in the hotel restaurant and loved the interior design.

Best Splurge: Casa De La Real Aduana Boutique Hotel – This fantastic boutique hotel is set in a stunning 16th-century colonial manor right in the center of town. Each room is beautifully decorated with artisanal products from throughout Michoacán. A gorgeous and peaceful courtyard garden is in the middle of the hotel.

Sleeping in Uruapan

Best Budget: Hotel Mi Solar Ejecutivo – A no-frills hotel in the middle of the city’s historic center. 

Best Mid-Range: Hotel Plaza Uruapan – Located right in the central historic center of Uruapan. The rooms are clean, and the hotel has a sizable gym. There is also a steam room for guests.

Best Splurge: Mansion Del Cupatitzio – Beautiful swimming pool and a large courtyard for hanging out. Located on the northern end of Urupan’s famous Cupatitzio National Park

Top Tips When Visiting Michoacán

1. use pátzcuaro as your basecamp.

Pátzcuaro is ideally situated to visit multiple spots in Michoacán as day trips. The towns of Santa Clara del Cobre, Janitzio Island, and Tzintzuntzan are easily reached in less than an hour of travel.

2. Grab a Coffee in Hotel de la Soledad

We stayed at the flashy Hotel De La Soledad for three days during the Christmas holidays. It was a fantastic experience, and the hotel is beautiful. But for those on a budget, you can still experience the hotel by ordering a drink in the restaurant and admiring the amazingly lush courtyard decorated with stained glass artwork.

3. Pick Up a Few Avocado Beers in Uruapan

Uruapan is the self-proclaimed “Avocado Capital Of The World”. There is literally a sign that says this in Uruapan. So it’s only fitting that some entrepreneurial soul here managed to brew several Avocado beers. Yes, it’s a bit gimmicky, but we enjoyed them!

4. Sample Around the Quiroga Carnitas Food Stall Market

We loved the carnitas at the food stall market in Quiroa, Michoacán, but each food stall has its own way of cooking this beloved pork dish. Each food stall will happily offer you dish samples so you can sample all the different carnita styles until you’re ready to pick one for your meal.

5. Explore Morelia at Night

Not only is Morelia the capital of Michoacán, but it’s also the colonial architecture capital of the state. During your visit to this state, don’t forget to wander around the central plaza (Plaza De Armas) and the Morelia Cathedral in the evenings. The city is beautifully lit at night to showcase its architectural beauty.

History of Michoacán

During the pre-Hispanic colonization before the 15th century, Michoacán was occupied mainly by the Purépecha, an indigenous group primarily living around the Lake Pátzcuaro region. Over the centuries, their civilization rivaled that of the nearby Aztecs.

But once the Spaniards arrived in the early 1500s, the Purépechan state, then named Michoacán, was incorporated into the greater ‘Kingdom of Mexico.’ In the beginning, Michoacán’s capital was established in Tzintzuntzan, a former capital of the pre-colonial state of Tarascán. But Michoacán’s capital would move to Pátzcuaro and finally to Morelia in 1580.

Did you know? Morelia’s original name was Valladolid. It wasn’t until after Mexico gained its independence from Spain that the name was changed to Morelia in 1825 in honor of José María Morelos, a native of the region.

Once Michoacán fell under Spanish control, Christian sects arrived in Morelia and the countryside to erect monasteries, churches, and universities. Some of the most famous religious buildings in Michoacán include the Morelia Cathedral and the Michoacán University Library in Morelia.

During Spanish rule, all major economic activities, education, and land rights were held by the Spanish-born rulers and their descendants. Much of the local indigenous population was exploited for work, and many were even enslaved.

Michoacán would remain under Spanish rule until the Mexican War Of Independence in 1821. In 1824, Michoacán would declare themselves the “Free and Sovereign State of Michoacán”.

FAQ – Visiting Michoacán

1. is visiting michoacán safe.

By and large, Michoacán is a very safe and friendly state. During our three weeks traveling throughout Michoacán, we never encountered a time when we felt unsafe or had anything happen to us.

However, our experiences should not be taken for granted, and it’s worth noting that Michoacán is home to several cartels, namely the violent groups that control the vast avocado business in the state.

But these cartels don’t target foreigners who stay on the tourism trail and don’t venture into the unknown countryside. Most cartel activity is relegated to regions near the coastline. If you stay in the inland part of Michoacán, you will be okay.

2. Is Michoacán Expensive?

We found Michoacán to be very reasonable in terms of cost. Unlike other states in Mexico, Michoacán is relatively under-visited by tourists, and prices reflect that.

We’ve eaten at fantastic places in Morelia, Patzcuaro, and Uruapan without paying too much. Even our 3-day at the famous Hotel De La Soledad was reasonably priced.

3. What Are the Important Festivals in Michoacán?

Día De Los Muertos: One of the best Días de los Muertos celebrations occurs in Pátzcuaro. It is one of the few places in Mexico where this popular celebration is still celebrated, like in the old days. If you plan to attend, make your hotel bookings well in advance.

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• Places to visit in Michoacan

Places To Visit in Michoacan

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Mexico , Morelia

Best things to do in morelia, michoacán – the most underrated city in mexico.

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Morelia is the capital of Michoacán and has to be the most underrated city in Mexico. It’s beautiful, rich in history, stunning architecture and culture. It’s very clean and not that hard to get to. There are plenty of things to do in Morelia, as well as fun day trips to take. There’s no shortage of beautiful hotels and great restaurants. Food in Morelia is amazing. Yet, the city seems to be way off the radar.

Despite all that it offers, Morelia is completely overlooked by international tourists. Majority of people who visit Morelia are Mexicans.

I went to Morelia during Dia de Muertos celebrations, not really sure what to expect. The architecture, culture, food and pretty much anything about Morelia exceeded my expectations. Morelia is absolutely gorgeous, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of beautiful historic buildings and lovely squares. I think it’s a shame, that this city is not more popular among international travelers.

Getting around Morelia is easy, as the city is extremely walkable. If you stay in the historic center, which I recommend, you can get anywhere on foot. But if you get tired, you can hop into one of the Colectivo vans (they are called Combis in Morelia) and get across the city for just a few pesos.

If you’ve already been to other more popular Mexican cities like Oaxaca, Merida or Mexico City and are looking to add to that list, I can’t recommend Morelia enough. Not that I’ve seen all of them yet, but this has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country. And if you are wondering what to do in Morelia, this guide is for you.

Table of Contents

About Morelia

Morelia is the capital of Michoacán and the biggest city in the state. It was founded by the Spanish in 1541 and named Valladolid after the city in Spain. Morelia played a major role in the country’s history and Independence. After 286 years as Valladolid, the city was renamed Morelia in 1827, in honor of Jose Maria Morelos, one of the heroes of Mexican Independence.

How to get to Morelia

Morelia has an airport Aeropuerto Internacional General Francisco Mujica (MLM) with direct flights from other Mexican cities like Cancun, Guadalajara, Leon, Tijuana and Mexico City. If you are coming from the US, you can fly direct from Chicago, Dallas, Houston and LA.

From the airport, it’s about a 40 min taxi ride to the city. Before you exit the airport, there is a kiosk to your left, where you pay for the taxi. They give you a receipt with your destination, which you then hand to the next available taxi driver. Also, Uber works great in Morelia as well.

If you are already in Mexico, you can also take a bus to Morelia from several cities. It’s a 4-hour direct bus ride from Mexico City and Guadalajara. León is 2.30 hours and Guanajuato 3 hours away. The buses are comfortable and sometimes it’s even quicker when you take into account the time it takes to get to and from the airport and the wait time.

Morelia’s bus station is big and new, and just a quick 15-minute taxi ride away from the historic center.

Best time to visit Morelia

Morelia can be a year-round destination, as the weather doesn’t change drastically throughout the year. Having said that, October-April will be best weatherwise, when you can enjoy sunny days with minimal rain and cooler nights. May-August is the hottest and when you will see the most rain.

Late Fall and Winter is the best time to come if your goal is to see the butterfly migration. But easily the most special time to visit Morelia is during Dia de Muertos. Michoacán is considered to be one of the top places to celebrate the holiday and that’s when Morelia is the most beautiful and festive. It’s also the busiest, so be sure to make your hotel arrangements ahead of time.

Top things to do in Morelia

Visit morelia cathedral.

The Baroque Morelia Cathedral is right in the Historic Center and is one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Mexico. It was built using the pink quarry stone, called cantera , which is why Morelia is often referred to as La Cuidad de la Cantera Rosa. You will see the same stone all throughout the historic center. The Cathedral was completed in 1774 after 84 years of construction. Its two bell towers are 230 feet high and can be seen from afar.

Morelia Cathedral looks especially beautiful when it’s all lit up at night. I recommend taking a stroll after dark to see it. And if you happen to be in Morelia on a Saturday, you cannot miss the “light and sound” show, that takes place at 8:45 pm. Be sure to show up earlier to get a good spot. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Morelia on a Saturday night, so it does get crowded.

The Cathedral is free to visit, so be sure to step inside as well and see the interior. One of the highlights is the huge organ with 4,600 flutes, the second biggest organ in Mexico.

You can also join this 2-hour Walking tour of Morelia , which takes you to the most important sights in downtown. Alfredo is local, knowledgeable, and English-speaking guide!

Hang out at Plaza de Armas

Right next to the Cathedral is Plaza de Armas, the main square in Morelia and the heart of the city. It’s a very popular hangout spot for locals, with plenty of benches and a gazebo in the middle. Nice spot to take a break from exploring the city, relax and do some people watching.

During holidays, like Christmas or Dia de Muertos, Plaza de Armas is beautifully decorated. Right outside of the square, you can often catch some performances. The most popular is the traditional dance called Danza de los Viejitos , the Dance of the Old Man. This is a traditional folk dance from Michoacán, dating back to Pre-Columbian times.

All around Plaza de Armas are cafes and restaurants. One I particularly recommend is La Tarasca.

Get a picture with the Morelia sign

It seems like everywhere you go in Mexico, each town or city, has the big, colorful letters spelling out its name. And Morelia is no different. You can find the bright colored letters right by Plaza de Armas. It’s a quick stop and it makes for a fun photo op.

Stroll down Hidalgo Street

Don’t miss this short, pedestrian street while walking around the city. You can recognize it by the beautiful installation, which makes the street very photogenic. There are stores and restaurants lining both sides. Hidalgo is especially lively at night, with people out and about, performers and street food.

Shop at Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias

One of the things Morelia is known for is candy. To the point, where there is an entire market devoted to selling sweets. If you have a sweet tooth, visiting Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias is one of the must things to do in Morelia. There you will find endless stalls selling all kinds of Mexican candy like Dulce de Leche, Tarugas, Rollos de Guayaba and many more. If you are looking to bring a gift or get a souvenir from Morelia, this is where you want to go.

But candy is not the only thing you can buy at this market. There are also plenty of vendors there selling leather good, clothing and souvenirs.

Speaking of candy, there is also a small candy museum in Morelia, Museo de Dulce. The admission includes a guided tour of the place and a demonstration of how the candy was made. The museum part if tiny and it’s more like a store than a museum. The staff is dressed in period clothing, so that’s cute, but I don’t think it’s worth the money. I’d say you can skip it and go to Mercado instead. If you do decide to visit the museum, know that the tour is in Spanish only.

Visit Centro Cultural Clavijero

Another must see in Morelia, especially for art lovers, is Centro Cultural Clavijero. This former Jesuit school is now Cultural Center and museum. There are several rooms with different art exhibits, that change over time. The building itself, made out of the pink stone, is beautifully preserved and there’s also a spacious courtyard with a fountain.

Centro Cultural Clavijero is open Tuesday- Sunday. It’s free to visit, but there is a donation box, if you’d like to support.

Stop at Jardin de las Rosas

This is one of the prettiest spots in Morelia, away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. With pretty flowers, fountains and plenty of shade, it’s a great place to relax. You will find several restaurants there with outdoor tables, so you can take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a snack/drink.

The day I went, there were also several artists displaying their work, mostly paintings.

Visit Morelia museums

I’m not much of a museum person, but if you are, there are several great ones in Morelia. A lot of them are free to visit, and most are closed on Mondays. Keep in mind, that most of these places have information in Spanish only. A museum visit could be one of the things to do in Morelia on a rainy day.

Here are some museums to check out in Morelia:

• Casa Museo de Morelos – the house where Jose Maria Morelos grew up turned into a museum dedicated to him.
• Museo Regional Michoacano – great place to learn the history of Michoacán, from the pre- through the Independence. A must for history buffs and it’s free to visit.
• Museo de Arte Colonial – small museum with a collection of mostly religious art. Free to visit.
• Biblioteca Pública de la Universidad  – public library housed in the former church
• Antigua Palacio de Justicia – beautiful building, right next to Plaza de Armas. The highlight there is an impressive mural Morelos y la Justicia . It’s free to visit, but you will be asked to sign in.
• Palacio Gobierno – the Government Palace is a beautiful two story building, with great murals depicting the Mexican independence.
• Museo del Dulce – small museum/candy store

Have a drink at El Campanario roof top bar

If you are looking for a great view of Morelia’s center, head to El Campanario Cafe. It’s located on the 3rd floor right above Hotel Mision Catedral , which is right across the street from Plaza de Armas and Morelia sign.

The entrance to the hotel is on the side street. Simply walk in and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.

From the terrace you can enjoy great views of the Catedral, as well as Plaza de Armas. Seems like a great spot to watch the “fire and sound” show on a Saturday, but I imagine it gets really busy then. El Campanario is a popular spot around sunset, so chances for scoring tables with the best views are better during the day.

I only stopped for a drink, so I can’t speak for food, but they do have a full menu.

Stroll down Callejón del Romance

This next spot on the list of things to do in Morelia, is in another part of the city, about a 20-minute walk from Plaza de Armas. It was actually my favorite area of the city. There are several not to be missed attractions there, and Callejón del Romance is one of them.

Callejón del Romance is a small and charming alley and one of the prettiest spots in the city. The name comes from the plaques of love poems on the walls written by local poet Lucas Ortiz. There’s really not much to do there, but it’s a lovely spot to walk around and take nice photos. There are beautiful flowers and fountains, as well as a couple of restaurants with seating outside, if you’d like to stop for a drink.

Stop at Fuente de las Tarascas

Fuente de las Tarascas is the most famous fountain in Morelia and one of the city’s landmarks. The bronze statue depicts three native Purépecha women holding up a basket of fruit as a sign of prosperity, abundance and fertility.

The Tarasca Fountain is located between the Aqueduct and Calle Real and it sits right at the roundabout. If you want to cross the street to get a closer look, be very careful, as the traffic is pretty crazy there.

The fountain is also right next to Plaza Villalogin, with another fountain and Morelia sign, which is worth a quick stop as well.

Walk along the Aqueduct

Right near the Fuente de las Tarascas starts the Aqueduct, one of Morelia’s biggest landmarks. It’s about one mile long and consists of 253 arches. Back in the day, the Aqueduct supplied water to the city and today it’s one of the stops while exploring the city.

You can stroll alongside the Aqueduct, which will lead you to Plaza Morelos, the biggest square in the city. Alternatively, you can walk down Avenida Fray Antonio, which runs parallel to the Aqueduct. This is a tree lined, pedestrian street with several cafes along the way. I especially recommend Origo , at the very end of that street, for excellent coffee and selection of breads.

Try the local cuisine

There are many reasons why I love visiting Mexico, and food is one of the biggest ones. Mexican cuisine is actually UNESCO recognized. But this is a huge country and food varies from region to region. Certain Mexican states, like Puebla, Yucatan and Oaxaca really stand out with their regional cuisine. While in Morelia, I had a chance to try some of the regional dishes, and it was some of the best food I’ve had in Mexico so far.

So, if you are a foodie, one of the best things to do in Morelia is to try some of the Michoacán specialties. Here are some of them:

• Sopa Tarasca – bean and tomato soup, with garlic, onion and anchio chiles. Often topped with tortilla strips, sour cream and avocado.
• Corundas – are a Michoacán version of tamales. They are triangle shaped, wrapped and steamed in corn leaves.
• Uchepos – are similar to corundas, but they are sweet
• Gaspacho – not to be confused with the Spanish soup. Gaspacho in Morelia is cut up mixed fruit (pineapple, mango, jicama) served with chili and cotija cheese. It’s a great combination of sweet, salty and spicy. Makes for a great snack on the go and you can find it all over Morelia.

Visit a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Every year, thousands of Monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada to Central Mexico. They start arriving in November and spend the winter in the forests in the state of Michoacán. They settle in the area, that is known as the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is highly protected.

There are several sanctuaries within the Reserve, that are open to public, two of them in Michoacán: El Rosario and Sierra Chincua. This is where most tours from Morelia go.

Monarch butterfly migration is one of the largest in the world and it’s an incredible thing to witness. Definitely one of the best things to do in Morelia, if you happen to visit between November and March. January and February are the best months to witness this phenomenon, as this is when the butterflies are most active.

The Monarch Butterfly Reserve is about a 2-hour drive from Morelia. Unless you have a car, the best and easiest way to visit is with a tour. If you do venture out on your own, you still need a guide to access the sanctuary. This top-rated Monarch Butterfly Tour leaves Morelia early in the morning, so you are one of the first people entering the reserve.

Take a day trip to Pátzcuaro and Janitzio

However long you plan on staying in Morelia (I recommend at least 2-3 days), be sure to add one day to visit Pátzcuaro and the nearby island Janitzio. Located about one hour away from Morelia, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán is a charming colonial town and one of Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico. It’s known as one of the best places to celebrate Dia de Muertos and while it’s especially festive during that time, it’s absolutely worth visiting year-round.

You can spend your time in Pátzcuaro strolling the cobblestone streets and visiting different churches, as there are many beautiful ones in town. Stopping in Plaza Grande with the fountain and statue of Don Vasco Quiroga is a must. There, you will also find the colorful Pátzcuaro letters. Not far from there is Plaza Chica with many local vendors. Do not miss Casa de los once Patios, a beautiful building worth visiting with several artisan shops. And just steps away is Mirador de Pátzcuaro, a viewpoint with lovely views of the town.

You can’t visit Pátzcuaro without hopping on a boat over to the island of Janitzio. The Pier, where the boats leave from is a short taxi drive away from downtown and the boat ride takes about 40 minutes. This is a small island and there’s not a ton to do there, but the boat ride over and the views from the island are reason enough to visit.

The biggest attraction in Janitzio is the cemetery, which overlooks the lake. Be sure to also climb to the top of the hill to see the giant statue of Morelos up close. On the way up, you’ll pass many vendors selling art, souvenirs, drinks and food. The views of the lake and boats coming and going are incredible from the top.

It’s very easy to get from Morelia to Pátzcuaro by public transportation. Buses run throughout the day (either from the main bus station or this spot here ) and gets you to Pátzcuaro in about one hour. The bus station in Pátzcuaro is a short taxi ride away from town center.

If you want to visit Pátzcuaro and Janitzio during Dia de Muertos, do plan to spend a night in Pátzcuaro (and make hotel arrangements in advance). I went for what I thought would be a day trip from Morelia, but while getting there by bus was not an issue, coming back proved to be impossible. As one of the top places to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico, both Pátzcuaro and Janitzio get really busy, especially at night. There are a lot of people and crazy long lines to get on the boat.

Long story short, by the time I got back to Pátzcuaro from Janitzio, there were no more buses to go back to Morelia and none of the taxi drivers I asked was willing to drive to the city. There was way too much traffic and plenty going on in Pátzcuaro. I was lucky to find a hotel room last minute but do plan in advance if you want to visit on Dia de Muertos. A day trip from Morelia is totally doable other times of the year, but plan to spend a night during the Day of the Dead festivities, especially on Nov 1.

Dia de Muertos in Morelia

The end of October marks the beginning of one of the most important and beautiful holidays in Mexico, Dia de Muertos. While it takes place all over the country, some regions celebrate it more than others. Michoacán, especially Morelia and nearby towns are known to be some of the best places to experience Day of the Dead in Mexico.

Morelia is a beautiful city to begin with, but it’s especially stunning during Dia de Muertos. The actual holiday spans over three days: October 31, November 1 and 2, but preparations begin days before, so if you happen to arrive earlier, you can see all the preparations. There is a very festive vibe and it’s really fun to see the city being decorated with endless amounts of cempasúchil flowers and beautiful ofrendas appearing everywhere.

One of the best things to do in Morelia for Day of the Dead is to walk around and check out all the beautiful ofrendas and decorations. Every year students from different schools gather to create the most incredible tapetes, which are flower carpets on the ground made out of petals, colored sand, sawdust and other things. They are truly pieces of art. There were several around Plaza de Armas, but the biggest display was along Avenida Fray Antonio and in Morelos Square.

There are tons of cultural events and things happening in Morelia for Day of the Dead. There are parades and overall, a very festive vibe in the city. Without a doubt the best time to visit Morelia.

You also want to plan to visit Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, which have the biggest celebration in the state. It’s easy to visit on your own, but as I already mentioned, plan to stay overnight . If going alone sounds too overwhelming, there are plenty of tours from Morelia you can book . Most of them go all night and visit Pátzcuaro, Janitzio and Tzintzuntzan.

Is Morelia safe to visit?

Morelia is the capital city of Michoacan, one of the Mexican states, that is on the Do Not Travel list. Sadly, Michoacan has had issues in recent years. However, tourist destinations like Morelia are considered pretty safe.

I spent 6 days in Morelia with a side trip to Pátzcuaro and Janitzio and felt very safe the entire time. I traveled solo, and not once did I feel uneasy about anything. I took the exact same precautions I do anywhere else, especially traveling alone. My hotel was in the historic center and that’s the area I stuck to. I never walked around late at night and was always aware of my surroundings.

Mexico has the nicest people, and it wasn’t any different in Morelia. I found the locals to be very welcoming and friendly. It’s good to know some Spanish, or at least have a translation app handy. I found English to be pretty non-existent in Morelia.

Again, Michoacán does have its issues, but it’s a big state. As for Morelia, I can tell you from my experience, that I felt completely safe and had an incredible time exploring this beautiful city.

Where to stay in Morelia

When visiting Morelia, the best area to stay is the historic center. You’ll be within a walking distance to all the attractions and it’s also the safest part of the city. There are many beautiful boutique hotels in Morelia to choose from.

Keep in mind, that if you plan on visiting Morelia for Day of the Dead, make your hotel arrangements early. This is the busiest time of year, so you won’t find anything in the historic Center last minute.

Hotel de la Soledad – hands down, one of best hotels in Morelia. Everything about it is amazing. The location is perfect, just steps away from the Cathedral. The property is stunning, with a beautiful courtyard and a restaurant on site. Rooms are nice and big. The hotel also receives high praises from guests for its top-notch service and hospitality. You really can’t go wrong with this place.

Nana Vida – another great boutique hotel in Morelia, located in the heart of the historic center. Rooms are elegant and spacious.

Cantera 10 Boutique Hotel – beautiful place, with just 15 rooms, in an unbeatable location, right in front of the Cathedral. The hotel is in a 300-year-old historic building, but the rooms are renovated in a contemporary style.

READ MORE :

• Best Things to do in Merida, Mexico
• Valladolid in Mexico – a hidden gem in Yucatán
• 22 Amazing Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala

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Michoacan’s Coastal Charms: The 16 Best Beaches for Your Bucket List

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Michoacan’s Coastal Charms: The 16 Best Beaches for Your Bucket List

When people think about visiting Mexico, the gorgeous Michoacan beaches are probably the last thing that comes to mind (if at all) .

However, it is now getting the attention of tourists for its paradisiac nature and welcoming climate.

Although the natural attraction of these beaches is that you can find and help protect turtles at risk of extinction .

If you’re unfamiliar with the state of Michoacan, it is located on the western coast of Mexico.

It lies between the Lerma and Balsas rivers, Lake Chapala , and borders Jalisco, Guanajuato , Querétaro, Mexico City , Guerrero, Colima , and the Pacific Ocean .

And now, without further ado, let’s dive into it and show you what these magical beaches are all about.

16 Top Michoacan beaches

1. playa azul michoacan.

Of all the beaches in Michoacan, I think the most beautiful is Playa Azul for its tranquility, visual beauty, and activities, which will make you have a great vacation.

Also, you can find hotels in Playa Azul Michoacan for all budgets.

But if your thing is to coexist with nature, there is the option of camping or renting a bungalow.

The average temperature is 28 °C, perfect to enjoy this place.

In addition, you can do activities such as surfing, visiting the wetlands, watching the sunset from the boat “El Betula” or any other tour.

Finally, something that characterizes this beach is the protection of sea turtles, which is why they hold the Sea Turtle Festival and Exposition in October. It is an experience you have to live.

2. Tortuga Beach

If you’re looking for economic Michoacan beaches that are almost virgin, this is the place to enjoy the tranquility and nature that Playa Tortuga offers.

However, as it is a very private place, you will not find lodging. The best option is to stay in hotels in the communities near the beach.

The nearest place to stay is in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan

On the other hand, if you are a globetrotter and like adventure, you can camp on the beach without any problem.

3. Maruata Beach, Michoacan

Although not the best beach, it is the most visited in Michoacan.

Cell phone signal does not reach the beach, which makes it perfect for getting away from the stress of the city and disconnecting from the world.

Enjoy the flamingos, pelicans, white herons, and stargazing at night.

Also, you will find food for sale with rich local seasoning and palapas that provide hammocks to make your visit more comfortable.

The nearest place to stay is in Caleta de Campos, Michoacan

As for the activities in Maruata Michoacan , you can take boat rides to nearby beaches, hike to a small town or visit a nudist bay .

4. La Llorona Beach

Playa la Llorona (crying beach) Michoacan is characterized by rock formations that make the breakwater effect that causes a slight breeze that resembles a “cry.”

It is a unique place for observing marine birds since its formations give refuge to diverse species.

You can also stay in the camping area, where you will find bathrooms and showers for men and women.

During the day, you will find palapas that you can rent, and food will not be a problem, there are places to eat nearby, or you can walk around town.

On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, I advise you to bring your food, drinks, etc., as prices can be high in some establishments.

5. Pichilinguillo Beach

Not many tourists know of this beach, but it is a true turquoise-blue water paradise.

Here you can swim or snorkel to admire hawksbill and black turtles, octopus, starfish, clownfish, and even humpback whales (during the season) .

If you’re looking for hotels, you will find some here and camping sites on the shore and ocean-side cabins.

6. Palma Sola Michoacan

Palma Sola Michoacan is ideal for relaxing and offers a pleasant climate all year round and calm crystalline waters where you can perform various activities.

Also, you can see crabs all over the area and hire a boat tour to observe the richness of the ocean. 

There is also a restaurant with fresh seafood and yummy cocktails—an excellent relaxing option.

7. Eréndira Beach, one of the most visited Michoacan beaches

This beach is near the port of Lazaro Cardenas , where you will find beautiful landscapes and a constant swell that invites adventure tourism.

The activities you can do here are fishing, diving, waterfalls, windsurfing, and ecotourism tours that you will find all over the island.

Find places to stay in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan

It is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Michoacan, where you can recharge your energy and healthily release stress.

8. Las Brisas Beach

Golden sand and turquoise water, with beautiful sunsets, is what awaits you in Las Brisas, another option for total relaxation.

If you look for lodging in San Juan de Alima , you will find the 4-star hotel “Brisas de Verano,” with an ocean view, pool, and restaurant.

As for activities, there is not much to do as it is a beach to relax with a walk along its long, flat shore.

9. Caleta de Campos Beach

Also known as Bufadero Bay , it is located on highway 209 Lázaro Cárdenas- Manzanillo , perfect to enjoy with the family.

As for its crystal clear water, you can enjoy surfing or diving in the artificial reef “Buque Hundido.”

Check for a place to stay in Caleta de Campos, Michoacan

A characteristic feature is the color of the sand which resembles gold dust when the sun rises.

To spend the night, you can book bungalows overlooking the sea. Also, you will find a variety of restaurants.

10. Colola Beach

Cleanliness describes this beach perfectly. It is also where the leatherback, olive ridley, and black turtles prefer to lay their eggs.

If you want to spend the night a few meters from the sea, you will find cabins with unique views; also a food area, and a souvenir shop.

It is an excellent option to visit, as it is comfortable and quiet. Remember to do responsible tourism to continue conserving these natural treasures.

11. El Bejuco Beach

On this beach, it is very common to find bejuco plants; hence its name, something that distinguishes it is the urban art that decorates the streets with murals in bright colors.

You can find various restaurants in the area offering a rich and fresh menu for lunch.

Another attraction of El Bejuco is the night. You can admire the stars while camping on the beach.

