Best things to do in Michoacán

Michoacan de Ocampo Essentials

Michoacán de Ocampo features a diverse landscape ranging from the UNESCO-listed colonial architecture of Morelia to the volcanic terrain of Parícutin. This selection highlights the region's historical depth, including the pre-Columbian Purépecha archaeological sites of Tzintzuntzan and Ihuatzio. It also covers the state's natural phenomena, such as the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, alongside cultural hubs like Santa Clara del Cobre and the island of Janitzio. Historical landmarks dedicated to independence leader José María Morelos provide insight into Mexico's revolutionary past.

Michoacan de Ocampo Essentials — Map

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Museo de Arte Colonial

Housed in an 18th-century building, this museum displays a significant collection of colonial-era religious art. It is particularly noted for its rare 'Cristos' crafted from traditional Purépecha corn cane paste.

AlejandroLinaresGarcia / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Historic Center of Morelia

Admire the historical city center with a number of buildings which are real architectural gems. A stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ana Lucette / CC-BY-SA

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Aqueduct

This stone aqueduct from the end of the 18th century will charm you with its beautiful arches. A great place for a day or night stroll.

Luis Avalos / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site containing most of the overwintering sites of the eastern population of…

AlejandroLinaresGarcia / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Ruinas del Santuario del Señor de los Milagros

The remains of a 19th-century church partially buried by lava during the 1943 eruption of the Parícutin volcano. The altar and tower stand as the only surviving structures of the former village of San Juan Parangaricutiro.

Thelmadatter / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Santa Clara del Cobre

Santa Clara del Cobre is a Magical town and municipality located in the center of the state of Michoacán, Mexico, 18 km from Pátzcuaro and…

Sachavir / CC BY 3.0

G

Janitzio Island

Isla de Janitzio is the largest of five islands in Lake Pátzcuaro in the state of Michoacán, Mexico.The town of Janitzio, which means …

Photo K. Segerstrom, U.S. Geological… / Public domain

H

Paricutin Volcano

Parícutin is a cinder cone volcano located in the Mexican state of Michoacán, near the city of Uruapan and about 322 kilometers west of…

Thelmadatter / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Tzintzuntzan Archeological Site

Tzintzuntzan was the ceremonial center of the pre-Columbian Purépecha capital of the same name.

Madman2001 / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Ihuatzio

Ihuatzio is an archeological site in Michoacán state, Mexico. It is at the southern slopes of Cerro Tariaqueri, just north of the Ihuatzio…

Gail Fisher / CC BY 2.0

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Basilica of Our Lady of Health

Visit this unique yet unfinished cathedral dating back to the 16th century and admire the beauty of its interior.

Cocojorgemedina / Public domain

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House of Culture

A cultural center located in an imposing building dating back to the 17th century. See concerts, join workshops or admire exhibitions.

VeoKenxiz / CC BY-SA 3.0

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House of Handicrafts

A museum run by public cultural organisation, housing folk art and craft as well as a shop, where you can buy traditional hand-made goods.

Zakoo / CC-BY-SA

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Morelos House Museum

A former house and a museum of Mexican revolutionist José María Morelos who was executed in 1815.

Gabriel Rodríguez López / Public domain

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Birth House of Jose Maria Morelos

The house where the revolutionary leader Jose Maria Morelos was born. Nowadays this Neoclassical building serves as a library and museum.

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