Michoacán and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

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.

Immerse yourself in a destination that is more than you ever expected…

an outdoor experience, a historical gold mine and plenty of eco-tourism.  

Tour Begins in Mexico City

DAY 1 – Mexico City & Zitacuaro

After your arrival to Mexico City airport, we will take a short drive to the city of Zitacuaro in the state of Michoacán and check in at the Villa Monarca hotel. Welcome dinner and overnight (D)

DAY 2 – Butterfly Sanctuary

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary and learn about this little lepidopteron which travels more than 4000 KM to breed.  Here this butterfly finds excellent conditions in regards of the temperature and vegetation for its hibernation and reproduction. Picnic box lunch and return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.  (B L D)

DAY 3 - Zitacuaro

Today we will learn about the filigree silver and goldsmith artisans in Zitacuaro.  We will also visit the San Francisco Coatepec old church that was build in 1535, the Poinsettia nurseries in San Felipe de los Alzati, and finishing the day at the archeological site of Zirahuato. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.  Depending of our success on the Butterfly Sanctuary, we may modify itinerary by spending the morning at the butterflies depending on how lucky we were on our visit on day 2.   Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.  (B L D)

DAY 4 – Morelia-Patzcuaro & Native Villages

After early breakfast at the hotel, our program today calls for a visit to the city of Morelia, capital of the state of Michoacán.  This city was founded in 1541 and it is a well preserved colonial city and recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  Many of Morelia’s downtown streets are lined with colonial buildings and looks nearly as Spanish as it did before the Independence. We will continue our tour to some of the villages situated along the Patzcuaro Lake.  Our first stop will be Quiroga, a place to shop for arts and crafts like brightly painted wooden products, leatherwork, wool sweaters, blankets and much more. After lunch we will depart to Tzintzuntzan; here we will visit the ex-convent of San Francisco built by Franciscan missionaries in the 16th century. We arrive at Patzcuaro, a true colonial gem. After a tour of the village, we check in at the hotel Posada de Don Vasco.    (B L D)

DAY 5 –Mexico City

After breakfast we depart to Mexico City, stopping at the magical town of Tlapajahua, where they make the world famous Christmas ornaments and quarry stone artifacts.  Arrive at Mexico City and check in at the Hotel Camino Real for our farewell dinner and overnight. (B L D)

DAY 6

Breakfast at the hotel and check in at your flight that will return you home. (B)

Tour includes 3-nights hotel Villa Monarca, 1-night Posada de Don Vasco, 1-night hotel Camino Real, all sightseeing as per itinerary, all meals as per itinerary, baggage handling, visit to the Monarch Sanctuary and tour director.

*Please note that this tour requires long and strenuous walking and you must be in good health.

Call us at 602-276-9008

Synergy Tours & Cruises

2320 E. Baseline Rd. Ste 148 - 468 Phoenix, Arizona 85042-6951

mike@SynergyTours.com    Registration form