The safety and being aware that you should only swim until 6:00 p.m. when the tide comes in is worth mentioning. 

12. Beaches of Aquila

A coastal municipality that gathers beaches such as La Ticla, Colola, and El Faro de Bucerias, to mention a few, because its extension is quite broad.

In addition, you can enjoy activities such as surfing, sport fishing, boat rides, or watching turtles being released. A very emotional experience indeed.

13. Las Peñas Beach

Are relaxation and adventure what you’re looking for? Then you will love Las Peñas because its natural rock formations make it unique.

On the other hand, every year, they hold a gastronomic festival where they prepare the most famous dishes of the restaurants located in Michoacan, such as shrimp roasted in mangrove wood and lobster with garlic and butter, to name a few.

But it is not all about eating; there are cultural and sporting events, painting and photography exhibitions, and sand sports tournaments.

14. El Faro de Bucerías Beach

It is surrounded by mountains, rocks, and islets adorned by the sea’s beautiful intense blue and turquoise color.

This has made it famous for being one of the few places to give you a visual treat like this beach.

Ideal for traveling as a couple or with friends, because you will find cabins for two people and if you go in a group the camping area will be perfect, it offers showers, bathrooms for men and women and seashore tables.

Also, remember that some areas are unsafe for swimming because of the waves or steepness, and there is no internet or network service.

15. El Túnel Beach

A beach with deep, cold, clear waters and no waves makes it an excellent place for kayaking or diving.

It has a diversity of fish to admire and practice fishing if you have the right equipment.

For lodging, you will find hotels with beautiful and comfortable accommodations; there is also a place where you can camp with essential services.

Also, you will find restaurants that offer an exquisite menu, but above all, fresh.

Remember not to use sunscreen, as it contaminates flora and fauna of Michoacan beaches.

16. Ixtapilla, another of Michoacan’s famous beaches

Located in the municipality of Aquila is Ixtapilla, one of Michoacán’s beaches where you can admire leatherback and olive ridley turtles.

I recommend seeing it between June and November since they go to the sandy beach to lay their eggs.

But that’s not the only thing that makes it enchanting since the ochre color of the sand and its moderate waves make it perfect for the family.

To spend the night, you can camp on the beach at no cost or get one of the few cabins at Campamento Tortuguero.

Remember that it is not luxurious lodging but is certainly comfortable and convenient.

Also, you can do ecological work in the camp participating in night patrols to collect turtle eggs.

To get there by car, you must take Federal Highway 200, which runs along the Pacific coast.

Another way is the bus that leaves from the Tecoman, Colima, or Manzanillo route and drops you off right in front of the Campamento Tortuguero.

Which is the closest beach to Morelia, Michoacan?

The closest beach to the capital of Michoacán is “Playa Maruata,” which is approximately 7 hours away by car.

Find the best places to stay in Morelia, Michoacan

Michoacan is a state full of culture, gastronomy, traditions, and natural beauty that you must visit; its semi-virgin beaches are wonders that you can find in very few places. Vamonos!

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This is perfect information, thank you!

Thank you, Pamelita!

Hey Joel – Thanks for this article! It has been extremely helpful as we prepare for our Michoacan beach vacation this February. Quick question though – where is Tortuga Beach? It sounds amazing based on your description, but I’m a little confused. Other websites and map searches suggest it is very close to Playa Azul. But your site says “The nearest place to stay is in Caleta de Campos, Michoacan,” which is not very close to Playa Azul at all. Its not near Playa Huahua, is it? Can you help me?? Also – if you had to put only 3 beaches on your must-see list, which 3 would it be? Thanks so much! devin

Thanks for visiting my blog and for pointing this out!

You’re right, Caleta de Campos is actually on the other end of the map. What I meant was LAZARO CARDENAS . That would be your nearest spot for lodging and stuff. It’s only about 15 minutes to Tortuga Beach, next to Erendira Beach.

As for the 3 top beaches there, I would say #1 Maruata, #2 Playa Azul, and #3 Playa Tortuga.

I hope you have a great time, stay safe!

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Discover the 8 Pueblos Magicos of Michoacan State

• Last Updated 22 April 2022

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Get ready to discover the 8 Pueblos Magicos in Michoacan, Mexico! These 8 “Magic Towns” are some of the prettiest spots to explore in the state, offering unique cultural experiences that you won’t forget in a hurry. 

Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos showcase the very best of the country; towns rich in culture, natural beauty, or cuisine.

It’s always worth visiting a few of the Magic Towns whenever you visit a new state, and with eight to discover in Michoacan , you have plenty to choose from.

This post rounds up the 8 Magic Towns, along with a few of the best things to see and do when you get there. Feliz viajes…

READ MORE: Michoacan Travel Guide

What are Pueblos Magicos?

Pueblos Mágicos means “Magic Towns”. This is an initiative by the Mexican tourism board to promote a series of the best towns around the country.

Towns are carefully selected for the list, based on things like natural beauty, cultural richness, historical relevance, cuisine, or great hospitality.

There are some pretty strict selection criteria, and although hundreds of towns apply annually very few make the list. Being labelled a Pueblo Magico is seriously prestigious, so you know that these towns are all worth visiting! 

8 Pueblos Magicos in Michoacan

Possibly the best-known town on this list of Michoacan’s Pueblos Magicos, Patzcuaro lies beside the stunning Patzcuaro Lake. 

The town’s architectural style is very typical of the region, especially in the historic centre. One storey adobe houses with red-tiled roofs, all the white exterior walls are painted with a signature red stripe along the bottom. Even the signs – hand-painted beside the doors of shops and businesses – follow a universal style, with the first letter of every word painted red.

It’s partly this distinctive style that gives Patzcuaro its status as a Magic Town. But the town is also a centre of Purépecha culture, the people indigenous to this region of Mexico.

Beyond the 16th-century architecture and colonial city centre in Patzcuaro, you’ll find a rich Indian heritage and fascinating folklore, as well as many skilled Purépechan artisans selling handicrafts unique to the area! 

Things to do in Patzcuaro

• Explore the Plaza Grande – the second largest city centre square in Mexico after the Zocalo in CDMX
• Visit the Casa de los Once Patios or “house of eleven patios”.
• Go shopping – because Patzcuaro is well-known for unique handicrafts
• Visit Patzcuaro Lake or take the ferry to Janitizio Island

RELATED POST: Dia de Muertos on Patzcuaro Lake

Tzintzuntzan

Once the capital of the Purépechan state of Tarascan , Tzintzuntzun is of huge historical significance. It’s also a seriously pretty colonial town of cobbled streets and traditional white-and-red buildings, lying serenely on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro.

On a hill above the town, the remnants of Tzintzuntzan’s pre-hispanic ceremonial centre still stand. Five rounded pyramids, called yácatas , run in a line overlooking the lake. The yácatas were largely destroyed when the Spanish took over, and many of the stones were repurposed in the building of a church and convent in the new colonial town. 

Today, that picturesque former convent has been restored and repurposed as a museum, not only of the convent but also of the town’s Purépecha history. 

Things to do in Tzintzuntzan

• Visit the Las Yácatas archaeological site – as well as the attached museum. 
• Tour the Ex Convento de Santa Ana
• Explore the handicraft workshops

One of my favourite Pueblos Magicos in Michoacan state was Cuitzeo. It lies on the edge of Cuitzeo Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico, the still surface of which reflects the sky perfectly, particularly in the morning.

Driving to Cuitzeo from Morelia passes along a road built over the lake, with water on either side, which is possibly one of the most beautiful roads in Michoacan. The town is surrounded by fertile lands, and the edges of the lakes are abundant with birdlife. It’s a stunning area to explore! 

Within the picturesque streets of the town itself, you’ll find a rich history. When the Augustines arrived in the mid 16th century, they built an extraordinary convent in Cuitzeo to evangelize the region. Now a museum, this is considered one of the best-preserved examples of religious architecture from the early years of the Viceroyalty of New Spain . 

Things to do in Cuitzeo

• Visit the Convento de Santa María Magdalena Cuitzeo 
• Take a glance inside the Templo del Hospitalito 
• Explore the Tres Cerritos archaeological site
• Visit Lake Cuitzeo

Santa Clara del Cobre

An interesting quirk of Michoacan state is that many of the small towns specialise in one type of craft. The man to thank for this is Vasco de Quiroga , the first bishop of Michoacán.

Following his Utopian ideals, Quiroga assigned certain crafts to certain towns, such as lacquered goods to Patzcuaro and fishing nets to Janitzio. In the shining Pueblo Magico of Santa Clara del Cobre, the speciality is copper ( cobre ). 

The town is an Aladdin’s cave, where everything that glitters is copper. Endless stores filled with copper kitchenware, copper decorations, copper vases, copper bathtubs, copper everything , line the streets! Towering stacks of jewellery, from simply bangles to extravagant rose coloured crowns, burst forth from shopfronts.

Even the roof of the gazebo in the town’s central square is made from copper, which glints regally in the sunlight. In some shops you can witness artisans at work, heating the metal over an open flame or working it by hand. 

Things to do in Santa Clara del Cobre

• Shop for copper! 
• Visit the Copper Museum 
• Take a trip to nearby Lake Zirahuen – one of the most picturesque areas in Michoacan (in my opinion!). 
• Visit the town’s temples: Templo de Nuestra Señora del Sagrario and the Templo de la Inmaculada Concepcion

Wish it could be Christmas every day? Tlalpujahua is known as “Christmas Town” in Mexico, because of the abundance of Christmas ornaments produced there. In this picturesque former mining town, it almost feels like Christmas all year round! 

It all began in the sixties. Tlalpujahua was suffering due to the closure of the Dos Estrellas gold mine. A local man, Joaquín Muñoz Orta, had learned the art of glass blowing in the USA.

He returned to his hometown and started a small business producing hand-blown and decorated glass Christmas ornaments. Today, it’s an enormous global business. There are also several other factories, and several hundred small production houses, in town. 

Things to do in Tlalpujahua

• Buy Christmas decorations, or visit workshops to see them being made by hand.
• Visit the Museum of Dos Estrellas Mine
• Admire the Viceregal architecture of the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Carmen. The sanctuary also offers stunning views of the town. 

The second former mining town among Michoacan’s Pueblos Magicos, Angangueo was once one of the most important in the region. It’s a classic example of a Mexican mining town, where the wealthy families built big houses with colourful facades and flower-laden balconies. 

But what makes Angangueo extra special are the nearby butterfly sanctuaries. Every November, millions – or possibly billions – of monarch butterflies fly around 2,800 miles from Canada and the USA to spend the winter in warmer climates. They settle on the tall trees of the forested mountains not far from Angangueo, turning the region orange in time for Autumn. 

In 2008, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value. 

Things to do in Angangueo

• Marvel at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Preserve (between November and February)
• Soak up the views from Mirador Cruz de Hierro or the Monument to the Miner
• Check out the mural by Arturo Estrada in the Temple of the Immaculate Conception. It tells the story of the fortunes and tragedies of the town’s mining history.

Nestled into a lush mountain valley, Tacámbaro sits between the mountains and the Tierra Caliente (hot lands). A small, rural town with a provincial atmosphere, Tacámbaro is surrounded by blackberry farms and avocado plantations. This is the perfect place to get away from it all and witness the rich natural beauty of Michoacan.

Surrounding the town is a magical landscape of lagoons, forests, and waterfalls. In the nearby Cerro Hueco Ecological Park, lies the flooded crater of an extinct volcano. Further on, you’ll also discover natural hot springs fed by the volcanic activity of the area. 

Things to do in Tacámbaro

• Hike or bike to the viewpoint at the top of the hill over the town
• Swim in the Laguna de la Magdalena – there’s also a zip ride that soars over the water!
• Explore the Cerro Hueco Ecological Park

The last of the Pueblos Magicos in Michoacan, but by no means the least, is Jiquilpan. This enchanting town is painted purple every spring by the ubiquitous jacaranda trees. Also filled with white buildings trimmed in crimson, Jiquilpan is known for its many gardens, as well as its artistic heritage. 

Revolutionist and former president General Lázaro Cárdenas was born in Jiquilpan, and maintained a holiday home in the town’s forest. Today, the Casa de Piedra, or House of Stone, is a silk workshop. 

Things to do in Jiquilpan

• Explore the many parks and gardens, such as Jardin Colon, Juárez Park and Cuauhtémoc Forest. Especially during springtime when the jacarandas blossom. 
• Visit La Aguadora Fountain, the symbol of the town, as well as Fish Fountain.
• Explore the silk workshop within the House of Stone.

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8 thoughts on “Discover the 8 Pueblos Magicos of Michoacan State”

Weatherwise, November, seems like a very pleasant time of year to visit Mexico. We are excited about Angangueo with the huge monarch butterfly sanctuaries and migration.

I’ve been to Mexico in October/November a few times and it’s perfect weather. Not too hot or cold! It was end Oct and beginning of November when I was in Michoacan and the weather was gorgeous- although it did rain a few times but not enough to spoil the trip. Sadly I missed the butterflies though!

Thank you so much for this post. I am so looking forward to my trip this weekend and I really hope I can get to visit most of the magic towns.

Oh I’m really jealous – I wish I was back there at the moment! Will you be staying in the area for Dia de Muertos?

Excellent report. I have been to Pátzcuaro, Santa Clara del Cobre and the small towns around the lakes and Tzintzuntzan. I loved those places. But also, Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, a beautiful city with a colonial times aqueduct running thru it.

I adored Morelia – such a beautiful city. And the whole surrounding area is gorgeous! Hoping I get a chance to come back soon :)

Morning Everyone I visit Patzcuaro,Jiquilpan etc is so beautiful and amazing because I was born in Michoacan you should visit more often I miss

Thanks for commenting Miguel! I hope to visit Michoacan again soon :)

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17 Fun Things to do in Morelia, Michoacán

Morelia is the capital city of the Mexican state Michoacán, which lies just to the west of the state of Mexico and Mexico City. It takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Mexico City to Morelia which makes for a nice road trip. Morelia is known for its colonial architecture and buildings, many of which were constructed out of light pink quarry stone. There are lots of interesting things to do in Morelia as well some cool day trips to go on.

