Photo by Guillermo Aldana Click on the image for larger version

Michoacan has a rich history. The name “Michoacan” comes from the Nahuatl words--michin which means “fish,” hua which means “those who have,” and can which means “place” – because of its abundance of lakes, Michoacan has been called “the land of fishermen.” Michoacan was also the land of the indomitable Tarascan tribe who established themselves in the 12th century and remained undefeated rivals to the Aztecs until the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.

Today, traces of the colonial era can still be found in towns and cities like Morelia, Ucareo, Charo, Cuitzeo and Patzcuaro. The state is dotted with craftsmen’s villages with deeply rooted traditions. Michoacan also offers an astonishing variety of natural attractions, such as camping sites, spas with thermal waters, grottoes, rivers, lagoons, volcanoes such as El Paricutín and the wonderful Monarch butterfly sanctuary in Angangueo.

Photo by Bruce Herman Click on the image for larger version

The picturesque city of Morelia, Michoacan’s capital, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (www.unesco.org) in 1991 for its magnificent architecture and impressive symmetry found in its plazas, gardens and atriums. As the capital of Michoacan, it is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in America, with a well-earned reputation as a regional cultural center that still preserves its structures constructed between the 16th and 19th centuries.

First-time visitors are generally blown away by the elegance of Morelia´s Cathedral and the pink stone material found on the buildings in the historical center. The city´s vice regal architecture in baroque, neoclassical and plateresque styles adorns structures like the Clavijero Palace, the Palacio de Gobierno, the Church of the Society of Jesus and the Church of St. Augustine. The Plaza de Armas (Arms Square) and the Plaza de los Mártires (Martyr’s Square) are two additional sites of historical interest in the city.

In addition to its colonial buildings, churches and former monasteries, the city also offers exciting opportunities to buy world-renowned local handicrafts at lively, folkloric markets. The distinctive pieces are part of the region’s historical legacy and include pottery, ceramic pitchers, plates and punch bowls, all painted with splendid designs. Figures carved out of wood such as masks, saints and crèches are also local specialties, all found at Morelia’s House of Handicrafts –the former convent of San Francisco – one of the best places to buy authentic craftwork.

Patzcuaro is another one of Michoacan’s World Heritage sites nestled in a lush forest on the shores of an extraordinary lake. As the capital of Utopia, the city was founded by Vasco de Quiroga who back then used Patzcuaro to evangelize and defend the Indians, build schools and hospitals and teach the community handicraft mechanisms, still used by local artisans today.

Pine trees, firs and junipers surround the mountainous landscape in Patzcuaro. Small, charming villages, made of wood, adobe and tile, adorn the area and are known for having some of the oldest churches and monasteries in the country. The villages are also notorious for their distinct handicraft work, which includes lacquer, silverwork, pottery, woodcarving, copper, guitars and textiles, depending on the village.

Patzcuaro also offers several impressive architectural structures rich in history and art. The 18th century Casa de los Once Patios, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, are only a few examples of the city’s local beauty. Nearby islands are also worth a visit for a breathtaking tour of the area’s traditions and culture. The Island of Janitzio, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud and the Museum of Popular Arts, where you can buy colorful handicrafts made by the Tarascan Indians, are all renowned for their charming beauty.

Eco-tourists also have a variety of options in Patzcuaro. Approximately 30 miles west lays the city of Uruapan where travelers can visit the Cupatitzio Ravine National Park. The park offers a variety of spectacular sights, including the Tzararacua River, which culminates in a breathtaking 200-foot waterfall, the lava landscape created by the eruption of the Paricutin volcano in 1942, and the 9,200-foot slopes, perfect for mountain climbers. Cycling routes that surround Lake Patzcuaro are also worth visiting – measuring approximately 50 miles in length and leading into charismatic folkloric villages.

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary: The quaint town of Angangueo, with its silver mine and Church of the Inmaculada Concepcion and San Simon, is located at an altitude of 8,000 feet in the mountains close to the eastern border of the state of Michoacan. The sanctuary in this town is one of the most popular butterfly sanctuaries among national and international tourists alike. Organized tours of from two to eight days combine the butterflies with nearby cities of interest.

Michoacan also features miles and miles of undeveloped Pacific coastline between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, ideal for surfing. Top spots include La Ticla, in the northern part of the state and Rivermouth, north of Caleta de Campos.