This state is considered as one of the most beautiful and picturesque in Mexico because of the many villages located either in the region of Morelia, the capital, or in the region of Pátzcuaro.
Take the time to visit the following villages :

Capula
This village is located 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Morelia on the road to Quiroga. It is famous for its hand painted clay pottery.

Charo
In this village, located 24 km (15 miles) from Morelia, there is an Agustinian convent of plateresque style. It was built in 1578. There are still religious murals. Inside, you can venerate the Christ of the Lamp. Charo is the place where took place, on October 19, 1810, at the beginning of the War of independence, the famous meeting between Hidalgo and Morelos.

Chucándiro
It is located 51km (32 miles) from Morelia on the road to Salamanca, or 19 km (12 miles) from the connection to Cuitzeo. In this village, you can visit the Ex-convent of San Nicolás Tolentino and the Chapel of the Hospital of the Conception, both dating from the sixteenth century.
Among the natural beauties, there are "Los Baños" (the Baths), hot springs with curative properties and "Tanimireche", a cold water spring in the shape of a small lake ( with a 1.5 km or 1 mile diameter) before converting into a river. There combine into a small but rich ecological reserve.


Cuitzeo
Located 34 km (21 miles) from Morelia on the road to Salamanca, the lake of Cuitzeo (partially dried) is famous for the delicious "charal" (small fish in Mexico) that can be prepared in many ways. At the top of the village is the Agustinian Ex-convent of Santa María Magdalena, the most beautiful in the state because of its awesome plateresque architecture dating from the sixteenth century. The facade is adorned with angels and vegetable designs. Nowadays, it houses the Museo de la Estampa, $29. Its beautiful two-level cloister is surrounded by carved archways. 2 km (1.2 miles) further is the archaeological zone "Tres Cerritos" (three hills). Open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM, $29. Cuitzeo is one of the magic villages "Pueblos Mágicos".

Click here to display the selection of photos about Cuitzeo

Jeráhuaro y Ucareo
These two picturesque villages are located 60 km (37 miles) from Morelia and 20 km (12 miles) from Zinapécuaro. They have similar properties concerning the climate, flora, fauna, fruit production, people, customs and traditions. The "Festival Cultural Frutícola" (Fruit Cultural Festival) and "La Feria de la Pera" (Pear Fair) are held in late July. There is, in Ucareo, an Augustinian Ex-convent dating from1555.

Parque Nacional Morelos
You reach it via the old road to Mexico City called "Mil Cumbres" (One thousand summits). It is located 23 km (17 miles) from Morelia. This is a wooded place with many creeks, ideal for camping, picnicking and horse riding.

San Nicolás Obispo
This small village is located 8 Km west from Morelia. The main attraction is the temple dating from the sixteenth century which displays a « tejamanil » and a baroque altar piece. The villagers make "molcajetes" and "metates" with volcanic rocks.

Santa María de Guido
This is a small typical village south of Morelia. If you go up to Jesús del Monte, you will find a lookout with a complete panoramic view of Morelia.

Teremendo
In this small typical village located 25 km (18 miles) from Morelia, the artisans tan the leather. (There is a small leather business). "La Alberca" (the swimming pool), lake formed in the crater of a volcano, is another attraction.

Yuriria
This small village located 35 km (21 miles) north of Cuitzeo, owns a plateresque Agustinian Convent dating from 1560. It is an exception in this region with baroque buildings. The facade of three orders is adorned with vegetable designs. Its beautiful cloister with Gothic arches captures the admiration of the visitors.


Map of the state :