Morelia

After departing at 7:30 AM from Morelia, enjoy the scenic drive to find a landscape with volcanic mountains and valleys. Later on, the drive goes higher and higher to find the fir trees where the Monarchs winter over 3000 meters above sea level. Found in 1976, thanks to research by Canadian scientist Fred Urquhart, the winter refuge of the monarch butterfly in central Mexico is a real wonder of nature. Declared a UNESCO-protected natural site in 2008, This is the large green area where butterflies that leave Canada & the United States mountain areas in the fall come & hide in the woods of “El Rosario” sanctuary (Michoacan, Mexico), to hibernate from late November to February. Due to their sexual maturing in March, they reproduce a new generation of butterflies that will continue the millennial migration flight to North America; when the spring begins. Well preserved to the present day by WWF & Monarch Watch among other NGOs, the winter homes are now recovering from a seriously reduced number of butterflies from years ago. Don´t let other travelers create histories about the Monarchs; come and enjoy the real wonder of nature with your own eyes; and find yourself in the magical woods of the Monarchs, in central Mexico!

The Day of the Dead (Spanish: el Día de Muertos or el Día de los Muertos) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality. The region of Michoacan it’s reach his heritage celebrating profoundly and traditional those days you are going to be experiencing how they decorate the tombs and how they prepare for the holiday all in one day. We will visit Morelia Pátzcuaro and Janitzio all in one day

The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries are located in the eastern part of the state of Michoacán. We will travel from Morelia to one of the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries, the "El Rosario" Sanctuary. From the entrance to the Sanctuary we will walk a distance of approximately 2 kilometers, the walk takes about 1 hour one way and 1 hour back, but you can walk and tour the Sanctuary at your own pace. Once we arrive to "Los núcleos" (the place where the butterflies are concentrated in the forest) we can stay in that specific area for about 20 minutes. On the way back, at the entrance of the Sanctuary we will have time for you to enjoy the delicious food prepared by the women of the region.

In Tzintzuntzan, discover the old city from pre Columbian times, established around 1250 and how this location became the most important indigenous village populated from pre Hispanic times. In Patzcuaro enjoy the walking city tour to the cobblestoned streets and admire the white walls & tile roofs in this town, established as state capital as of 1534. Try the local gastronomy at lunch break and learn about the way first Bishop Vasco de Quiroga did his best to benefit the local Indigenous population with hospitals, schools and workshops to improve life based on the «Utopia» book by Thomas More. In Santa Clara del Cobre after lunchtime, discover the interesting way the local craftsmen transform a piece of copper into artwork, by hammering! Return to Morelia is programmed by 5 PM, after knowing more about the local culture & traditions.

Three hours from Morelia is located the Chincua Sanctuary, a place where every year the Monarch Butterfly returns, its winter generation "Methuselah", so called because it lives up to 9 months unlike other generations that only live 24 days, and thanks to its great resistance and longevity they fly around 4000km from Canada and northern United States, to the Oyamel forests located in central Mexico where they spend the winter and when spring arrives they carry out their mating, and then return to the north of the continent. Right there, nestled in the mountains are the sanctuaries that are part of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and that care and guarded by nearby communities await us, to safely and respectfully visit their temporary home while enjoying magnificent natural views.

Starting 9 AM, first we will do the boat ride to Janitzio Island to watch the volcanic landscape & meet the fishermen with famous butterfly nets. When the boat ride is over, we do a walk of the city downtown talking about local history, culture & traditions. When doing the walk of the city, many handcraft shops can be found on the way to see the important buildings from the XVI century like the House of the eleven patios, the old Cathedral, The Jesuit College & the main church named Basilica after 1926. Finally, you don´t suppose to miss the ice cream stop to try the local "Pasta" ice cream. As you walk the cobblestoned streets, admire the white walls & tile roofs in the city of Patzcuaro which was a state capital as of 1534. Try the local gastronomy at lunch break and learn about the way first Bishop Vasco de Quiroga did his best to benefit the local indigenous people so they used to call him "Tata Vasco"

We will first visit the city of Quiroga to discover handicrafts from different parts of the state and enjoy the famous carnitas. Our next stop will be the Magical Town of Tzintzuntzan, where we will visit the largest atrium in Latin America and other treasures. The third stop will be in Janitzio, where we will board a boat to cross the peaceful Patzcuaro Lake. Finally, we will visit the Magical Town of Patzcuaro, the first to receive this designation, and we will be dazzled by its beauty.

DAY 1 Departure from Mexico City (Airport, Hotel downtown or Reforma) to QUERETARO, a beautiful colonial city and a spectacular destination. We will have panoramic visits to: the Aqueduct, Mirador, Plaza de la Independencia (Government Palace and Casa López de Ecala), Casa y Plaza de la Corregidora, Teatro de la Republica, Casa de la Corregidora, Teatro de la Republica Corregidora, Teatro de la República, Casa de la Marquesa, St. Clara and St. Agustín Temples, Casa de los Perros... then you will have some free time. We will depart to the town-museum of SAN MIGUEL de ALLENDE with panoramic views of its historic center. Then another free time to wander through its streets, small squares. and to finish the day at the hotel/accommodation. DAY 2 Before leaving you will have an American breakfast to go to DOLORES HIDALGO, we will worship two great icons: Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and José Hidalgo y Costilla and Jose Alfredo Jimenez. We continue to GUANAJUATO, Cultural Patrimony of Humanity. We will visit the San Ramon Mine, Pipila Monument, Funicular, Juarez Theater, Jardines de la Union, University, Callejon del Beso, Hidalgo Market, Alhondiga de Granaditas, we finish the day with your accommodation. DAY 3 Before leaving, you will have an American breakfast to go to MORELIA. Check in at the hotel and free time. In the afternoon, we leave for PÁTZCUARO, Magical Town of Mexico. We have a panoramic tour of: Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Temple and College of the Society of Jesus, the Tabernacle, the House of the Eleven Patios, Andador de Madrigal de las Altas Torres, The Plazas of Vasco de Quiroga and Gertrudis Bocanegra, invite us to stroll among popular scenes and a variety of crafts. Around 7:00 p.m. we return to Morelia. Lodging. DAY 4 Before leaving you will have an American breakfast to go to the last sightseeing tour of Morelia. Last panoramic visit of Morelia, Cultural Patrimony of Humanity: Main Square, Government Palace, Garden and Conservatory of the Roses, Clavijero Palace, Candy Market, Aqueduct, Fountain of the Tarascas, Callejón del Romance, Calzada... Free time. At the end of this beautiful circuit we will return to Mexico City.