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MEXICO TRAVEL BASICS Getting There: FLIGHTS & BUSES Getting There: AIRPORT TRANSFERS Accommodation: HOTELS & HOSTELS Things to Do: TOURS & ACTIVITIES Getting Around: RENTAL CARS Safety & Health: TRAVEL INSURANCE

Table of Contents

How to Get to Morelia

If you’re planning a trip to Morelia Michoacán from Mexico City it’s pretty to easy to travel by land. You can find information on renting a car here , or on taking a bus here. Another option is to use the carpooling app, Bla Bla Car, which I’ve used before in other parts of Mexico.

If you’re coming from farther away you can look up cheap flights here .

Where to Stay in Morelia

We stayed at a beautiful hotel right in the heart of downtown Morelia. Our room even had a view of the center square and of Morelia’s famous cathedral . The hotel we stayed in is called Hotel Virrey de Mendoza . Not only does it have incredible views, but it’s actually a really old palatial house that has been turned into a hotel.

The lobby is beautifully painted with warm colors and has cozy seating areas. There are old paintings throughout the entire building of people who I assume used to live there or perhaps have played important roles in Mexican history. The hotel even has a stained glass ceiling in one area which is absolutely breathtaking.

Festivals and Events in Morelia

We were in Morelia during the long weekend of November 15 to November 17 which is a holiday celebrating the Mexican Revolution. The actual day that celebrates the Revolution is November 20, but the government makes sure to make the holiday fall on a Monday so that people can enjoy a long weekend.

We noticed that there was a Food Festival , a Music Festival, and a Datsun car show all happening during the weekend we chose to go.

Morelia as well as Patzcuaro and Janitizio are the three most popular places in Michoacán (and some may even say in all of Mexico) to celebrate Day of the Dead too. You can find out more about festivals and events happening in Morelia here.

Things to do in Morelia

Admire the arches of morelia’s aqueduct.

Morelia’s famous aqueduct was built in the late 1700s to transport water from the eastern part of the city to the city center. It was constructed in a baroque style using pink quarry stone that so many of the other buildings in Morelia are known for. I love wandering or driving by the aqueduct at night because lights from the ground light up and cast a warm glow on the arches.

Enjoy the Centro Historico

The Centro Historico is full of beautiful pink-stone buildings, the Jardín de las Rosas square, charming cafes and tamale shops. Make sure you take some time to wander around and enjoy the sights while visiting.

Watch the Light Show at Morelia’s Cathedral

At Morelia’s famous cathedral you can watch light and firework shows on Saturday evenings at 8:45pm. From our hotel, we had a perfect view of the light show right from our balcony and window which was incredible! You can also watch the cathedral light up from the ground facing upwards. This light show was actually created by the same company that lights up the Eiffel Tower.

Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Alfredo Zalce

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Alfredo Zalce features a permanent exhibit of art by Michoacán artist Alfredo Zalce. There are also 7 other rooms in the museum which feature a rotation of temporary exhibits from various other Mexican and international artists.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 6pm

Check Out the Artisan Museum and Market

There are a few different artisan markets to visit in Morelia but the one we went to on our first day there was a Museum and a Market in one. It’s called the Instituto del Artesano Michoacano IAM and is also known as the House of Handicrafts.

The museum is located in a beautiful old convent. The House of Handicrafts was founded in 1972 and aims to showcase Michoacán’s folk art with conferences, exhibitions, displays, and even workshops. Michoacán is famous for wood, copper, and textile artisan works among others.

A lot of the items that you will see on display are actually for sale as well, which is why it’s a museum and a market in one. On the bottom floor, you can find a lot of different shops selling handmade artworks and on the upper floors, you can see exquisite pieces of art displayed in glass cases. It’s a very good place to buy souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones.

Opening hours: 9am – 5:30pm

Visit the Michoacán Regional Museum

Located in an 18th century baroque mansion, the Michoacán Regional Museum is well worth a visit. Aside from the stunning architecture of the building, the exhibits at the museum feature archaeological pieces, murals, art and important historical documents.

Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday 9am – 5pm (Closed on Mondays)

Wander through the Callejon del Romance

On our way to breakfast, we made sure to check out Morelia’s famous Callejon del Romance . The Callejon del Romance (or Romance Alley) is named as such because of the love poem written along the walls. It was written by Don Lucas Ortiz and the poem is called, ‘Romance of My City’. Different sections of the poem are hidden on plaques along the walls of the alley. The alleyway is filled with pink flowers cascading down the walls, beautiful fountains, and papel picado (Mexican paper folk art).

Check out the Tarascas Fountain

Morelia’s famous Tarascas Fountain is located quite close to Calzada de Fray Antonio de San Miguel and the Callejon del Romance. We had driven past it and learned about its history on our bus tour the previous night. Before heading off on our day trip, we decided to walk by it again and get some pictures of it during the day time.

The Tarascas Fountain shows three Purépecha women holding up a large plate filled with fruit. Some people speculate that it represents three indigenous princesses named Tzetzangari, Eréndira, and Atzimba. Our tour guide said that the three women may also represent the three different capital cities that Michoacán has had. You can read more about the history of the Tarascas Fountain here (just make sure to click the Translate button so you can read the article in English).

Go on a Bike Tour

We didn’t actually have time to do a bike tour on our trip but we saw many other people doing bike tours. The bike tours take place on one single bike that fits more than 10 people! It looked like a lot of fun. The bike tours take place during the day and at night. You can book a bike tour by talking to one of the biking tour guides that you will see around Morelia.

Take a Bus Tour

Bus tours happen throughout the day and you can night bus tours as well. We took a bus tour in the evening which was quite beautiful. The bus we were on had an open-air section at the back with minimal walls so we could get good photos from there. The tour guide driving the bus only spoke Spanish but even if you don’t understand the language, it was still a lovely tour.

We got to see a lot of the city, learn about different statues, and we even got to go inside a really fancy church. There were street vendors selling food by the church so some people got ‘elotes’ (popular corn snack) before continuing on the tour. You can buy tickets for bus tours in the center of Morelia at various ticket booths.

Eat Churros at Churrería Artesenal Las Ramblas

During our evening bus tour, I noticed that we drove past a churrería (churro shop). After our tour was over we walked back in the direction I had seen it and had some delicious churros and hot chocolate. The churrería is called Churrería Artesanal Las Ramblas. It was a bit crowded when we arrived but we managed to find a table.

The churros were a little different than other ones I had tasted before. I think they were a bit more crispy on the outside while still being soft and fluffy on the inside. They also had a ton of different kinds of hot chocolate to choose from.

In Mexico, hot chocolate is a very popular drink and there are always many different kinds you can order. For example, some have almond, vanilla and even chili added to them. Even if you’re lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy the hot chocolate because there is always the option to have it made with water instead of milk.

Get breakfast & books at Café Michelena

We heard from some of our friends that Café Michelena was a really good breakfast spot. The cafe was also quite close to our hotel so we headed over there for breakfast. The food was so delicious! I had an avocado toast with poached eggs along with a traditional hot chocolate.

I also loved that the cafe had outdoor and indoor seating as well as a book shop. My husband ended up buying a couple of books there. Both of us love book shop cafes because we love reading, so if you’re a bookworm like us, you’ll really enjoy Café Michelena as well.

Eat Brunch at Galafre Bistro-Cafe-Bar

After walking through the Callejon del Romance, we arrived at the Galafre Bistro-Cafe-Bar. We had a lovely brunch of spicy chilaquiles and foamy cappuccinos. The restaurant is located right outside the Callejon and is next to a Mezcalería. We ate outdoors in the small plaza outside and enjoyed the sunshine as well as the good food.

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias

Our last stop in Morelia was to the Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias or the ‘Artisan and Candy Market.’ This market is home to tons of traditional Mexican candies as well as more artisan goods. I ended up buying some candy, a couple of handmade mugs and pieces of jewelry there as gifts for some of my family members. If you go to Morelia I would highly suggest you check out this market!

Wander through the Street of Floral Tapetes During the Annual Music Festival

Like I mentioned previously, we happened to be in Morelia during their 31st Annual Music Festival . Although we didn’t go out to any concerts, there was one really cool thing we got to see. Every year during the Annual Music Festival, there is a street called the Calzada de Fray Antonio de San Miguel which gets a pretty cool artistic makeover.

On this street during the Music Festival, you will find hundreds of beautiful floral tapetes (tapestries made of flowers, nuts, seeds, beans, pinecones and more) made by artisans from the municipality of Patamban. The Music Festival happens every year in mid-November although the dates vary. You can find more information about the Music Festival here.

Day Trip to a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Michoacán is one of the states where you can visit a monarch butterfly sanctuary. The monarchs migrate to Mexico from Canada in the winter. They usually arrive around Day of the Dead, or November 1st and 2nd.

It’s such a beautiful sight to see and very culturally significant too. This is because many people believe that the butterflies arrive during Day of the Dead because they are the souls of deceased ancestors returning to visit their living relatives.

The most popular butterfly sanctuary near Morelia is El Rosario which is about a 2.5 hour drive away from the city. You can read more about how to see the butterflies in Mexico here.

Take a Day Trip to Pátzcuaro Lake and Janitzio Island

Last but certainly not least, if you visit Morelia you should definitely go on a day trip to Pátzcuaro Lake and Janitzio Island . Pátzcuaro Lake and the shores of Janitzio Island are known for their fishermen who still use traditional hoop-shaped fishing nets. You can also hike to the top of the hill on Janitzio Island to see a huge statue of Morelos and watch the Danza de los Viejitos in the nearby courtyard.

Other Posts You Might Like:

• Tlalpujahua Michoacán: One of Mexico’s Most Christmassy Towns
• Pátzcuaro & Janitzio, Michoacán: The Best Things to Do
• The Best Things to do in Mexico City
• Wineries in Mexico: 3 Day Wine Tasting Itinerary in Querétaro

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2 thoughts on “17 Fun Things to do in Morelia, Michoacán”

This is such a great post! Next time I visit, I’ll definitely check out El callejón del romance. It’s so beautiful!

Thank you Maritza, I’m so glad you liked it 🙂 I hope your recent Mexico City trip went well too, I’m still living vicariously through your instagram posts!

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10 Best Things To Do In Patzcuaro, Michoacan

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Located amid the green rolling hills and deep lakes, Patzcuaro, Michoacan is not to be missed if you want to explore the history and culture of Mexico.

Pronounced (Pahtz-kwah-ro), this place is one of the most charming small towns in Mexico that managed to preserve its indigenous heritage and colonial history, offering visitors a glimpse into its past.

In this guide, I will look at some of the best things to do in Patzcuaro, and help you plan your trip to this charming town.

Where’s Patzcuaro?

Patzcuaro is located in Michoacan, a west-central state of Mexico. It’s about 58 km from Morelia , the capital of Michoacan, 58 away from Uruapan, and 364 km from Mexico City .

Best things to do in Patzcuaro Michoacan:

1. Wander the streets 

Walking the streets of this town is like taking a step back in history. Whereas Morelia is all about colonial charm, Patzcuaro offers a blend of pre-Hispanic roots and modern history. The center of this town features uniformed architecture with red and white buildings and stylish fonts used for street signs.

Some of the highlights of the historic center include Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud , the main cathedral of Patzcuaro that was built on top of the indigenous ceremonial site; Plaza Grande , the main square and Plaza Chica (Gertrudis Bocanegra Square) where you can visit the local market. 

2. Explore Plaza Vasco de Quiroga (or Plaza Grande )

The main plaza is home to many stores, cafes, and restaurants and is a great starting point for your visit to this town. Here you can buy snacks, drinks, and souvenirs from local vendors, – just make sure to have cash, because credit cards are not accepted. 

The history of the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga 

The plaza is named after Bishop Vasco de Quiroga, one of the most prominent figures in the history of Michoacan. Quiroga was a judge assigned to the area by the Catholic Church to preside over a trial of Nuño de Guzman who committed acts of cruelty against the indigenous communities. 

Quiroga promoted education among the indigenous people and was helping them to develop skills and become self-sufficient.

3. Visit Casa de los Once Patios (House of Eleven Courtyards)

The House of Eleven Courtyards is a collection of small artisan shops where you can buy locally made arts and crafts. Most tourists stop here, as it’s a perfect spot to learn about the things produced in the area and witness the production process, as many artisans create their products on the spot. 

Address : Madrigal de Las A. Torres, Centro, 61600 Pátzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico

4. Learn about the Purepecha culture in the Museum of Arts and Crafts 

One of the best things to do in Patzcuaro for culture buffs is to visit the Museum of Arts and Culture, which features artifacts from the Purepecha culture as well as rotating exhibits from Mexican and international artists. 

The building was constructed by Don Vasco de Quiroga in 1540 and housed a seminary and school for the indigenous people.

Address:  Alcantarilla s/n, Centro, 61600 Pátzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico

5. Check out a mural at Biblioteca Gertrudis (Gertrudis Library)

This historic library in the corner of La Plaza Chica is home to an impressive mural by Juan O’Gorman on the back wall. It also has a good collection of books in English, and you can easily spend a couple of hours here if you like reading. 

Address : Padre Lloreda 34A, Centro, 61600 Pátzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico

6. Take a boat to Janitzio 

Janitzio is an island on Lake Patzcuaro. The town of Janitzio sits on top of the island and is considered one of the best places in Mexico to see the Day of the Dead festivities.

Janitzio can be reached by a quick boat ride from the outskirts of town, and makes for a perfect mini trip.

How to get to Janitzio from Patzcuaro?

To get to Janitzio, take a boat from the main pier, just outside of town. A two-way ticket costs 60 Pesos and needs to be paid in cash.

7. Spend a day on Lake Zirahuen 

Lake Zirahuen is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in Michoacan, perfect for kayaking and spending time in nature. You can reach Lake Zirahuen by car and spend the night in one of the cozy cabins around the lake. 

Lake Zirahuen is less crowded and a lot less polluted than Lake Patzcuaro, and when I was kayaking here in November, the temperatures were perfect and there were no crowds.

You can also take a boat tour of Zirahuen from the main pier, El Muelle General de Zirahuen . 

How to get from Patzcuaro to Lake Zirahuen?

To get to Lake Zirahuen, you can catch a combi (a small shared van) from Patzcuaro to Santa Clara del Cobre, and ask to stop in Lake Zirahuen.

8. Grab delicious pastries

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, the main plaza, is lined with restaurants and small cafes where you can buy baked goodies. Local street vendors also sell pastries on the streets, and you can buy a yummy treat for 30-40 Pesos in cash.

Some of the most popular bakeries in town are Chocolate Don Jenaro where you can buy churros and hot chocolate, Panaderia Juan de Dios where you can choose from a variety of fresh breads and pastries and Panaderia Rivera – a perfect place to grab a hot of freshly brewed coffee and a baked treat.

