ECOTOURISM

 

Thanks to its balmy weather and pleasant environs, Morelia is a fantastic destination to go hiking in the mountains and forests, or to take a stroll by the rivers and lakes. You can also admire plant and animal life on an ecotourism outing in the region?s famous ecological reserves. Come to the capital of Michoacan for an outdoor experience that offers learning and fun.

 

Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca (Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve) ? Located 150 km (93 mi) east of Morelia off Highway 15, near the Michoacan-State of Mexico border. Known for its rich biodiversity, this reserve allows you to take nature walks and do some mountain climbing as you make your way to the oyamel forest, a sanctuary and winter refuge for the monarch butterfly. The best time of year to witness this natural wonder is between November and March.

 

Cerro de Garnica ? Located 71 km (44 mi) east of Morelia along Highway 15 in the direction of Ciudad Hidalgo. This park is a favorite among ecotourism enthusiasts thanks to the wide variety of animal species that inhabit the 968-hectare (2,390-acre) territory. On a tour of the park, you can spot such species as the white-tailed deer, the gray wolf and the songbird. If you climb the highest peak, you can take in a spectacular view of the once-active volcanic zone.

 

Parque Nacional Jose Maria Morelos ? Located 26 km (16 mi) east of Morelia off Highway 15. At this national park with an expanse of 4,324 hectares (10,680 acres) you can go trekking through a forest of pine trees and Encino oaks. During the hike, you?ll see a wide array of indigenous plant and animal species. If you want to take a break, you can cool off at the running streams near the trails.

 

Parque Nacional Bosencheve ? Located 166 km (102 mi) east of Morelia off Highway 15, near the Michoacan-State of Mexico border. The beautiful scenery at this spectacular national park of 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) is ideal for trekking. As you explore this coniferous forest, you can visit seasonal lagoons Verde and Seca, to mention just a few of the many natural attractions here.

 

Pico de Quinceo ? Located northwest of downtown Morelia, near the Quinceo neighborhood. The rich terrain of this inactive volcano zone is home to such indigenous plant and animal species as huizaches (fern leaf Acacia), cazahuates (a mushroom variety), roadrunners, squirrels, skunks and iguanas. Those sights and many more make this a highly recommendable spot to go trekking and hiking.

 

La Escalera ? Located in Charo, 24 km (15 mi) northeast of Morelia along Highway 126. As you walk along these paths and contemplate the enormous variety of flora and fauna, you?ll also be able to appreciate the finer details of the rugged mountainous terrain in the Michoacan region.

 

Mil Cumbres ? Lies 23 km (14 mi) east of Morelia along Highway 15. The jagged topography, beautiful landscape and lush vegetation at this place make it a hiker?s paradise, as it allows you to appreciate a wide variety of plant species that inhabit the region.