Monarch Butterlies

7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS MOTORCOACH / ALL INCLUSIVE - LAND ONLY

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Mexican state of Michoacán is a land of intense natural beauty with mountains, rolling hills, crystal blue lakes, lush green valleys, winding rivers, wild flowers and pine trees. It’s unlike any Mexico you have ever imagined in the past. The state has few large cities, but rather an eclectic collection of small villages and towns that have remained locked in time since the 1800s. The Spanish colonial influence is powerful and the indigenous heritage rich and prominent.

Michoacán is also the premiere place in the world to witness nature’s grandeur. Each year, over 100 million monarch butterflies migrate from the US and Canada to spend the winter in the easternmost part of Michoacán. Between November and March, the butterfly sanctuaries are a total sensory experience. The trees come to life in black and orange as the millions of wings pulsate in harmony.

Morelia, the capital city, stands as the centerpiece of the state. Founded in 1541, after centuries of Spanish rule, it is known as the “Aristocrat of the Colonial Cities.” It is the quintessence of 17th and 18th century Spanish colonial style and proudly displays its regal cathedrals and masterfully restored downtown area. The feeling is distinctly European. Morelia’s wide boulevards and cozy squares are lined with chic cafes filled with students, artists and a community of retired Americans who have come to enjoy the cities educational and cultural centers.

An hour or so outside of Morelia is the amazing town of Pátzcuaro. Resting 7,250 feet in elevation in the foothills of the Sierra Madre on the tranquil shores of Lake Pátzcuaro (one of the highest lakes in the world), this was the 16th century capital of Michoacán and is still home to the Purépecha Indians. Frozen in time, the local Indians still fish, farm and present their crafts in vibrant markets just as they have for centuries. Jumbled, narrow cobblestone streets frame colorful town squares and single story white washed houses with red tile roofs. It has a magic all its own.

Venturing about ten miles northeast of Pátzcuaro, you’ll encounter the subtle charisma of Tzintzuntzan (tseen-TSOON-tzahn). Located on a terrace overlooking the eastern shore of the lake, this is the ancient capital of the Purépecha kingdom. It’s worth a visit to this simple yet interesting archeological site to see how carefully fitted stone blocks support the ruins of five temples. Tzintzuntzan is also well known for its straw and ceramic handicrafts made by the Purépecha.

Not much further up the road, you’ll be serenaded by the somehow melodic sound of hammers pounding copper in the crisp mountain air. Santa Maria del Cobre has been a center for the copper arts since before the conquest. The town square is incredible by itself and holds its own as a “must see” even you don’t want to buy copper. Though the mines of that existed during the pre-Conquest times are long gone, the local artisans continue to create each magnificent piece of art by hand.

DAY 1 – To Guadalajara
Arrive in Guadalajara this evening. Transfer to the Hotel de Mendoza for overnight. (D)

DAY 2 – Guadalajara and Patzcuaro
Breakfast at the hotel this morning, then a tour of the historical center of Guadalajara. This is the country’s second largest city and is known as the “city of roses.” Extremely sophisticated and well preserved, Guadalajara is a wonderful mixture of parks, fountains, plazas, rustic churches and tree-lined boulevards. In addition to the museums, galleries and other cultural offerings, the shopping here is unsurpassed. Lunch at a local restaurant before our departure to Patzcuaro. Dinner and overnight at the Don Vasco hotel. (B-L-D)

DAY 3 – Patzcuaro and Morelia
This morning we will visit the city of Patzcuaro, former capital of the Tarascan Indian kingdom. The city sits on a rise above the shores of Lake Patzcuaro. Its cobblestone streets, small plazas, ancient churches and whitewashed houses with red tile roofs have become signatures of this town known for its famous artisans. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will depart for Morelia. This afternoon we will take you around this wonderful capital city. We will visit the Plaza de Los Martires, the Barroquial/neoclassic cathedral, the candy market, and other interesting points throughout the city. Dinner and overnight in Patzcuaro. (B-L-D)

DAY 4 – Angangueo
After breakfast we leave for a short ride to the mountains outside Patzcuasro to the “Reserva de Las Monarcas” where millions of butterflies spend winter in Mexico after migrating from Canada and the United States. We will move throughout the reserve to experience as much of this phenomenon as possible. We will have a picnic lunch before our return to the city of Psatzcuaro. Our included dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B-L-D)

DAY 5 – Santa Clara del Cobre
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Santa Clara del Cobre, a lovely town that has been the center for copper work since before the Spanish conquistadors arrived. The sound of hammers pounding copper into different shapes echoes everywhere as the crafters offer their fine selections of napkin rings, flower vases, pitchers and whatever you have in mind . Enjoy lunch today in the town of Zirahuen. Return to our hotel in Pátzcuaro for dinner and overnight. (B-L-D)

DAY 6 – Tzintzuntzan and Quiroga
Today our first visit will be to a small village located on the shores of Lake Psatzcuaro that once was the capital of the powerful Tarascan Indians. The area is one of the largest providers of hand-painted pottery in Mexico. We will also visit the archaeological site of Yacatas and the 16th century Franciscan convent of Santa Ana. Then to Quiroga, another small village on the north shore of the lake and noted for the craft shops amply stocked with regional products. This evening we return to Guadalajara, our farewell dinner will be at a local restaurant. (B-L-D)

DAY 7 – Guadalajara and Home
Today breakfast at the hotel and a morning tour to Tlaquepaque. Tlaquepaque is a suburb of Guadalajara known for its fantastic shopping and the original home of Mariachi music. This afternoon we will stroll through the pedestrian mall full of stores, galleries and restaurants that occupy mansions dating from the 17th and 20th centuries. This is your last chance for some great handicraft shopping.

Michoacan and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary