MEXICO'S SILVER
ROAD
LA PUERTA DEL CAMINO REAL (PART TW0)
"My wife and I just completed Jennifer's Ancient Mysticism and the Maya tour of Chiapas. She did an outstanding job of putting together the itinerary of activities and booking accommodations. There were many highlights on this tour that we would never have known about or had access to if not for her deep knowledge of the area. The tour guide Jaime is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about all aspects of Mexico. The only caution I would make to those considering this tour is that parts of it are somewhat strenuous and would be very difficult for those with mobility issues." - Greg
LA PUERTA DEL CAMINO REAL (PART TWO)
A MESMERIZING GLIMPSE OF MEXICO'S ANCIENT TRADE ROUTES
STARTS: Guadalajara or San Miguel de Allende
ENDS: Guadalajara or San Miguel de Allende
DATES: February 23 - March 5, 2026
DURATION: 10 Nights / 11 Days
PRICES INCLUDE TAXES AND ARE BASED ON COST SHARING. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PRIVATE ROOM FOR 1, THE EXTRA COST IS TBA MXN. PLEASE REQUEST A ROOMMATE, AND WE WILL TRY TO MATCH YOU WITH SOMEONE TO AVOID THIS EXTRA EXPENSE.
6 GUESTS - TBA
7 GUESTS - TBA
8 GUESTS - TBA
9 GUESTS - TBA
10 GUESTS - TBA
11 GUESTS - TBA
12 GUESTS - TBA
INCLUSIONS:
IVA taxes, hotels x 10 nights (double occupancy), breakfasts x 10, lunches x 1, dinners x 1 (drinks and desserts separate), entrance fees for museums, tram car ride, horse back riding & Jeep Willy Ride, private transportation, professional driver & bilingual certified national guide for duration of tour, tips for luggage handlers & hotel staff
Tips for team leaders are discretionary but appreciated.
Would you like a detailed itinerary? Please email Jennifer at coppermoontravels@protonmail.com. We have stopped posting our itineraries in detail due to an issue we had involving someone from abroad who promoted one of our tours as their own. In order to keep our guests safe from online scams, we ask that you please contact us directly.
CURRENCY CONVERTER
TRIP OVERVIEW
Michoacan is fondly named
The Soul of Mexico...
From the pristine oyamel forests that offer their majestic branches to the overwintering monarch butterflies who migrate here for winter, to the different muds harvested from the earth for forming and firing, Michoacan celebrates a diversity of activities to explore. This adventure encompasses art, nature and more for a fun-filled experience that is everything but boring...
for her mountainous terrain
is fertile and abundant...
We begin our journey in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. From there we will move into the P'urepecha Meseta, staying for one night in Paracho. We will spend two nights in and around Patzcuaro before moving to the Christmas town of Tlalpujahua for our day trips to two different Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries. Please contact me for a detailed itinerary at coppermoontravels@protonmail.com
Her artisans are innovative
and prolific...
Michoacan is considered one of Mexico's most productive art states, boasting thousands of artisan studios and entire route throughout the state that is dotted with countless villages each celebrating their own unique medium and style. We will be visiting a number of them for direct purchasing. We will see a variety of pieces handcrafted from red and brown clay, some decorative and many functional, an entire town of shimmering copper from barware to kitchen sinks and bathtubs, several styles of woven or embroidered textiles and more...
her gastronomy is an intangible cultural heritage...
When UNESCO protected Mexican Cuisine as an Intangible cultural heritage, one of the leading factors behind their decision included what is known as The Michoacan Paradigm. Beyond the recipes that end up on the table at mealtime, Mexico's inclusion in this prestigious recognition is inclusive of the community-minded farming rituals and practices, culinary techniques and ancestral traditions pertaining to the community-based growing, preparing and sharing of food. Guests will also learn about the mid-1500's concept of Pueblo Hospital which was brought to the state by Bishop Don Vasco Quiroga, with traditions that remain to this day in select villages. Though we like to offer a varied menu throughout our tours to include some comfort foods familiar to the palettes of our guests, we also include several unique eating experiences with traditional indigenous cooks who will serve you pre-Hispanic cuisine from crops they have cultivated and processed, so you may eat from the land while you are here...
