Top 5 Morelia Day Tours: Find Your Perfect Adventure

Morelia, that beautiful colonial city in Michoacán, Mexico, well, it’s a fantastic base for exploring the area, you know? You’ve got amazing architecture, terrific food, and just a super vibe there, alright? So, I figured I’d put together a little guide on the top five day tours you can do from Morelia, each with a slightly different flavor, so to speak. That way you can soak up the region’s rich culture and its amazing landscapes.

1. Patzcuaro and Janitzio Island Tour

Okay, first up is Patzcuaro. And really, Patzcuaro is almost like stepping back in time, is that something you’d be into? It’s a captivating town just about an hour’s drive west of Morelia. Now, the main draw here? It’s really beautiful Patzcuaro Lake, with its iconic fishermen using those butterfly nets that are really something. Those are, so I’m told, incredibly unique.

When you arrive in Patzcuaro, really, get ready to meander the cobblestone streets. Just soak it all up. They’re lined with these, you know, gorgeous colonial buildings that feature red-tile roofs. Be sure you make time for the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud. You know, that’s where you’ll get a sense for the area’s deeply rooted religious history, right?

And then there’s Janitzio Island. Oh, Janitzio is that island right smack in the middle of Lake Patzcuaro. Very picturesque, to be honest. What you do, too, is take a boat to the island. Along the way the local fishermen will offer demonstrations of their traditional butterfly nets. Great photo ops. Then you can climb up to the monument of José María Morelos, one of the heroes of the Mexican Independence, yes? You will get fantastic panoramic views from the top.

When is the best time to do this? It would likely be Day of the Dead, “Día de los Muertos,” late October or early November. Patzcuaro, really, it becomes a center of celebrations, with candlelit vigils, ornate altars, and lots of cultural events. Seeing the island, it really adds a unique, special, maybe unforgettable touch.

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2. Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries

Okay, now for something absolutely remarkable: The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries. These sanctuaries are, to be sure, like nothing you’ve experienced, you know? Every year, literally millions of monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the US down to the oyamel fir forests of Michoacán, just for the winter. Yeah, their arrival is really like a miracle, and something everyone should witness. So, almost an actual wonder.

There are a number of sanctuaries close enough to Morelia for day trips. You know, the most visited might be Sierra Chincua and El Rosario. And so, before you head out, know this: the best time to visit? Between November and March. That way you’re guaranteed to see the butterflies.

When you get to the sanctuaries you’ll probably be hiring local guides. And they’re quite helpful and they provide a wealth of information, almost an invaluable education on the butterflies. After that, you hike or even horseback ride to the spots where the butterflies cluster on trees, so pretty. It’s not easy: Altitude can be a challenge and the trails could be steep. Be certain you’re in reasonable physical condition before you sign up. Really, too, it’s best to come prepared with water, snacks, and comfortable shoes for that trek.

Standing amongst these incredible swarms of butterflies? Almost spiritual. The sound of literally millions of wings is really something and something special. Plus, is that butterflies are vital to our ecosystem? By seeing this firsthand you know you will get an all-new sense of the environment. And so it will change, in a way, your entire perspective on the natural world.

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3. Santa Clara del Cobre & Zirahuen Lake

Fancy a little art, craft and recreation? A terrific day trip, in that case, would likely be Santa Clara del Cobre, then on to Zirahuen Lake, yes? Santa Clara del Cobre is, really, a town noted for its traditional copper craftsmanship. It’s more or less globally recognized for it. Artisans hand-hammer copper into incredible pots, vases, and all kinds of decorative items. It’s amazing to visit workshops and learn how to hammer copper, and buy some stuff as gifts. And those presents will be so unique.

Now Zirahuen Lake, is that somewhere that looks very different? It is. It’s not super far from Santa Clara. So it’s easy to mix the two in just a single day trip. The lake’s almost got like an emerald color. That happens thanks to the surrounding forests. Many say it’s Michoacán’s most stunning lake. And really, you can find great little spots around the lake for hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining. Yeah, it’s almost a fantastic place to take photos.

Visiting Santa Clara lets you see what old world arts and crafts looks like. Zirahuen Lake really offers a serene natural contrast. Also, both destinations, too, are fairly budget-friendly. In this way you’ll see Michoacán’s diverse attractions without costing too much cash.

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4. Cuitzeo Lake & Archaeological Site

Alright, so this one’s a little more off-the-beaten path, it might be interesting, too: The Cuitzeo Lake. Cuitzeo Lake, this very expansive salt lake located, more or less, north of Morelia, might be right up your alley.

Cuitzeo, so I’m told, is Mexico’s second-largest lake. And yeah, it’s a bit of a drive. Now, the landscape here is quite stark, particularly in the dry season as water recedes. Many say it has, almost, an otherworldly appearance. Along the causeway across the lake you get cool mirages and photograph opportunities.

Near the lake is an archeological dig called Tres Cerritos, or three small hills. And Tres Cerritos? Tres Cerritos used to be a significant pre-Hispanic ceremonial center tied in with the area. While perhaps it’s not as grandiose, so I’m told, as, you know, Teotihuacan or Chichen Itza, it still adds layers. This way you get to examine the background story and see how this region evolved way before the Spanish people arrived.

If you’re thinking about landscape photos or if pre-Hispanic digs kind of get you going? Cuitzeo will really supply you something unusual for you to mull over and absorb, and the chance to step away from places way too touristy. This day tour, if that’s you, offers something so very peaceful and reflective that will make for a special journey.

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5. Quiroga and Tzintzuntzan Tour

And so finally there is this suggestion, really: How about a trip through Quiroga and Tzintzuntzan? Quiroga’s a little city which offers amazing shopping. Then you head over to Tzintzuntzan with its superb history. That might almost make for a nice blending of fun things.

Quiroga, yes, this location? Well, it might well be called “tianguis town” It’s really popular because its marketplace that’s loaded to the gills with stuff coming directly out of Michoacán, ok? Oh you are thinking of souvenirs? Then plan on haggling so that you can buy garments, leather items or home-made foodstuff.

Then off to Tzintzuntzan, literally capital city from long ago to a famous old tribe called the Purépecha empire. Visit this dig with old platforms or “yacatas.” You can look down right from there to get great Lake Patzcuaro outlooks. That will almost feel very peaceful indeed.

Mixing industry with relics makes exploring more complete, that’s for certain. When you want tangible bits about Mexican culture, here is where those reside. Be certain that you will enjoy every single thing you go through here during your exploration. Then the stuff you learn will keep inspiring folks traveling later on. This makes a solid combo deal.

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So, what do you think? There is, really, a tour for everyone close to the amazing town called Morelia. Do any one or all, you might like something.

Read our full review: Morelia Full Review and Details