9. Visit Santa Clara del Cobre

Santa Clara del Cobre is another pueblo magico in Michocan known for its copper production. Many travelers combine a trip to Patzcuaro with a quick stop at Santa Clara del Cobre since it’s only 18 km away.

Santa Clara del Cobre is a small town with a sprawling plaza where you can buy copper products from local artisans, visit Copper Museum and try Torta de Tostada, a regional specialty that’s made from tortilla.

How to get to Santa Clara del Cobre from Patzcuaro: To get to Santa Clara del Cobre, you can take a combi (a small shared van) from the center.

10. Visit Tzintzuntzan ruins

Translated as “the place of hummingbirds,” Tzintzuntzan is a popular stop on the Michoacan itinerary. It boasts the ruins of the Tarascan State that exited in the area long before the Spanish arrived; the Monastery of San Fransisco in the center of town and a small artisan market.

To get to Tzintzuntzan, you can can take a combi from the center of Patzcuaro.

Best tours of Tzintzuntzan and Patzcuaro

Best hotels in Patzcuaro Michoacan

Patzcuaro is a pretty small town, but it has a dozen or so hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in town: 

• Budget: Hotel Boutique Posada La Basilica – A perfect inexpensive stay, this small colonial hotel offers perfect local within walking distance to most landmarks and great amenities including free parking, bicycle and car rental, and free Wi-Fi. 
• Mid-budget: Hotel Casa Encantada – Located in the historic center, this colonial hotel has a beautiful garden, a terrace, and a bar. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, and daily breakfast à la carte, with vegetarian or vegan options. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.
• Luxury: Hacienda Ucazanaztacua – One of the best hotels in town, this gorgeous hacienda along Lake Patzcuaro makes for a super tranquil stay. The hotel has a spa, a big outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant where local chefs prepare dishes from the local cuisine. You can arrange an airport shuttle for an additional price. 

Pueblos Magicos in Mexico 

Mexico has over 130 Pueblos Magicos that have received a special status from the Mexican government, because of their historical and cultural contribution to the country. 

In 2001, the government of the country created the first group of pueblos magicos, Huasca de Ocampo in Hidalgo, Tepoztlan in Morelos, and Real de Catorce in San Luis Potosi, to diversity the country’s tourism and bring more visitors to rural areas of Mexico. 

How to get to Patzcuaro?

You can get here by bus, car, and airplane. There is no airport in Patazcuaro, so you will need to fly to Morelia, the largest city in Michoacan, and make a connection from there.

By car 

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Patzcuaro is by renting a car . You can rent a car in Mexico City, Guadalajara , Morelia, or any other major city in the country. 

I recommend (and use) DiscoverCars , one of the most popular platforms for renting cars online, where you can find dozens of vehicles at competitive rates.

Why rent a car with DiscoverCars 

DiscoverCars is one of the best websites for renting cars and you can choose from dozens of available vehicles. You can also buy a Mexican car insurance from them which is mandatory for renting a car in the country.

All you need to do is type in your travel dates, specify the type of vehicle that you are looking for, and the platform will do all the work for you and show all available options. 

✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON RENTALS WITH DISCOVERCARS

By the time you arrive at the office, all you need is your documents and a couple of signatures before you can embark on your road trip.

What road do I take from Morelia to Patzcuaro?

If you decide to drive, take Highway 15, a well-traveled highway along the way to Capula , a small village famous for its pottery, where you can explore the local market and get a few handmade souvenirs.

By plane 

The closest airport to Patzcuaro is Morelia Airport  (General Francisco Mujica International Airport), code MLM. about 1,5 away. Morelia Airport has domestic flights from Cancun , Tijuana, and Mexico City , and international flights from Chicago, Los Angeles, Fresno, Oakland, and Dallas.

✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKET TO MORELIA

How far is the airport from Morelia?

The Morelia Airport is about 15 miles (24 km) from Morelia. It’s the largest airport in the state that serves Morelia and surrounding areas. 

There’s no direct bus from Mexico City to Patzcuaro, so you will need to arrive in Morelia first, and make a change there.

Buses from Morelia leave about every 5-10 minutes and cost 30 Pesos. Check the exact bus schedule on the spot, as it can change. 

By taxi 

A taxi from Morelia will cost 200-250 Pesos one way and has to be paid in cash. You can catch a taxi in the center of Morelia, but before you get in, always verify if the taxi is licensed. 

Is there an Uber in Morelia? 

Yes, there is an Uber in Morelia. You can take an Uber to get around the city and visit surrounding areas. Uber prices in Morelia are lower than a taxi, and unlike a taxi, you don’t have to pay for Uber in Morelia with cash, and can use your credit card instead.

By guided tour 

If you don’t want to organize your logistics, you can book a guided tour from Morelia.  

You will get picked up from your hotel and transported to Patzcuaro where you will learn everything about the history and traditions of this charming town.

The tour also includes stops at several landmarks including the Tzintzuntzan archaeological site, an ancient convent, and the picturesque Janitzo Island in the middle of the lake.

✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK A GUIDED TOUR OF PATZCUARO

By Bla Bla Car 

Another option is Bla Bla Car, a privately operated carpool that you can book from one destination to another. Booking Bla Bla Car is available only via  BlaBlaCar.com , where drivers advertise specific routes at their prices.

How does Bla Bla Car in Mexico work? 

Drivers registered with BlaBlaCar, who plan a trip, can publish their itinerary on the platform and specify the number of seats they have available and the prices they charge. Passengers can book available seats through BlaBlaCar, but the payment is often done in cash before the trip.

How do I book Bla Bla Car in Mexico? 

To book BlaBlaCar in Mexico, type in your departure and destination in a search bar, specify your travel dates and choose whatever carpool fits you best. There could be multiple carpools on the same date at different times, while sometimes there could just be a few or one. 

After you book your preferred Bla Bla Car, you will receive a quick confirmation about your trip or will have to wait for approval from a driver. 

Once the driver confirms the ride, he or she will tell you where you will meet. Most Bla Bla Car drivers pick up their passengers near bus stations, landmarks, or markets. 

Bla Bla Car typically works for longer destinations, so if you are traveling from Mexico City, you can look for Bla Bla Car for your trip. You are not likely to find a Bla Bla Car from Morelia to Patzcuaro, as it’s a short ride, and most locals either take a public bus or drive a car to get there.

Download WhatsApp to communicate with your driver before your travel, in case you need to ask any questions.

PRO TIP: If you plan to use Bla Bla Car in Mexico, it’s a great idea to pick up some Spanish. Not every driver will speak or understand English, and you need to be able to communicate when you are on the road, in case you need to ask anything or answer any questions. 

Is Bla Bla Car in Mexico safe? 

Bla Bla Car in Mexico is safe, as most drivers are vetted by the platform, and you also ride with other passengers, so it’s not common to be one-on-one with your driver in a car. 

Bla Bla Car drivers have ratings and as a customer, you can leave your review after your trip. You can also choose your Bla Bla Car based on customers’ reviews if there are several carpools listed for your travel date. 

Patzcuaro, Michoacan: FAQ

Is Pátzcuaro safe?

Patzcuaro is one of the safest places in Michoacan. Unlike other areas of the state, this town doesn’t have violent crimes or gang problems. You don’t have town about your safety when visiting, as the town is one of the major tourist destinations in Michoacan. 

What is Pátzcuaro Michoacán known for?

Patzcuaro is known for its colorful Day of the Deal celebration and the pre-Hispanic Purepecha culture. The town was founded in the early 1300 and was a center of the Purepecha empire before the colonization began.

How many days do I need in Patzcuaro? 

You can see the highlights in a day, but for the best experience, plan about 3 days in town. It’s a perfect amount of time to enjoy some of the best things to do in town, and take day trips to Janitzio, Lake Zirahuen, and other small towns. 

Can you swim in Lake Patzcuaro?

Lake Patzcuaro is perfect for kayaking, cycling, and hiking, but it’s not recommended for swimming due to pollution. 

What’s the weather like in Patzcuaro?

Patzcuaro has a mild, temperate climate. The wet season in this part of Mexico is from January through October when the weather is any and overcast, and the dry season is from November through April when the skies are mostly clear with plenty of suns. Due to its high elevation, the temperatures in Patzcuaro fluctuate from the high 30’s degrees Fahrenheit to the mid-80s. 

What is the best time to visit Patzcuaro?

The best time to visit this town is from December through April when the weather is comfortable for spending time and exploring the area. January is the coldest month, and early November is busy because of the Day of the Dead celebrations. 

Patzcuaro Michoacan: final word 

Renowned for its gorgeous red and white architecture with tiled roofs, Patzcuaro is a colonial gem off the beaten path. Whether you want to explore the surrounding countryside, shop the colorful artisan markets or learn about the indigenous heritage, this town is a must-visit! 

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Things to do in michoacán, visit michoacán.

Michoacan Attractions

Explore the sights of Michoacan with some popular tours & day trips , or check out our list of {29 fun activities in Michoacan fun activities in Michoacan }. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and focus on planning the ultimate vacation.

What to do in Michoacán

Things to do in michoacan with kids.

You'll find plenty of fun activities to do with the kids in and near Michoacan. Keep the crew entertained with our family friendly experiences .

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Michoacán? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Frequently asked questions

Morelia cathedral.

• La Llorona Beach
• Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Sanctuary
• Basque of Quiroga Square

Discover the most popular places to visit in Michoacán

View a range of architectural styles and rare 16th-century artwork when you visit this stunning cathedral in Morelia's Central Plaza.

The Sulfurs

You can take time to visit The Sulfurs during your travels to Ciudad Hidalgo. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park

Explore the great outdoors at Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park, a lovely green space in Uruapan. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its shops.

Las Tarascas Fountain

You can learn about the history of Morelia when you stop by Las Tarascas Fountain. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Plaza de Armas

The attractive landscaped gardens and stunning views of Morelia Cathedral make this historic square a great place to stop a while.

Rose Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Rose Garden, a lovely green space in Morelia. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Morelia Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Morelia Convention Center during your trip to Morelia. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Estadio Morelos

Catch an event at Estadio Morelos during your trip to Morelia. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Paseo Altozano Mall

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Paseo Altozano Mall during your visit to Morelia. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Michoacán

Historic Centre

Unique features of Historic Centre include the live music and historic sites. Make a stop by Morelia Cathedral or Plaza de Armas while you're exploring the area.

Patzcuaro Centro

If you're spending some time in Patzcuaro Centro, Basque of Quiroga Square and Plaza Vasco de Quiroga (Plaza Grande) are top sights worth seeing.

Las Americas

Las Americas might not have many top sights, but Espacio Las Américas and Palace of Art are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Uruapan Centro

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Uruapan Centro. You might want to make time for a stop at Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park or Antojitos Market.

Vista Bella

Visitors to Vista Bella enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Government House is worth a stop.

La Querenda

Though La Querenda might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like El Estribo and Nuestra Senora de la Salud Basilica.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Popular day trips from Michoacán

Zinapecuaro

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México » States » Michoacan

Tourism in MICHOACAN

Michoacán is one of the states of the Mexican Republic that can be most proud of having so much historical, cultural, natural, artistic, human and spiritual wealth. An inexhaustible option for those who want to vacation in an incredible place and discover the soul of Mexico. The tourist attractions of Michoacán vary according to the different regions or areas of the state and include cultural, natural, relaxation and rest options. There is also adventure tourism, rural tourism, architecture, crafts and gastronomy. Discover Michoacán, a state of inexhaustible variety!

This wonderful state preserves the colonial and at the same time indigenous flavor of its historical past, manifested in its colonial cities, temples, churches, works of art and crafts.

Known as “The Soul of Mexico”, Michoacan is a state full of traditions and with an enormous cultural wealth that is reflected in each of its cities and towns. The number of traditional festivals, cultural events, craft fairs and art festivals in Michoacán is also a reflection of all that culture that seeks spaces to express itself. A series of cultural activities is carried out continuously, including fine arts, music, folklore, gastronomy and local traditions.

Michoacán is located in western Mexico, and it is known for its beauty as well as its history and culture. Two of its most precious jewels, have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO: the Historic Centre of Morelia, thanks to more than a thousand buildings in the region’s characteristic pink stone, and the Day of the Dead Celebration in Pátzcuaro, an indigenous tradition whose roots go back to pre-Hispanic times.

The vibrant and varied cuisine in Michoacán is also in the list of Intangible World Heritage, as well as the Pirekua, a musical genre. Beside, the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary has been declared World Natural Heritage, since it offers the visitor a chance to witness a wonder of nature. That is why Michoacán is an irresistible place that has something special to offer for all tastes and occasions.

Tourist Attractions in MICHOACAN

Uruapan is the second most important city in the state of Michoacán has a history that dates back to the pre-Hispanic era. Uruapan has been qualified as “the orchard of Michoacán” or “World capital of the avocado”. Nevertheless, the more deserved title is “the true cradle of the lacquer”, due to the production of trays, cups, masks, boxes, and other wooden objects, artistically decorated with this technique that goes back to the pre-Hispanic period. Among its multiple attractions, the city has magnificent historical monuments like the Franciscan Parish Church that preserves part of its 16th Century walls, and a Plateresque style front that was originally on the main façade; indeed worthy of admiring.… Read More

This gorgeous tourist destination has preserved its colonial feel over the centuries. Its tranquil streets are silent witnesses to the history that has gathered in every corner. One of Morelia ́s main features is the cathedral, a masterpiece of pink quarry. The Historic Center has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The ancient traditions and culture of Morelia are display in the colorful handicrafts. The city has many stores to browse and buy the beautiful works of art produced in the state of Michoacán by local artisans, or you can admire the fantastic creations in the decoration of the restaurants and hotels.… Read More

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Flights & Hotels in MICHOACAN

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On the Beaches of Mexico you can immerse yourself in the intense blue ocean of the Pacific bays, sunbathe on the shore of the warm and transparent waves of the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo or even rest on the beautiful coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican beaches hide wonderful secrets for the traveler. By visiting them, in addition to enjoying the excellent climate and water activities, you can discover splendid archaeological sites and interesting colonial cities without traveling long distances.… Read More

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27 Beaches on Michoacán’s Coast

Enjoy the magnificent scenery of mexico’s pacific coast found on michoacán’s beaches. they are perfect for kicking back, soaking up the sun, and taking it easy., 28 beaches to enjoy on michoacán’s coastline.

