|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Michoacán: where nature, cuisine and culture come together
The coast of Michoacán is quite unlike the rest of the Pacific shore of Mexico. In its neighbouring states, you will find the very popular beach destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Riviera Nayarit, which boast some of the most extensive range of tourism facilities in the country. Michoacán, on the other hand has a quiet and mostly undeveloped coastline. From the town of Lázaro Cárdenas up, a series of beaches are bound to please the sun-seeking nature lovers.
Those looking for a very relaxing stay in a small-scale hotel right on an unspoiled beach will be at home in Playa Azul, Caleta de Campos and Faro de Bucerías.
Maruata, Ixtapilla, Colola, Zapote de Tizupan, and Pichilinguillo are yet another series of beach, quieter than average on the Pacific shore, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. They welcome you with rustic style palapas, where the palm tree roofing and wooden walls will take you back to the essential: the sun, the beach and the communion with nature. |
|
|
In Playa Calabazas, divers can admire the Betula, Norvegian ship that sunk in the bay, while playful pelicans fly about in groups.
The specialty of the coast of Michoacán is lobster, which you can enjoy in beaches like Manzanillera and Faro de Bucerías, freshly off the boat of local fishermen.
The beaches of Michoacán retain to this day most of the natural charm of their recent past as a quiet fishing harbour. The Michoacán coast also features some excellent surf destinations, such as La Ticla and Nexpa, where the Pacific Ocean offers some of its best waves to the adrenalin-addicts.
But Michoacán is also haven of diversity. State capital Morelia boasts a UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, where the colonial architecture of Mexico is carefully preserved. The whole state is also famous as a major inspiration for the national cuisine. Gourmets will delight at the local and regional specialties, such as carnitas a la michoacana (roasted pork shoulder) and Lake Pátzcuaro white fish. Many restaurants in Morelia offer their own modern interpretations of the great classics, and give new Mexican twists to international staples. |
|
|
|
In the Lake Pátzcuaro area, the picturesque villages on the islands are a definitive must-see for all those looking for discoveries. The native Purepecha have retained a great part of the ways of their ancestors, a situation most visible on celebration days when the syncretism between the European and pre-Hispanic traditions is patent.
The Native communities of the area recently joined together, in association with the Secretariat of Tourism of the state of Michoacán, to form the Ruta Don Vasco de Quiroga. It comprises 15 municipalities and 40 communities, where 63% of the Native population of the state of Michoacán resides. This network of tourism infrastructure and services makes the locals able to introduce visitors to genuine aspects of their traditional culture without trading in quality standards. Their office of tourism is based in Santa Fe de la Laguna.
If in Michoacán during the winter months, be sure to pay a visit to El Rosario or Sierra Chincua, the two Monarch butterfly reserves that are opened to the public from November 17th to March 21st. This snowbird of an insect travels thousands of kilometres every year, between eastern Canada and US and Michoacán. The spectacle of the colourful butterfly gathered by the tens of thousands on the trees and plants of the natural park is truly amazing, and was recognized last summer as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO. |
|
|
|
Morelia International Airport receives major airlines such as Continental, Mexicana and Aeroméxico. Thanks to the growing demand of tourists, there are now many quality hotels, inns and villas ready to welcome visitors. Furthermore, over 200 travel agencies and tour operators are present in the area, and can organize tours with professional guides who will take you to the heart of the fascinating culture of Michoacán.
You can contact them through the following link:
www.turismomichoacan.gob.mx/p_agencia.php
The Secretariat of Tourism of Michoacán presents in its locals until March 31st an exhibition titled Sanctuary, A different approach to the Monarch butterfly. (Santuario. Un acercamiento distinto a la mariposa monarca). Coming back from Paris where it is said to have played a large role in the designation of the sanctuaries as World Heritage sites, this multimedia exhibition is not to be missed.
For more information about the state of Michoacán and its attractions, visit:
www.visitmexico.com/wb/Visitmexico/Visi_Michoacan or contact turgaleria@michoacan.gob.mx , tel: 01-800-450-2300, 01-800-830-5363, toll-free long distance.
For more information about the town of Morelia, visit:
www.visitmorelia.com/ingles/Asp/
Typical gastronomy of Michoacán:
www.ecoadventuremexico.com/michoacan/artesanias%20y%20gastronomia.htm
Restaurants in the state of Michoacán, please visit:
www.tesorosmichoacan.com/ |
|
|
|
 |
Planning a trip to Mexico?
Want to know more about what Mexico has to offer?
Call the Mexico Tourism Board at 1-800-44-MEXICO or visit our website. You may also contact our Canadian office at the corresponding number below:
| Toll-Free: 1-866-895-5297 |
|
|
 |
|
|
