Native Trails MyTrails 2025 172 Michoacán 1 City tour Jiquilpan Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy Jiquilpan is famous as the birthplace of two future presidents: Anastasio Bustamante, who is mainly known for the French-Mexican “pastry war” of 1838, and Lázaro Cárdenas, who nationalized the railroads and oil companies in 1938. You take a walk through the town with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses with cherrycolored roofs, small squares, and architectonically impressive churches. A sight not to be missed is the murals by José Clemente Orozco in the library. In spring, Jiquilpan is colored violet by the many blooming jacaranda trees – a ravishing sight, still enhanced by the pleasant scent the flowers emanate. 2 Visit of the Santuario de Guadalupano Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy You visit the Santuario Guadalupano that was dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe only in 1989. Its floor space of 5,414.58-m² (58,283-sq. ft.) – together with the towers of 107.5 m (352.7 ft.) – makes it one of the biggest Neo-Gothic cathedrals in the world. Its construction was already started in 1898 (after the diocese had been founded in 1862), but crises and civil wars led to a more than 70-year halt; among the most dramatic of such conflicts was the “Cristiada”, the fight of faithful Catholics against the anticlerical constitution of 1917 that led to the death of over 100,000 people. Only on 12 December 2008 could “the Unfinished” be inaugurated. 3 Visit of the picturesque mining town of Tlalpujahua Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy Tlalpujahua, a Pueblo Mágico, is a picturesque mining town best known today for its handcrafted Christmas ornaments. In addition to visiting one of its famous glassblowing workshops, the Church of the Virgen del Carmen, the Zócalo, and Plaza Borda, your tour takes you to the Museo Tecnológico Minero del Siglo XIX, located in the historic Las Dos Estrellas Mine. A particular highlight is the Iglesia Enterrada del Carmen, whose ruins serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating 1937 mudslide. A visit to this partially buried church offers a striking insight into the region’s history. Until 1959, gold and silver were extracted here, and around 1900, the mine employed over 5,000 workers. A fascinating destination that brings Tlalpujahua’s past to life. 4 City Walk through Morelia Duration: 02:30 h · Level: Easy The university town of Morelia was founded in 1541. Your tour starts in the church Santuario de Nuestra Señora. You then take the Calzada Fray Antonio of San Miguel, a pedestrian zone created in 1732, to stroll to the center of Morelia. During your walk, there are many opportunities to see the famous aqueduct, a 253-arch structure about 2,000 m (c. 6,500 ft.) long. Your tour ends with a visit of the candy museum, the Casa de las Artesanías, and the cathedral. 5 Visit the monarch butterflies Duration: 06:00 h · Level: Medium After consultation with the competent park rangers, you are today going to visit either the Santuario El Rosario or the Santuario Chincua in the east of Michoacán (mid-November to end of February). Thousands and thousands of butterflies in constant motion will just leave you breathless. A sonorous hum of the wings fills the air. 6 Visit to the Catrinas of Capula Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy In the picturesque suburb of Morelia, Capula, renowned for its exquisite Catrinas, experience firsthand how these delicate clay figurines are crafted in local workshops. Catrinas, elegant skeleton figures with intricately painted faces and elaborate dresses, are a central symbol of the Día de los Muertos, reflecting the Mexican view of death as a festive and humorous part of life. Skilled artisans demonstrate the entire process – from shaping the clay to meticulously painting each detail. Afterwards, a stroll through the Mercado de Artesanías is well worth it, where a stunning variety of handcrafted Catrinas, ceramics, and traditional pottery is on display. 7 Visit of the luthiers of Paracho Duration: 02:30 h · Level: Easy While in Mexico, any guitar lover who hears someone play the guitar or talk about guitars will inevitably think of Paracho. Along the main street, you will find guitar shops with hundreds and even thousands of guitars at all prices. During your
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzIxMzY3Mw==