This piece of the ocean welcomes visitors with adventurous spirits who find in its waves the warmth and tranquility that create a relaxing getaway . It also receives brave souls seeking the best moment to ride the waves on a surfboard. Tournaments, the release of sea turtles, ecotourism camps, and lots of delicious flavors await on this side of the Pacific . Here, we propose a selection of the best spots to enjoy Michoacán’s beaches alone, with a partner, or as a family—it’s up to you.

1. El Ticuiz

El Ticuiz is a long, almost deserted beach tucked into lush vegetation. In addition to its natural surroundings, it stands out for being a refuge for nesting sea turtles . Its waters are great for playing water sports , or if you prefer, sunbathe and take boat rides. You could also head to Mezcala lagoon.

Almost 7 miles from Coahuayana on federal road 200.

2. San Juan de Alima

On San Juan de Alima’s quiet beaches, you can camp and enjoy the scenery, accompanied by the singing of birds . If you like the thrill of wind in your face and soaring high over the landscape, try paragliding and hang-gliding off Las Brisas lookout point. The region’s navigational charts list the spot as Punta Cabeza Negra (Black Head Point).

8 miles from El Ticuiz on federal road 200.

3. Las Brisas

Las Brisas’ gentle waves make swimming possible , but you will have to be careful. In recent years, it has become a favorite spot for off-roading, thanks to the area’s sweeping sand dunes . If you would like to spend the night, you can camp out and listen to the murmur of the waves as you sleep .

5 miles from San Juan de Alima on federal road 200.

4. Bahía de San Telmo

Known for its yellow sand, this baymakes a great spot to swim and dive . Several rocky islands, the spot’s main draw, are visible from the bay. There are campgrounds and thatch roof shelters where you can enjoy delicious dishes made with lobster.

6 miles from Las Brisas on federal road 200.

5. La Ticla

This is one of the state’s most well-known beaches for two reasons: first of all, for its big waves, prized by professional surfers; and secondly, because sea turtles come here every year to spawn . Its plant life and lovely scenery make it a beautiful setting. Close by is Ostula river, where you can paraglide and hang-glide off the lookout point . In the last few years, La Ticla has acquired ecotourism facilities, with a small hotel, bathrooms, restaurants, and campgrounds .

8 miles from Bahía de San Telmo on federal road 200.

6. Ixtapilla

The beach appears long and deserted. Sea turtles come to Ixtapilla to spawn between July and December . For this reason, a turtle refuge has been created to care for the eggs and make sure as many olive ridley, hawksbill, leatherback, and black wood turtles as possible hatch . You can help release the hatchlings into the ocean, after listening to an environmental education talk led by the Nahua townspeople who have made this beach a sanctuary. The peacefulness of the beach makes it ideal for camping .

Almost 4 miles from La Ticla on federal road 200.

7. Palma Sola

Palma Sola is a quiet beach surrounded by tropical forest. The view from the ridge shows a long stretch of coastline . The gentle waves mean swimming, fishing, riding boats, snorkeling, and diving are all options. This is also the site of Palma Sola cabins, perfect for those looking to spend a few days in a hammock taking in the ocean views. Don’t leave without trying the spicy lobster dish called langosta a la media diabla . This beach is also known for its swimming and volleyball tournaments .

5 miles from Ixtapilla on federal road 200.

8. La Manzanillera

Uniquely beautiful, La Manzanillera beach is home to exotic waterbirds . It is naturally suited to swimming and diving. We suggest taking a boat around the area to see the seven freshwater springs, breathtaking views, and coves .

Just over a mile from Palma Sola on federal road 200.

9. Faro de Bucerías

This bay is ringed by islands, rocky outcroppings, and hills. Its water runs from dark blue to turquoise . The clear water around its cluster of rocky islands is good for diving, snorkeling, and swimming, and its waves make a favorite among surfers. Below the waves, the remains of a sunken boat have become a haven for coral and fish . This is also the site of an ecotourism center that offers lodgings, food, and bike rides around the area.

A little over a mile from La Manzanillera on federal road 200.

10. La Llorona

This is a lovely, deserted beach whose rock formations give it a distinctive feeling . If bird-watching is your thing, we recommend a visit. Take binoculars because you will find a variety of marine bird species nesting on the rocks . Its turquoise blue water invites you to gaze out at the waves and maybe even spend the night under the stars.

Almost 2 miles from Faro de Bucerías on federal road 200.

11. Motín del Oro

On these sweeping, solitary beaches you can camp, sport fish, and enjoy sunbathing , combined with dips to cool off in the Pacific’s choppy waves. Its magnificent sunsets and marvelous night skies make visits even better.

6 miles from La Llorona on federal road 200.

Along the shore here are several yellow sand beaches. The quiet encourages gazing out at the ocean and walking along the sand. If you visit between October and March, you can participate in the turtle protection camp by collecting and protecting the eggs of black wood, olive ridley, and leatherback sea turtles . Round out your stay by going fishing the traditional way, bird-watching, or taking boat rides. Together with Maruata beach, Colola forms a natural, 541-acre sanctuary populated by birds, mollusks, and crustaceans. Marshes, tropical deciduous forests, and mangroves also thrive here , making both beaches Ramsar sites.

6 miles from Motín del Oro on federal road 200.

13. Maruata

Maruata is made up of a cluster of small beaches that may be the most attractive of all Michoacán’s beaches. The sound of the water splashing into the hollows and the powerful spray of what looks like a marine geyser make a unique natural spectacle. The waves and slope are moderate, making this a perfect spot to relax and swim in the warm water. We recommend taking the necessary precautions when swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Its picture-perfect turquoise water and white sand beaches compel you to stay a little longer, and you can, thanks to the campgrounds and an ecotourism center with cabins and delicious food. It is also a refuge for sea turtles; depending on the season, you can take night hikes as part of the activities carried out to protect these turtles. The hikes are led by local Nahua guides.

6 miles from Colola on federal road 200.

14. Pichilinguillo

Known as the ocean swimming pool on Michoacán’s coast, this is one of the state’s loveliest beaches. It is shaped into a cove and is an excellent place to swim. Its emerald green water and fine, light gray sand make it ideal for families. Besides taking it easy, you can try your hand at sport fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The hot springs and caves in Pichilinguillo make visits unforgettable experiences. The fishing cooperative rents motorboats for visiting nearby attractions such as El Capire and La Cueva . And, this is just the destination for those looking to feast on freshly caught seafood.

35 miles from Maruata on federal road 200.

15. Mexiquillo

A series of magnificent beaches embraced by estuaries, this is an excellent spot to observe wildlife both at sea and on land . It is ecologically valuable as a sea turtle reserve from November to June. Mexiquillo is the perfect place for birdwatchers. Supposedly, you can even spot crocodiles in the estuaries . In 2004 it was declared a Ramsar site, joining other internationally important wetlands.

Almost 19 miles from Pichilinguillo on federal road 200.

Nexpa is the ideal beach for adventure tourism and ecotourism . The length and type of tidal movements here make it particularly suited for surfing, especially in the summer, when waves reach 6 to 9 feet high . They are technically known as point break waves, meaning they rise in one direction and are not very risky for expert or amateur surfers. The water here is also appropriate for rafting and fishing. Nearby Nexpa river makes kayaking an option too . There are 12 cabins with bathrooms and showers, plus a campground, and space for 100 vehicles.

7 miles from Mexiquillo on federal road 200.

17. Caleta de Campos

One of Michoacán’s most famous coves, Caleta de Campos creates just the right bay for swimming and pitching a tent . The spot lends itself to swimming, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sport fishing. A few bungalows overlooking the ocean are available, as well as thatch roof shelters where you can dig into fresh seafood. As long as you’re there, we suggest visiting El Atrancón waterfall, in the direction of Aquila, or Playa Huahua, 19 miles away. It is a virgin beach where you can fish, snorkel, kayak, surf , and even camp. Nearby are hot springs and caves .  

Almost 4 miles from Nexpa on federal road 200.

18. La Manzanilla

Surrounded by rocky crags descending from inland mountains, La Manzanilla extends for over 218 yards . It is good for swimming and taking it easy, or you could sport fish and dive. Water birds flourish in the area. We recommend hopping on a boat to visit Playa Pelícanos, or pelican beach .

Almost 6 miles from Caleta de Campos on federal road 200.

19. Mexcalhuacán

A lovely cove between estuaries and beaches with choppy waves, this is where several freshwater springs formed along the slopes of nearby mountains come together. Boat rides and sport fishing are both options at Mexcalhuacán .

3 miles from La Manzanilla on federal road 200.

20. La Soledad

This beach bordered by bluffs is just the place to camp out and build sand castles . Every year, it hosts a festival in which participants try to create unusual shapes out of sand. Most of the year it is very peaceful, so we recommend it as a destination for couples or travelers seeking solitude and peace .

Just over a mile from Mexcalhuacán on federal road 200.

21. Chuquiapan

The fine gray sand, moderate waves, and rocky landscape come together to create the setting for kayaking, jet skiing, powerboating, and swimming . For those who would like to stay for a few days, there are campgrounds and spaces to soak up the beautiful scenery and breathtaking sunsets.

2 miles from La Soledad on federal road 200.

A fine-sand beach protected by an estuary that offers you the chance to take boat rides and sport fish.

5 miles from Chuquiapan on federal road 200.

23. Las Peñas

Formed by three rocky formations, one that looks like a monkey, another like a king wearing a crown, and the last one like an Aztec emperor , this beach stands out for its cliffs and cool, pleasant weather, as well as the waves, which make for great surfing. If you would like to hang around for a few days, there is a campground. You can take long walks and admire the plants and wildlife , rent boats to visit nearby sights, and sport fish. In December you can watch and even participate in the Torneo Internacional de Pesca de Pez Vela (International Sailfish Fishing Tournament) .

5 miles from Chuta on federal road 200.

24. El Malacate

Surrounded by an estuary and several rock formations , the peace on El Malacate beach is only broken by the clamor of birds and other local animals. This is a fantastic spot to watch wildlife, both in the ocean and on land . The best way to enjoy the surroundings and pleasant climate is to take walks along the sand.

Almost 6 miles from Las Peñas on federal road 200.

25. Barra de Pichi

This beach is on an estuary rich in biodiversity . If you take a boat tour, you can see the area around the beach and spot the local flora and fauna. This is the perfect place to sample the cuisine of Michoacán’s coast —may we suggest the pescado a la talla (spit-roasted fish) and some refreshing coconuts?

3 miles from Playa Azul taking Venustiano Carranza road and then La Mira-Playa Azul road.

26. Jardín and Eréndira

Both of these beaches are close to the port of Lázaro Cárdenas. They are ideal for swimming and soaking up the sunsets . You can enjoy traditional regional dishes in the shade of thatch roof or branch-covered shelters. These beaches are beloved by those traveling with their families or partners, and those who enjoy a gorgeous beach with warm waves . Only 4 miles away is the lovely Mata de Carrizo estuary, where you can hop on a boat and watch the birds that come to feed among the vegetation.

Almost 9 miles from Barra de Pichi on the La Mira-Playa Azul road.

27. Lázaro Cárdenas

An important deep sea commercial port, it receives large container ships . Because of its industrial character, it boasts infrastructure for business tourism, which is complemented by excellent leisure and recreational facilities on nearby beaches, where sport fishing is one of the options on hand .

14 miles from Playa Eréndira on Lázaro Cárdenas avenue and De las Bahías road.

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• Yucatan Peninsula
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4 Best Michoacan Butterfly Tours For Seeing Monarch Butterflies of Mexico

Mexico is full of amazing natural wonders to see. For families looking for unique travel experiences, booking Michoacan butterfly tours to see the monarch butterflies of Mexico is an absolute must.

In the forests of Michoacan state, every year during the months of November through March, families will be able to see trees (from the tree trunks to the treetops!) covered with the monarch butterflies of Mexico. Seeing these monarchs on your Michoacan butterfly tours is truly an amazing sight. The Mexico butterfly migration needs to be on everyone's bucket list!

Our family witnessed the butterflies migration to Mexico in real life in 2019, when we had a monarch butterfly migration Mexico excursion to the forests of Michoacan. What an experience! We were surrounded by butterflies, and were awed by the power of nature. 

If you’re itching to have a similar awe-inspiring moment on your next trip to Mexico, then read on to find the best tours to see the monarchs in Mexico.

This article was originally published on August 1, 2021.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means this blog will receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase something. However, this will not result in any extra costs to you.

Table of Contents

Best time to see monarch butterflies of Mexico

The best time to see monarch butterflies of Mexico is in the winter. While the exact dates vary, you can generally plan to see them between November to March.

Monarchs have a life cycle of 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, they grow from an egg to a caterpillar, and then to a chrysalis. After these 3 phases, they finally become a butterfly.

The monarch butterflies of Mexico congregate in the state of Michoacan. They come from the northeastern United States and Canada, over 3,000 miles away. The butterflies travel to Mexico during the North American winter months. 

After that, the monarch butterflies live the rest of their days in Mexico. Their children also live their whole entire lives in Mexico. And in the spring, their grandchildren make the migration back up to northeastern North America. 

The following winter, the great-grandchildren of these butterflies of Mexico, return to Michoacan, a journey that their ancestors took, many generations before them!

Where to stay for Michoacan butterfly tours

The best place to see monarch butterflies in Mexico is at a monarch butterfly sanctuary. There are two large sanctuaries within the state of Michoacan: El Rosario and Sierra Chincua.

Outside of the state of Michoacan, you can find monarch butterflies at Piedra Herrada and Machero, but these sanctuaries are much smaller compared to the Michoacan sanctuaries.

The towns closest to the Michoacan monarch butterfly sanctuaries are Ocampo and Angangueo. You'll find a few lodging options in or around these towns. But be aware, the number of lodging options is limited.

Alternatively, you can look a little farther away from the monarch butterfly sanctuary, to cities like Zitacuaro, San Felipe, or even Hidalgo. You'll have more access to restaurants and convenience stores if you stay in one of these cities. But the downside is it will take you longer to get to the monarch butterflies sanctuary.

Here are three hotels you can book for your Michoacan butterfly tours.

Hotel Villa Monarca

Located in the town of San Felipe, Hotel Villa Monarca is about a fifteen minute drive to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This is a fairly convenient option for lodging for your Michoacan butterfly tours.