And even her name is about abundance...
Michoacan is a Nahuatl word that translates as "Possessors of Fish." This acknowledgement of the cherished white fish of the lake is a testament to how important this fishery was before the arrival of the Spanish. For those who have heard of Mexico's Butterfly Fishermen, the Lake Patzcuaro region is where they are from...
which we will explore during a boat trip to a very special place...
While in Patzcuaro, we will board a boat and sail to the legendary island of Janitzio. Fishing is the main industry here, but the enchanting staircases that wind their way around the homes and souvenir shops to the highest point are lined with handicrafts and vendors selling Charles and other snacks as this was also one of Mexico's first "tourism" projects, dating back to the 1950's. Touristy and vibrant, Janitzio is also really fun and the views of the lake and surrounding area are stunning...
We will enjoy some moderate nature hikes during three of our day trips...
Even if you decide to horseback ride into the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries, we will still be required to hike to where the colony resides. Please be prepared for some fairly steep inclines at the high altitude of nearly 10,500 feet above sea level. Most of our guests who make this trek are seniors, so unless you have serious health issues, you should be able to handle this hike. If you are concerned about mobility or balance, we recommend packing some collapsible walking sticks.
where you can mount a horse for a scenic trail ride...
Our horseback riding excursions are all optional (so the price is not included), but we also move at a fairly slow pace as the local guides lead them on foot. That said, the terrain at El Rosario and Sierra Chincua have some inclines and steps, with the hilly terrain presenting more challenges. If you haven't ridden before, please be sure to remind us when you are mounting your horse so we can check your stirrups and give you some riding tips, in particular for descending. If you have had a hip replacement or trouble with flexibility, this may not be an appropriate option for you. Please discuss any of your concerns with us before confirming your tour so we can go over the physical challenges of these three excursions. (In total, we will hike for approximately 1.5 hours per hike, if you opt not to ride.)
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
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Sierra Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary with award winning biologist
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El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary with award winning biologist
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San Felipe Zirahuato Archaeological Site
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Pueblo Magico Paracho de Verduzco
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Pueblo Magico Patzcuaro
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Pueblo Magico Santa Clara del Cobre
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Pueblo Magico Tlalpujahua
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Burnished Pottery of Tonala
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Ceramics of Ocumicho, Patamban and San Jose de Gracia
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Backstrap Weavers of Ahuiran, Aranza and Angahuan
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Deshilados Embroidery of San Felipe de los Herreros
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Copper Art of Santa Clara del Cobre
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Catrina Dolls of Capula
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Pottery studio in Guanajuato
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Handblown Glass Ornaments of Tlalpujahua
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"Invite a Monarch to Lunch" Lecture
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Lecture about Monarch Habitats and Gardens
This trip is accessible from anywhere in the world...
This tour starts in Tlaquepaque for easy arrival at the Guadalajara Airport. We will conclude in Mexico City for easy navigation home. If you are returning to the Guadalajara or San Miguel de Allende region following this tour, please ask us about private transportation from the resort in Jungapeo, as this would save you the extra trip to Mexico City....
We also recommend arriving early and leaving late if it's your first time....
Both Guadalajara and Mexico City are full of fascinating museums, galleries, sites and history to explore. If it's your first time to either of these cities, and you have the time, we highly recommend arriving early and leaving late! Please ask us for some tips - we can even recommend some guides if you would like a private day tour.
QUESTIONS?
Please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer if you have any questions or would like to schedule this tour at a different time for a private group.
Email: coppermoontravels@protonmail.com
WhatsApp: +52 443 639 2782 (Please text first)