Mexico Cultural Butterfly Tour
Come with us as we discover the "Real Mexico". 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 16 th 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. 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 Uruapan's best 4 star hotel.
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 orchard setting. This site has all the elements of other larger ancient civilization locations. Overnight off the main square in Patzcuaro.
TUESDAY - Small towns in Michoacan sustain themselves as wood carvers, coppersmiths, stone carvers, and potters. We will visit Santa Clara del Cobre where we will be invited to watch, or assist, as craftsmen, using methods handed down from past generations, turn scrap wire into beautiful copper pots, trays and jewellery. The afternoon will be spent at the reforestation nurseries of Jose Luis Alvarez. Jose has developed a network of sponsors interested in preserving and reforesting the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries.  Overnight in Morelia.
WEDNESDAY - Guided tour of Morelia, Queen of the Colonial Cities - cathedral, aqueduct, fountains and 16 th 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. We will enter our first sanctuary around 11 a.m. A moderate level of fitness is required to access the monarch butterfly sanctuaries. Overnight in the city of Zitacuaro.
FRIDAY - We will visit a less touristed sanctuary today. Access by horseback is 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 before returning 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 or bus station in Morelia
All ground transportation in late model, full size air conditioned van
All hotels, Breakfast daily
Full time services of Rocamar Tour guide
All entrance fees, road tolls and Mexican taxes
