Travel Guide MICHOACAN Contents

DISCOVER MICHOACAN 01

MICHOACAN PROFILE 02

MICHOACAN ATTRACTIONS 03

MICHOACAN DINING 09

MICHOACAN SHOPPING 10

MICHOACAN NIGHTLIFE 11

THINGS TO DO IN MICHOACAN 12 DISCOVER MICHOACAN

Michoacan is one of the states in Mexico that is most proud of its history, culture, natural attractions, arts, and human and spiritual richness. It’s a great option for travelers who want to vacation in an amazing place and discover the soul of Mexico. The tourist attractions in Michoacan vary by region and area, and include nature, culture, rest and relaxation. There is also adventure tourism, rural tourism, architecture, handicrafts, and cuisine. Come and discover Michoacan, a state of endless variety!

This wonderful state preserves its colonial flavor, indigenous culture, and history through its colonial cities, temples, churches, artwork, and handicrafts. ARTS AND CULTURE Known as the Soul of Mexico, Michoacan is a very traditional state with enormous cultural riches that are reflected in each of its cities and towns. The large number of traditional festivals, cultural events, craft fairs, and arts festivals in Michoacan are also a reflection of a culture that seeks to express itself. There are always cultural events and performances, including fine arts, music, folklore, cuisine, and local traditions.

In Morelia, the state capital, there is the International Film Festival, the International Music Festival, and the International Guitar and Organ Music Festivals. In Patzcuaro, there’s also an annual summer guitar festival. Other outstanding events include the National Guitar Fair in Paracho and the National Copper Fair in Santa Clara del Cobre. The variety and frequency of these events, plays, shows, conferences, exhibitions, and recitals makes Michoacan one of the states with the most cultural activity, both in quality and quantity.

1 MICHOACAN PROFILE

A state known as the “Soul of Mexico” for its history, culture, arts, and traditions

Numerous communities specializing in the production of unique handicrafts

Incredible natural attractions, a pleasant climate, and spectacular geography

Ancient indigenous traditions fused with religious customs

Art and cultural festivals of all kinds in all of the regions

A variety of pre-Colombian cuisine, including desserts and artisanal candies

An abundance of boutique hotels, colonial inns, and affordable lodging

2 MICHOACAN ATTRACTIONS

MONARCH BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY

When you visit Michoacan don’t pass up the opportunity to see its fir forests and witness one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world: the arrival of the Monarch butterfly. Monarch butterflies spend the winter in these forests living in colonies of up to twenty million. They arrive in Mexico after traveling more than 3,000 miles from the border between the United States and Canada. The drastic decrease in temperatures each October causes them to fly to warmer latitudes.

During their long journey, the butterflies take advantage of air currents, only flapping their wings when the wind slows or changes direction. Using this flight technique they are able to travel about 75 miles per day. The Monarch butterflies arrive in Michoacan in late October. By mid-February, they begin to mate. In early March, they lift off simultaneously flapping their wings in a thunderous clap and begin their journey home.

3 BASILICA OF NUESTRA SENORA DE LA SALUD

The basilica in Patzcuaro is a partial version of the original Great Cathedral project proposed by Spanish Friar Don Vasco de Quiroga, the first bishop of Michoacan. It is located in the center of town. Construction began in the mid-sixteenth century and wasn’t completed until the late nineteenth century. One of the most important and beautiful churches in this Magic Town, the Basilica emanates history and sacred works of art. It has a modest facade, but you won’t want to miss the elaborate ornamental interior.

PATZCUARO

Designated a Magic Town by the Mexican government, Patzcuaro has monumental churches, a spectacular central square, and beautiful buildings built of adobe and tile. In pre-Hispanic times, Patzcuaro was one of the main ceremonial centers of the Purepechas, whose descendants still live in the region and maintain their traditions. The fishermen of Lake Patzcuaro are famous for using butterfly-shaped nets to catch the delicious white fish that is characteristic ofMichoacan cuisine.

The atmosphere in Patzcuaro will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time, while still enjoying all the comforts of modern life. It offers first-class entertainment, excellent cuisine, and a wide variety of tourist attractions, both architectural and natural, in the city and surrounding area. Furthermore, in Patzcuaro you’ll find a variety of hotels, a wide selection of handicrafts, and the famous“Nieve de Pasta”, a type of caramel-flavored ice cream that was created in the town.

4 JANITZIO

Located 20 minutes from the dock in Patzcuaro, Janitzio is a small island with a monument that stands 130 ft. tall and honors Don Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon. The community living on this beautiful island continues to practice their indigenous customs, among them the “Noche de Muertos” (Night of the Dead), which takes place in late October and early November. On these dates, they solemnly decorate the entire island and fishermen show up with their butterfly nets on boats illuminated with candles.

