MORELIA

 

Morelia, the state capital of Michoacan, is a beautiful city built during Mexico?s Viceregal era. It is located in the state?s northern region, 303 km (187 mi) west of Mexico City. It has a warm, semi-humid climate with rain during the summer and an average temperature of 20º C (68º F).

 

The city offers a pleasant and hospitable atmosphere, as well as many architectural treasures in its Historic Center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. There you?ll find numerous colonial-style constructions, such as the Palacio Nacional and La Catedral (The Cathedral), a Baroque-style structure built with pink ashlars. Morelia also hosts important cultural events, such as international film and music festivals.

 

Thanks to its strategic location, many tourists use the city as a base before heading out to nature reserves, such as the monarch butterfly sanctuary and the Parque Nacional Jose Maria Morelos (The Jose Maria Morelos National Park).

 

Morelia also is a place where the traditions of the Tarascan Indians persist, as seen in the traditional attire they wear, the handicrafts they make and the historical importance of the archaeological ruins at Ihuatzio and Tzintzuntzan. While in Morelia, don?t forget to try the traditional Purepecha dishes, such as corundas and uchepos (regional tamales). You can also indulge in such local fare as enchiladas placeras and ates (candied fruit). So don?t wait any longer: Come and experience the joy, traditions and colorful atmosphere of Morelia.