Families have the option of choosing rooms that can sleep 4 people or villas that can sleep 4-6 people. Rooms and villas come with free WiFi and room service. Rollaway beds are available for an extra fee.

The property has a pool, though it will likely be too cold to swim if you're visiting in the winter months. And there is free self parking on site. There is also a restaurant at the property that offers cooked-to-order breakfasts for 175 pesos (roughly $8.75 USD) per person.

Ex-Hacienda El Molino

For larger families, an option for lodging during your Michoacan butterfly tours is Ex-Hacienda El Molino , located in Hidalgo. This hotel offers a family room that can accommodate up to 8 people. Rooms are equipped with free WiFi and limited room service.

The property offers free continental breakfasts on weekends. There are outdoor pools as well as a playground on the property. However, in the winter months, you likely won't be able to use those facilities as it will be too cold. Ex-Hacienda El Molino also has a garden and picnic area.

Hotel El Conquistador Monarca

Located in Zitacuaro, Hotel El Conquistador Monarca is only a 9 minute drive from the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This is a convenient location for families to stay for your Michoacan butterfly tours. However, the rooms are pretty basic, even though they do offer free WiFi.

Hotel El Conquistador Monarca has a gym and restaurant on-site, and also free self parking onsite. The hotel is also located close to San Felipe de Los Alzati Archeological Zone, about a 16 minute drive away.

Use this map to find more lodging options for your Michoacan butterfly tours

Michoacan butterfly tours to book for the monarch butterfly sanctuary.

While you can certainly see the monarch butterflies of Mexico on your own, one of the best ways to experience the monarch butterfly migration is to book a guided tour. You'll be able to learn much more from taking Michoacan butterfly tours than if you visited on your own.

There are plenty of Michoacan butterfly tours available that leave from Mexico City. However, you'll need to keep in mind that these Michoacan butterfly tours will typically take a full day, at least 12 hours.

A less tiring option, especially if you have kids, is to take a weekend trip to Michoacan state and find Michoacan butterfly tours that are more locally based, such as from the city of Morelia.

Here are my top recommendations for tours to book.

1. Monarch Butterfly Tour (Departing from Morelia)

This tour is offered by Yei Tours and starts off in Morelia, the capital city of Michoacan state. A private guide will take you to either El Rosario or Sierra Chincua. Admission to these sanctuaries are included.

2. Monarch Butterfly Private Tour (Morelia) 

This private tour is offered by Alfredo Tour Guide. Like the first tour on this list, this tour picks up in Morelia and will take you to either El Rosario or Sierra Chincua. A private guide and admission to the sanctuaries are included.

3. Butterfly Monarch Tour from Mexico City 

If you don’t have room in your Mexico itinerary for a multi-day trip to Michoacan state, consider taking a day trip from Mexico City. This full day tour offered by Paseos Turisticos takes you from Mexico City to Sierra Chincua and back. Note that departure time is early, around 6am, and you will likely get back to Mexico City in the evening.

4. Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City

This is another monarch butterfly Mexico tour that takes you from Mexico City to monarch butterfly biosphere reserve, Sierra Chincua. Offered by Escapadas Edomex, the tour also includes a pre-Hispanic gastronomic workshop. Departure time is 6:30am, and return is 6:30pm.

Tips for visiting the monarch butterflies of Mexico sanctuary

The area where the monarch butterflies typically migrate is called the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 100 kilometers from Mexico City, in the state of Michoacan. The biosphere reserve covers an area of over 56,000 hectares.

The best time to visit these sanctuaries and see the monarch butterflies of Mexico is during the winter, from January to March. However, even in November you can still see a good number of monarch butterflies. If you book your Michoacan butterfly tours at the beginning of the season, there will be fewer tourists there!

If you're planning to see the monarch butterflies of Mexico on your own, the easiest way to get to the monarch butterfly sanctuary for your Michoacan butterfly tours is to drive there by car. From San Miguel de Allende , for example, it will take about four hours to drive to get to the monarch butterflies of Mexico sanctuary. 

For more trip planning tips, take a look at these helpful Mexico travel tips . 

Things to do at the butterfly sanctuary

For those who don't want to book one of the guided Michoacan butterfly tours and prefer to explore the butterfly sanctuaries on their own, there are two main sanctuaries in Michoacan where you can see the monarch butterflies of Mexico: El Roasario (near Ocampo) and Sierra Chincua (near Angangueo). 

While El Rosario is the more popular of the sanctuaries, with its wide paths and paved steps, Sierra Chincua is also a good place to visit. The hike is not as steep, and walking along the path feels more like being out in nature.

Entrance to either of these sanctuaries will cost around 80 pesos. If you have a car, you will also need to pay extra to park the car. The best time to go to these sanctuaries is in the morning, between 9am to 10am.

If you're visiting the monarch butterflies of Mexico sanctuary on your own, you’ll be assigned a guide. Having a guide is mandatory, and it’s advisable to hire one as they are very knowledgeable about the area. Your guide will be able to lead you to where the butterflies are. 

Read below to see what else you can do during your visit to the monarch butterflies of Mexico.

For more ideas of things to do in Mexico, take a look at our 10 day Mexico itinerary .

1. Ride horses

If your kids love animals, consider riding a horse up the mountain. In both sanctuaries, renting a horse to ride costs 100 pesos per horse. This is a much more relaxing way to get up the mountain, and the horses are led by guides who ascend the mountain at a leisurely pace. 

After seeing monarch butterflies at the top of the mountain, you can opt to ride a horse on the way down, which costs an additional 100 pesos. Or if you want, you can hike down the mountain.

2. Take a hike

Michoacan state is a mountainous state in Mexico. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve sits in a very mountainous area. An active way to see the monarch butterflies of Mexico during your Michoacan butterfly tours is to hike up to the top of the mountains where the butterfly sanctuaries are located. 

The hike will take about an hour, or longer if your kids like to take breaks like ours do. However, you’ll see butterflies along the way, and once you get to the top, you’ll be amazed at the number of butterflies you’ll see!

3. Sample local food

You'll certainly work up an appetite during your Michoacan butterfly tours. Fortunately, there are dozens of food stalls located near the entrance of both El Rosario and Sierra Chincua. Many of these food stalls serve regional Michoacan cuisine, at a fairly decent price, so it’s a great chance to sample local food. 

In the afternoon, the monarch butterflies of Mexico come down from the mountain and fly around the field. This is a good opportunity to get some lunch and see the butterflies while you eat. It truly is a magical experience!

4. Explore archaeological sites

One way to supplement your Michoacan butterfly tours experience is to throw in some history. Nearby to the monarch butterflies of Mexico sanctuary is Zona Arqueologica de Zirahuato. This archaeological site is open every day from 9am to 6pm. 

Entrance to the site is 55 pesos. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, after seeing monarch butterflies in the morning.

Explore other places to visit in Central Mexico here.

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Resources for learning more monarch butterflies of Mexico facts

During your Michoacan butterfly tours, you'll have a chance to learn some more fascinating monarch butterflies of Mexico facts.

But if you want to learn before you visit Mexico, read these books with your kids to learn about the monarch butterflies:

Monarch Butterflies: Explore the Life Journey of One of the Winged Wonders of the World

National Geographic Readers: Great Migrations Butterflies

When Butterflies Cross the Sky: The Monarch Butterfly Migration (Extraordinary Migrations)

Taking Michoacan butterfly tours: a once in a lifetime experience!

Seeing monarch butterflies and witnessing the butterfly migration is truly a unique, once in a lifetime experience. Children and adults, alike, can truly learn a lot from the experience. And what better way to get the most out of your experience than by booking one of these Michoacan butterfly tours?

Have you taken Michoacan butterfly tours with your kids? Head to our Facebook page and share your photos of seeing monarch butterflies of Mexico!

Curious to learn about other natural wonders of Mexico? Take a look at the marine life you can see and explore during a trip to Cozumel with kids .

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The most dangerous cities in Mexico by murder rate per capita

Are you planning to visit Mexico? If yes, knowing the most dangerous cities in Mexico is crucial because, among the world's most dangerous cities, 9 out of 10 are in Mexico, with famous tourist spots like Acapulco, Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez on the list.

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2. ciudad obredón, 3. acapulco, 4. ciudad victoria, 5. ciudad juarez, 6. irapuato, 7. culiacán, 9. coatzacoalcos.

Mexico faces several domestic challenges, including low wages, income inequality and limited job opportunities. In addition, violent crime is a severe concern, ranking Mexico among the countries with the highest murder rates, kidnapping rates and deadly violence, most tied to narcotics.

Most dangerous cities in Mexico

The information about the most dangerous cities in Mexico has been sourced from Best Diplomats and Freedom For All Americans . The rankings are based on the murder rate per capita, offering a statistical perspective on violence in these urban areas. Here are the most dangerous areas in Mexico:

Marsabit: 7 people including high school students killed in banditry attack

Tijuana, which is bordered by both Mexico and USA, is the most dangerous place in Mexico, with an alarming 138 murders per 100,000 residents. Tijuana is an essential hub for getting illegal goods into the USA. Therefore, there are a lot of conflicts over profitable routes for narcotics and human trafficking.

Ciudad Obregon is beautiful but the second most unsafe place in Mexico. It has a murder rate of 135 per 100,000 people. Other crimes, such as property theft, car theft and assault, are also rampant in this city.

Acapulco is a beach resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast. It was once a popular tourist resort, but due to a massive upsurge in gang violence and murder numbers, it no longer attracts many foreign tourists. It experiences 111 murders per 100,000 residents.

Ciudad Victoria is one of the deadliest cities in Mexico, with 86 murders for every 100,000 residents. This state capital of Tamaulipas in the northeast has seen increased violence, mostly from organised crime and narcotic-related gangs.

Top 10 most dangerous cities in Indiana with their crime rates

The crime in Juarez has its origin in narcotic trafficking and consumption, given the state's role in production and the city's location on the border. Mexico's first homegrown cartel, run by Ignacia Jasso, was seated in the city and, for a time, controlled much of the border narcotics trade.

With 86 murders for every 100,000 residents, Ciudad Juarez ranks among the most dangerous cities in Mexico.

Irapuato, in Guanajuato state, is one of the worst cities in Mexico, with a murder rate of 81 per 100,000 residents.

Why is Irapuato so dangerous? The state is dangerous due to battles between organised crime groups looking to control narcotics trafficking routes and rural areas of the state.

Culiacan records 61 murders per 100,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Mexico. The city of Sinaloa is well-known for being the home base of the famous Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most violent and powerful trafficking organisations in the world .

10 most dangerous cities in NC according to the latest statistics

Uruapan, the second largest city in Michoacán state, is today a hub for violent crime. It has a murder rate of 55 per 100,000 people, ranking among the deadliest cities in Mexico. This huge crime rate is because of the heavy activity of organised crime groups and narcotics cartels.

Coatzacoalcos, situated on the Mexican coast, is the birthplace of actress Salma Hayek and other famous people.

The city has a long history and several unique places for people to visit, but because of its safety, visitors are advised against visiting it. It has a staggering murder rate of 48 per 100,000 people, primarily fuelled by organised crime groups and narcotics cartels.

Cancun, a Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea, is known for its beaches, numerous resorts, and nightclubs . Compared to many Mexican cities, Cancun is still relatively safe. It reports a murder rate of 44.5 incidents for every 100,000 residents.

These are the most dangerous cities in Texas to live in 2024

The listed dangerous cities in Mexico were once great economic hubs that mostly supported tourism. However, they're now red spots because of narcotic cartel activities, socio-economic inequality and corruption in law enforcement and the judiciary system.

Tuko.co.ke has published an article about the most dangerous cities in Texas to live in. Texas is home to a diverse array of cities, each with its unique character.

Despite the vibrant culture and bustling communities, some cities face a concerning issue - high violent crime rates due to poverty, gang activity, and the availability of firearms. But which are the most dangerous cities in Texas to live in? Read this article for details.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Bill Cyril Salasya (Lifestyle writer) Bill Cyril Salasya is an experienced writer who joined the Tuko team in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Kisii University. Bill has 5 years of experience in the field and has worked as a content writer at Strikingly, Urban Ambiance, and WOW Travels and as a freelance writer at Upwork. He works on various topics, including technology, lifestyle, travel, entertainment, marketing, etc. In 2023, Bill finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. In 2024, he expanded his skills through Google News Initiative courses. You can reach him at [email protected]

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The 55 Most Beautiful Places in the World

From cloud forests to glacial lakes, these destinations are the world's best sights to see.

Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle.

From sky-blue lakes in Canada to sandstone beaches in Seychelles, beauty abounds in every corner of the Earth. Focusing largely on national parks , mountains, beaches, deserts, and other natural wonders , we’ve compiled the world's most beautiful places to inspire your next dream destination. 

• Best tourist destination: Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil
• Underrated hidden gem: Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan
• Best for families: Grand Canyon, Arizona
• Best for couples: Anse Source d'Agent, Seychellesp
• Best for solo travelers: Railay West Beach, Thailand

Join us for a journey to some of the most beautiful places in the world, like the red rocks of the Grand Canyon and the abundantly colorful Great Barrier Reef.

Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Altogether, the 275 cascades on the Argentina -Brazil border form a mind-blowing, panoramic waterfall. The overwhelming sight, combined with the sound and energy of water rushing at up to 450,000 cubic feet per second in the rainy season, is pure magnificence.

Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan

Tahreer Photography / Getty Images

Near the foot of the world's ninth-highest mountain (Nanga Parbat), Pakistan's Fairy Meadows offers sublime mountain scenery and wildlife, including brown bears, markhor, and Himalayan ibex. To get to Fairy Meadows, you’ll have to hire a jeep but be forewarned, the road there is not for the faint of heart.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

Offering some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, the Grand Canyon truly merits the term "breathtaking." The vast geologic wonderland, one mile deep and up to 18 miles across, displays countless layers of colorful rock and practically hypnotic vistas.

Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles

Pinpointing the most beautiful Seychellois beach is like splitting hairs, but Anse Source d'Argent gets extremely high marks for its sugar-white sand framed by dramatic granite boulders and sparkling aquamarine water. The sweet shoreline is relatively secluded from the resort crowds on La Digue Island.

Railay West Beach, Thailand

Dmitrii Guldin / Getty Images

On the Railay peninsula's west side, Krabi's famous karsts meet a simply stunning jade-green lagoon. The vertical cliffs block access from the Krabi mainland, making Railay reachable only by boat, adding to its incredible appeal.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

There's no better way to experience Patagonia's rugged natural beauty than in Torres del Paine National Park . The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to its namesake granite towers (the park's name is a combination of the Spanish word for “towers” and the Tehuelche word for “blue”), as well as sparkling lagoons and otherworldly glaciers.

