Mexico Cultural Butterfly Tour

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Come with us as we discover the “Real Mexico”

One week tour option.

This weeklong excursion takes you from the bustling Michoacan capital city of Morelia to the time-forgotten town of Angahuan. We will marvel at mother nature’s fury at the Paricutin Volcano and her tranquility in the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries. The diversity of the State of Michoacan allows us to offer you something completely different each day.

SATURDAY

Arrive in Morelia, a ‘UNESCO’ World Heritage Site and transfer to 16th century downtown hotel.

SUNDAY

Visit Angahuan, a Purepechan indigenous community. On horseback (extra charge) or on foot visit the lava fields of Mexico’s most recent volcano, Paricutin (1943-1952). Marvel at the power of nature that filled the valley with lava except for the cathedral which still stands today.  Trail horses are available through local guides.

By way of contrast, a stroll through Parque National Eduardo Ruiz waterfall park with its crystal clear waters in a tropical setting is the perfect ending to your day. Overnight in a hotel at the foot of the mountains overlooking Uruapan.

MONDAY

This morning we will turn our clocks back 100 years as we visit a textile manufacturing facility established in 1896 where fibers are hand dyed and woven on manually operated looms. Before arriving in Patzcuaro in the afternoon, we will stop to explore Tingambato – a small archaeological site in an avocado orchard setting. This site has all the elements of other larger ancient civilization locations, but its location and a architectural details make it a particularly interesting site.

Overnight in Patzcuaro.

TUESDAY

Small towns in Michoacan sustain themselves as as artisans – wood carvers, coppersmiths, stone carvers, and potters.  We will visit Santa Clara del Cobre where we will be invited to watch (and  assist) as craftsmen, using methods handed down from past generations, turn scrap wire and copper pipe into beautiful pots, trays and jewelery.  Their method is unique in the world as their beautiful pieces are made from a single piece of copper with no welding.

Overnight in Morelia.

WEDNESDAY

Guided tour of Morelia, Queen of the Colonial Cities – cathedral, aqueduct, fountains and 16th century architecture.  Overnight downtown Morelia.

THURSDAY

This morning we will drive through the picturesque countryside into the wintering site of the Monarch Butterflies. The mature fir trees high in the hills are a spectacular setting for the millions of butterflies that make these forests their sanctuary each year. We will enter our first sanctuary around 11 a.m.  A moderate level of fitness is required to access the monarch butterfly sanctuaries. Accompanied trail horses are available through local guides.

After a light lunch, we will travel to the city of Zitacuaro for over night.

FRIDAY

We will visit a much less touristed monarch butterfly sanctuary today. Access by horseback is also an option here. The hike into the sanctuary offers magnificent scenery but nothing can compare with the breath-taking sight as millions of monarch butterflies cascade and fill the air. This is truly magical!

We will enjoy a fresh trout lunch at the base of the mountain.

Return to Morelia for overnight.

SATURDAY

Transfer to the bus terminal or the airport in Morelia for your trip home

Inclusions

• Pick up and drop off at the airport in Morelia
• All ground transportation in late model, full size air conditioned van or bus
• All hotels, Breakfast daily
• Two lunches
• One dinner
• Full time services of Rocamar Tour guide
• All entrance fees, road tolls and Mexican taxes

See our upcoming tours for availability or contact us for available weeks.