WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO?

Michoacán

The city of Morelia, a grand tourist attraction, is the ideal destination to begin a trip through the "Purépechas" lands. Find lodging in one of the hotels on Camelias Avenue and, immediately after that, go out into the historical city center where you can admire the Baroque façade of its Cathedral as well as its tiled domes. Later on, visit the beautiful architectural ensemble of the Conservatorio de Las Rosas (Las Rosas Conservatory), the Palacio Clavijero and the Colegio de San Nicolás (Saint Nicholas School), where the rector was Father Miguel Hidalgo, the initiator of the Independence of Mexico. Towards the middle of the day, head to the town of Cuitzeo, 30 km (19 mi) north of Morelia, where you can visit the Ex Convento Agustino de Santa María Magdalena (Former Augustinian Convent), in whose interior is housed the Museo de la Estampa (Museum of the Engraving). After that you can continue your trip through the lacustrine area of Pátzcuaro, whose first stop is Quiroga where you can purchase typical handicrafts made of corn stalk dough. The highway will take you along the lakeshore until you reach the town of Pátzcuaro, where you can visit its main tourist attractions: the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Our Lady of Health Basilica), an image created out of corn stalk dough and the Museo de Artes e Industrias Populares (Museum of Arts and Popular Industries) where you can acquaint yourself with the grand variety of handicrafts that are produced in the towns of this state. Finally, head towards the pier and board a boat that will take you to the island of Janitzio, the largest island in the lake of Pátzcuaro.  When you debark, hike to the highest point on the island, where you will find the vantage point and the monumental statue of José Ma. Morelos. Afterwards, descend to the center of the island and look for a restaurant so you can taste a scrumptious sopa tarasca (a special broth with strips of dry guajillo pepper, strips of fried tortillas, cheese, cream, and avocado) and a plate of braised whitefish filet. The state of Michoacán still has many surprises set aside for you to discover!