FOLK ART MUSEUM

With a casual and friendly atmosphere, this is one of the best museums in Patzcuaro. It showcases paintings and sculptures from the eighteenth century, religious artwork, and a large selection of handicrafts that have been produced in the state for generations. Each of the exhibit halls displays artistic works from different regions of Michoacan, including textiles, carved woodwork, pottery, jewelry, copper, and other techniques in danger of disappearing. One of the halls features temporary exhibitions by local artists, where you can also buy some of the items on display at reasonable prices.

This museum also houses a collection of original masks made by craftsmen from different parts of the state. On one side of the museum you can see the remains of a Purepecha ceremonial center, as the building was built on an important pre-Hispanic structure.

5 URUAPAN Located about 60 miles from Morelia, you’ll find the second most important city in the state of Michoacan: Uruapan, also known as the “avocado capital of the world” since it’s a major international exporter of this fruit. Among the top attractions in Uruapan are magnificent historical monuments, parish churches, and colonial chapels. In various spots throughout Uruapan you can also find murals by important artists from Michoacan.

Due to its location in one of the most fertile regions of the state, Uruapan has numerous natural attractions that you can visit in the city and surrounding area. The Cupatitzio River flows through Uruapan, and there is a nature park and designated National Heritage Site where you can see the source of this river, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.

PLAZA VASCO DE QUIROGA IN PATZCUARO Considered one of the most beautiful central squares on the continent, the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga is the second-largest and one of the most symmetric and orderly in the country. Unlike the majority of central squares in Mexico, the buildings that surround this plaza are neither civil nor religious, that it to say that there is no church or temple on the square. This square has pathways and places to sit and relax. You can also see traditional dance performances and enjoy a rewarding cultural experience. At the center of the square is a statue of the first bishop of Michoacan, Don Vasco de Quiroga, after whom it is named.

ZAMORA Zamora is one of the major industrial cities in Michoacan. The offices of numerous companies doing business in the state are concentrated here, making it a popular destination for business travelers, executives, and representatives of the various companies. In addition to business and industry, Zamora offers a wide variety of natural and cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options for visitors. In addition, the Zamora region is a major producer of strawberries, and it’s always possible to find this delicious fruit in the city. Zamora features one of the most architecturally stunning cathedrals in Mexico, which ironically, remains on the verge of completion.

6 LAKE ZIRAHUEN

According to legend, “Princess Zirahuen cried so much that it formed the lake.” Located about 30 minutes from Patzcuaro, this lake is smaller than Lake Patzcuaro, less crowded, and therefore more peaceful and serene, making it a great place to get in touch with nature. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and can be crossed by kayak or by renting a boat. A place of dreams, legends, and tradition, Lake Zirahuen offers the possibility to dine at one of its quaint restaurants located in the surrounding hills, where in addition to delicious food, you can also enjoy spectacular views.

THE UNFINISHED CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as the “Unfinished Cathedral” has a striking gothic revival style. Construction on this impressive church began in the late nineteenth century, but it was suspended during the Mexican Revolution. The conflict ended some years later; however construction of the cathedral was not resumed until about 60 years later. After a painstaking restoration process that was needed after so many years of neglect, the cathedral now looks stunning with a new facade and fine accents. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows. And while it remains unfinished, it will be one of the largest cathedrals in the world once it is finally completed.

7 CUPATITZIO CANYON NATIONAL PARK

This nature park has, among its attractions, the source of the Cupatitzio River, which means “river that sings” in the Purepecha language. It is full of lush vegetation, natural and man-made waterfalls, bridges, trails and walkways. This national park is one of the main attractions in Uruapan and a great place to visit on a family vacation. Here you can rediscover the value of nature and experience the peace that comes from being in touch with it. Inside the park you’ll also find beautiful handicrafts, paintings, and other crafts from the region, as well as a café and a shop selling local candies.

SAN PANCHO CHURCH

Located a few minutes from downtown Zitacuaro, this is one of the oldest churches in Michoacan. Despite its age, this temple has been beautifully restored and is now visited by large numbers of Mexican and international tourists. This small church has simple, austere decor with beautiful details and artwork by different artists. Another remarkable feature is the way that the light enters through the stained glass windows and illuminates the part of the church where the altar is located.

ZITACUARO

Zitacuaro is located in the part of Michoacan known as “Monarch Butterfly Country,” very close to the nature sanctuaries that the butterflies visit each year. Close to 140 million Monarch butterflies fill the massive fir forests in the region creating a spectacle that’s a feast for the senses and an example of will. A short distance from the city, you’ll also find natural attractions, such as lakes and hot springs, as well as mines and archeological sites from the ancient indigenous cultures that inhabited the region.

