Michoacán Travel Guide
The cathedral of Morelia, Michoacan. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Michoacan is one of Mexico's most traditional states: the Purepecha heartland around Lake Patzcuaro, the pink-stone colonial capital Morelia, and the winter home of the monarch butterflies. Day of the Dead here, especially on Janitzio island, is among the most moving in the country.
Morelia's historic center is UNESCO-listed. Patzcuaro is the classic highland town. From November to March, millions of monarchs cluster in the fir forests of the El Rosario and Sierra Chincua sanctuaries.
Destinations in Michoacán
El Rosario sanctuaryMillions of monarch butterflies blanketing the oyamel firs, November to March.
Patzcuaro and JanitzioThe lakeside town and its island, home of the famous Day of the Dead night vigil.
Morelia historic centerThe pink-cantera colonial capital: cathedral, aqueduct and plazas. UNESCO-listed.
Sierra ChincuaThe quieter of the two main sanctuaries, near Angangueo.- TzintzuntzanThe old Purepecha capital with its five circular pyramids (yacatas) above the lake.
Uruapan and the Cupatitzio parkThe national park where the Cupatitzio river is born, in the avocado capital.
Santa Clara del CobreThe copper-working town where artisans hammer the famous cazos.
Hover a state to explore it. Click a city pin to open its guide.
Top Cities & towns in Michoacán
Regional food
- Carnitas from Quiroga: the town that claims Mexico's best
- Corundas and uchepos: Michoacan's distinctive tamales
- Ate moreliano: the quince-paste sweet sold around the cathedral
Getting there
Morelia International (MLM) takes flights from Mexico City and the US. Patzcuaro is an hour by bus from Morelia; the monarch sanctuaries are reached from Zitacuaro or Angangueo, about 3 hours from Morelia.