Bagan, Myanmar

It's hard to truly grasp the magnitude of Myanmar's Bagan Archaeological Zone , dominated by thousands of temples, pagodas, and stupas. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site on a bike or for an eagle's-eye view, take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise to see the temples scattered across the lush landscape.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica

This magical, misty, and well-preserved cloud forest in northwestern Costa Rica is a successful template for sustainable ecotourism. Along with its sister cloud forest, the Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde is a practically untouched paradise home to thousands of plant, animal, and bird species (including the radiant quetzal), visible from jungle paths and nail-biting steel bridges hanging over the canopy.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

One of the world's largest waterfalls, Victoria Falls spans the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders. As a destination, "The Smoke That Thunders," as it is known in the Bantu language family, is a hub for white-water rafting, helicopter rides, big-game safaris , and other thrilling adventures.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven Beach mesmerizes from above with swirls of white and blue hiding amid the offshore islands of Queensland. Part of Australia's Whitsunday Coast, the star attraction is remarkable for its amazing combination of pure silica sands and vivid blue-green waters.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

On a dirt road near the west coast town of Morondava is a stretch of tall and ancient baobab trees unique to Madagascar, and all that remains of a once-dense forest. The centuries-old giants are especially magnificent cast in the light of a sunrise and sunset.

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

The world's largest salt flat covers 4,000 square miles of the Bolivian Altiplano. In the dry season, it's an endless white sheet of salt tiles made all the more dazzling by clear, sunny skies. From December to April, however, regular rains create a mirror effect that merges lake and sky. No matter when you see it, Salar de Uyuni is one of the most captivating sights on earth.

Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam

With hundreds of jungle-covered karst cliffs rising out of emerald green waters, Hạ Long Bay is a photographer's dream. Hop on a boat or kayak to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site 's beautiful islands and surreal cave systems.

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Nicholas Schmidt/Travel + Leisure

Lake Atitlán in the Sierra Madres offers a combination of Indigenous culture and waterside serenity. No surprise, a place this tranquil is also a popular destination for yoga retreats. Cross the gorgeous crater lake by boat and explore various pueblos, shop local markets for Mayan crafts, and sleep in treehouse accommodations.

Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius

A freestanding basaltic mountain hulking over a bright blue-green Indian Ocean lagoon certainly makes for spectacular scenery. When viewed from above, the surrounding sand and silt form an optical illusion that appears to be a massive underwater waterfall at this mythic place — and there is a fascinating history to uncover. Thanks to its isolation and near-inaccessibility, Le Morne sheltered people who escaped enslavement during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Acadia National Park, Maine

From rocky shorelines shrouded in mist to conifer-cloaked mountainsides, Acadia National Park is a wild place of sea, stone, and forest. Visitors flock here to hike, fish, climb, camp, and experience the end-of-the-world feel in New England's only national park.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The mighty Okavango , the largest inland delta in the world, is a vast network of winding waterways and animal-attracting lagoons. Navigating through reed-studded channels in a mokoro (traditional canoe) and spotting hippos, leopards, and elephants is one of the world's great travel experiences for nature lovers.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

This famed wildlife preserve (next door neighbor to the Serengeti) is one of the world's most enchanting ecosystems . The Mara's golden grasslands stretch to the horizon, interrupted by graceful acacia trees and rumbling throngs of wildebeest and zebra — and their stalking predators.

Beautiful Forests Around the World

Cat island, the bahamas.

Cat Island is a secret nirvana hiding in plain sight in the Bahamas . Sparsely developed and off the main tourist track, Cat Island is resplendent in miles of nature trails and wondrous pink sands sprawling under the Caribbean sun. Far from the mega-resort scene of busier islands, the mood on Cat Island is very laid-back so expect to find local vibes and small family-owned hotels.

Zhangye National Geopark, China

Distinct rolling bands of orange, cream, yellow, brown, and russet against jagged mountain peaks make this geological anomaly in the Northwestern province of Gansu look like a psychedelic scene on Mars. Boardwalks have been built throughout the park allowing visitors to see the stripes up close.

Glencoe, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands are filled with astonishingly scenic glens, but Glencoe Valley is perhaps the most famous (and infamous, due to a brutal 17th-century massacre that marked a pivotal moment in Scottish history). Today the valley is a haven for hikers, mountaineers, and whisky lovers — the 19th-century Ben Nevis Distillery is a short drive away.

Mount Kōya, Japan

The Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded this mountaintop temple town in 819. Today, the sacred and serene place is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains more than 100 temples, including the head temple Kongobuji, featuring gorgeous gilded sliding doors and ceilings carved with flowers. Within the ancient complex is a mausoleum and cemetery surrounded by a cedar forest with old-growth trees up to 600 years old.

Dead Sea, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel

Name aside, the Dead Sea is a lake and one of the world's saltiest, at that (in fact, the saline water has such a high density that it keeps bathers afloat). Set between Jordan, Palestine, and Israel at the Earth's lowest elevation, it's known for its beautifully clear and tranquil waters (nearly 10 times more saline than the ocean) and surrounding mineral formations, sandy beaches, nature preserves, natural pools, and waterfalls.

Zion National Park, Utah

Elisabeth Pollaert Smith /Getty Images

Glorious Navajo Sandstone cliffs, rainbow-colored canyons, and incredible biodiversity make Zion one of the most popular (and most scenic) national parks in the U.S. Utah is famous for its many gorgeous national parks, but in Zion, you can enjoy unique hikes like The Narrows, a slot canyon trail following Virgin River upstream — just make sure you go in the right season .

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Dominated by a 3,000-square-mile ice cap of the same name, Vatnajökull is a chilly, Icelandic wonderland of caves, craters, glacier-filled calderas, and waterfalls. Perhaps the most famous cascade is Svartifoss, plunging over hexagonal lava-rock columns.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale's electric-blue thermal pools and white travertine formations, naturally formed by slowly crystallizing calcium carbonate, make for gorgeous vacation photos. Its location is quite remote, so you will need to set aside a day or two for this special trip, but with steaming hot waters and a name that translates from Turkish to "cotton castles," it's worth the experience as well as the view.

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Hawaii

Nā Pali translates to "the cliffs" in Hawaiian, a deceptively simple name that might not fully prepare travelers for the epic glory on display on the Kauai coast. The staggering coastline is too rugged and vertical for road access, so the only way to see it is by boat, air, or seriously intense hiking trails.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Ascending iconic Table Mountain tops the to-do list for most travelers in Cape Town. Adventurous hikers can go on foot, but there's also an aerial cableway that gently sweeps up to the 3,563-foot summit. Either way, the top offers insane panoramic views of the South African capital and the Atlantic.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Built nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel whose engineering ingenuity and head-spinning views rival the extraordinary beauty of its Sacred Valley setting. It may be a hotspot for tourism now, but the rest of the world has only known about its existence since it was rediscovered in 1911.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Xantana/Getty Images

Picture a serene alpine lake fringed with soaring Alps. Now add in a walkable medieval town and you've got the setting for this long-popular Swiss destination . Don't miss Mount Pilatus (via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway) and the Rigi for nature trails and a famous viewpoint overlooking three lakes.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway may lack Highway 101's ocean scenery, but it trades Pacific views for peaceful Appalachian beauty. Stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park , the 45 MPH, no-trucks route winds past overlook after overlook, letting road-trippers marvel at the mountains' dreamy blue hue.

Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

This isn't a tropical island getaway with a wild party scene or a string of upscale resorts. Pulau Tioman is more of a floating nature preserve, with local character and a strong sense of environmental conservation (coral rehab and sea turtle preservation are major focuses for the island's Juara Turtle Project ). The island, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea, is popular for its dive sites, shipwrecks, and tropical rainforest.

Damaraland, Namibia

Damaraland region is an almost mystical vision of red-earth desert plains, flat-topped mountains, a petrified forest, and well-preserved ancient Bushmen rock paintings. Though it looks like a scene from Mars, Damaraland is rich in wildlife, home to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and the critically endangered black rhino.

Matira Beach, French Polynesia

The South Pacific calls up many visions of spectacular beaches . The otherwordly Bora Bora 's Matira Beach gets singled out for its miles of pearly white, flour-fine sand, and breathtaking bright turquoise lagoon.

Cirque de Gavarnie, France

Cirque de Gavarnie is a popular hiking destination in the Pyrenees and one of the most beautiful in France . Called "the Colosseum of Nature" by Victor Hugo, the Cirque is a ring of sheer granite mountain walls enclosing a picture-perfect green valley. It's astounding even before you add in three-tier Gavarnie Falls pouring over a 922-foot drop.

Shark Bay, Australia

Shark Bay: where the red earth of Australia's westernmost point meets the teal waters of the Indian Ocean. The bay is home to one of the largest and richest beds of seagrass in the world, as well as rare stromatolites — rocky-looking, cauliflower-shaped microbial reefs and some of the oldest life forms on Earth.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten archipelago bursts dramatically out of the Norwegian Sea. Between the jagged peaks and steep slopes are quaint fishing villages, secluded coves, scenic backpacking and biking trails, and dreamy white-sand beaches. You can even get there by train via the Ofotbanen , a luxury rail service that takes you from Oslo up to the Arctic Circle.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, Los Cabos ' symphony of natural features — desert, mountains, sea, and plenty of sunshine — and yes, raucous party scene, have made it one of the most popular vacation destinations in North America. Its cobalt-blue waters are a hub for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching.

Taormina, Sicily

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Taormina has all the elements for a gorgeous Mediterranean destination : ancient ruins, a charming old town, and a setting backed by Mount Etna, an active volcano you can summit by foot. One of the highlights is visiting the beach of Isola Bella, a small storied island that you can walk to during low tide.

Dal Lake, India

The snow-capped Zabarwan Range rises above Kashmir's romantic Dal Lake, a long-time Himalayan escape for Indians fleeing the south's heat. During the summer, veranda-clad cedar houseboats bob along the lake's western edge while floating markets and brightly painted taxi boats drift by.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world's largest barrier reef is an unrivaled experience for snorkelers and divers. The sensational underwater world is made up of 2,900 individual reefs, 900 islands, and a mind-boggling diversity of marine life.

Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China

Thousands of tapering quartz sandstone formations spiral skyward in this 100-square-mile stretch of karst terrain in China's Hunan Province . Beneath the towers lie valleys, streams, waterfalls, caves, natural bridges, and dense green forests.

Banff National Park, Canada

Canada's oldest national park showcases the majesty of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Banff is known for its staggering peaks, dense pine forests, hot springs, animals — grizzlies, bighorn sheep, and moose all call the park home, and almost eerily azure glacier-fed lagoons, such as the postcard-perfect Peyto Lake.

Wadi Rum Reserve, Jordan

Wadi Rum is a stunning red desert landscape filled with canyons, dunes, mountains, springs, archeological sites, and stone archways. Brave hikers can cross the largest, Burdah Rock Bridge, which is more than 200 feet above the ground.

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, New Zealand

Glaciers carved this awe-inspiring valley , leaving behind craggy peaks with sheer drops into glistening waters. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Te Wahipounamu , the South Island's Milford Sound is blessed with waterfalls, rainbows, rainforests, and a diversity of wildlife — everything from black coral to bottlenose dolphins, with seals and even penguins in between.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Blissfully isolated 217 miles off the Brazilian mainland, this lovingly preserved archipelago offers pristine beaches and clear waters abundant in marine life perfect for world-class snorkeling. The remote island is also a hub for honeymooners looking for a slice of paradise.

The Algarve, Portugal

Surrounded by the Atlantic to the south and west, Portugal's Algarve region looks and feels like a wild respite. Wind-sculpted cliffs and headlands frame big, sandy beaches popular with surfers and dotted with secret coves and grottoes.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Solitary Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa's most stunning icons, rising more than 19,000 feet from coffee and banana farms up to snowy volcanic peaks. Along the way to "The Roof of Africa," hikers trek through distinct climate zones, from rainforest to high-altitude desert to the arctic-like summit.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Both an active volcano and an emblem of serenity, Mount Fuji is one of the world's most magnificent sights. You can hike to the sacred landmark's summit for sweeping views or simply gape at it from Lake Kawaguchi and elsewhere in the beautiful Five Lakes region . Head to the spa town of Hakone in winter to pair crisp Fuji views with steaming hot springs.

Li River, China

The Li River carves through the lowland farms and jagged karst terrain of northwestern Guangxi, creating some of China's most picturesque scenery (the area is so pretty, it appears on the 20 yuan banknote). A four- to five-hour river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most popular way to experience Li River, though travelers wanting more autonomy can rent bamboo rafts or hike — the natural moon-shaped arch of Moon Hill makes a glorious lookout.

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como has been one of Italy's most popular vacation spots since the time of the Roman emperors. This unabashedly high-rolling resort area still attracts a posh crowd with its lush gardens, cinematic palaces and villas, and sun-soaked alpine shores. Take the funicular to the tiny village of Brunate for an amazing panorama.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Like so many of Earth's most stunning sights, Crater Lake is the result of earth-altering, volcanic forces. Its 1,943-foot depth makes it the deepest lake in the U.S. , filled with mesmerizingly deep blue waters fed by rain and snow. View its perfection from hiking trails, boat tours, and the 33-mile Rim Drive around the caldera. Keep in mind, some attractions like boat tours and the scenic Rim Drive close for the winter season.

Big Sur, California

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Even considering California's 840 miles of monumental coastline, it's hard to rival the beauty of Big Sur . Thick redwood forest, foggy canyons, and rocky cliffs tumbling into the Pacific define this area (the name refers to both the town and the coastal region), made all the more famous for its freewheeling NorCal vibes and Old Hollywood history.

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee

With half a million acres split by Tennessee and North Carolina, this famous park 's wondrous mountain scenery encompasses hardwood forests, steep-sided ravines cut by rivers and streams, and brilliant wildflowers in bloom from spring to fall. Hikers have 150 trails available to them, from the Appalachian Trail’s Charlies Bunion hike to the more challenging Rainbow Falls route.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The scenery alone — waterfalls, calderas, misty bamboo forests — makes Volcanoes National Park a worthy contender of any travel list. The mystical setting is all the more special for hosting buffaloes, birds, golden monkeys, and the elusive mountain gorilla.

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