8 MICHOACAN DINING

The cuisine of Michoacan preserves the ingredients and seasonings used by the Purepecha, the predominant indigenous group in the region. After the arrival of the Spanish, the descendants of the natives blended their culinary skills with Spanish cuisine. This resulted in dishes of unparalleled taste and variety, with distinct nuances from region to region.

The local cuisine features the delicious high-quality white fish from Patzcuaro, along with “uchepos,” which are small baby corn tamales; and “corundas,” which are irregularly shaped stuffed tamales. Other dishes, like “sopa tarasca” (Michoacan-style tortilla soup) and the famous carnitas de Michoacan (seasoned pulled pork) are popular throughout Mexico. Popular regional drinks include the “charanda,” which is a type of traditional liquor derived from sugar cane, similar to rum.

For dessert, you must try the “nieve de pasta,” a type of caramel-flavored ice cream, and the “chongos zamoranos,” a sweet milk curd dessert with an exquisite taste and consistency. An endless variety of traditional candies can be found throughout Michoacan. Enjoy the flavors and aromas that make this one of the most comprehensive and exotic Mexican states in terms of cuisine.

9 MICHOACAN SHOPPING After visiting the attractions in Michoacan, you can learn more about the Purpecha culture and their artisanal legacy. Today, they continue to use ancient techniques to produce a wide variety of Michoacan handicrafts. Throughout the state you’ll find shops where you can buy the perfect gift or souvenir. You can find pottery, jewelry, pressed copper, metalwork, carved woodwork, furniture, masks, embroidery, weavings, and toys made of stone, decorative paper, or corn husk. Some of the most notable places to buy handicrafts in Michoacan are at the National Copper Fair in Santa Clara and the Guitar Fair in Paracho.

In Michoacan each town and community provides the unique opportunity to acquire new and different products that are colorful, magical, and one-of-a-kind. Many of the towns in the state specialize in a specific type of handicraft.

For generations, the town of Paracho in the region of Uruapan has specialized in the production of guitars and violins of such high quality that they have received international acclaim. In Santa Clara you can find unique copper pieces, unparalleled in their quality, texture, and color. In the town of Jiquilpan they are known for weaving shawls; in Nurio they specialize in hats; the pottery of Tzintzuntzan is outstanding; and the list goes on and on. When you travel to Michoacan, you also can’t pass up the opportunity to sample some of the traditional sweets and candies. SANTA CLARA DEL COBRE In the Patzcuaro region, Santa Clara del Cobre is an excellent place to go shopping in a very traditional setting. This small town is known for the production of copper crafts and utensils, all of exceptional quality. You can visit the workshops and stores that proudly display their designs, copper pieces, and even jewelry. If you visit during the month of August, you’ll get the chance to attend the National Copper Fair, which takes place every year and features innovative designs and a variety of cultural activities.

PARACHO Located less than half an hour from Uruapan, the town of Paracho is renowned for its high quality production of guitars, violins, and string instruments. The National Guitar Fair takes place in August and is just one more reason to visit this town. In addition to purchasing one of these exceptional handmade items in Paracho, you can also visit other interesting attractions, like the Guitar Museum, and several other monuments, churches and colonial buildings.

10 MICHOACAN NIGHTLIFE

Michoacan is a state rich in culture, the arts, history, and tradition. At night, you can admire colonial-era buildings as you explore the Magic Towns and interact with friendly people. Of course, the evenings are also a great time to visit some of the many cafes, bars, and nightclubs that exist in each area of the state.

11 THINGS TO DO IN MICHOACAN

Explore Morelia, the capital city, on a guided tour or by trolley.

From October through February, see the amazing phenomenon of the Monarch butterflies that travel more than 3,000 miles to arrive in Michoacan each year.

Visit some of the indigenous communities, especially the island of Janitzio, in late-October and early-November to see the traditional Night of the Dead celebrations.

Tour the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Morelia, considered one of the most beautiful churches in the country for its elaborate decor.

Visit the towns of Santa Clara and Paracho during the month of August and attend their respective arts festivals.

Take a photo in front of the “Unfinished Cathedral” in Zamora, one of the most beautiful churches in the state, which ironically remains unfinished.

Try regional specialties, like “uchepos,” “corundas,” Michoacan-style tortilla soup, or the famous and succulent “carnitas.”

Sample one of the delicious desserts that this state is known for, including the traditional “Nieve de Pasta,” a caramel-flavored ice cream that was originally created in Patzcuaro.

Attend one of the film, music, or art festivals that take place throughout the year.

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