MONARCH BUTTERFLIES & ART COLLECTION
TO MICHOACAN WITH LOVE
"What sets this tour company apart from others is the vision of the owner. She and her colleagues share a deep love for Mexico, especially Michoacan. The tours I have been on have been spectacular; the guide's excitement is infectious. Did I mention I'll be back for more? Yes, of course!"
- Sarah (To Michoacan With Love 2022)
TO MICHOACAN WITH LOVE
AN ECLECTIC EXPLORATION OF MICHOACAN'S CUISINE, HANDICRAFTS, HISTORY & NATURE
STARTS: Tlaquepaque, Jalisco Mexico
ENDS: Mexico City | Guadalajara | Queretaro | San Miguel
DATES: January 17 - 29, 2026
DURATION: 12 Nights / 13 Days
PRICES INCLUDE TAXES AND ARE BASED ON COST SHARING. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PRIVATE ROOM FOR 1, THE EXTRA COST IS $12,500 MXN. PLEASE REQUEST A ROOMMATE, AND WE WILL TRY TO MATCH YOU WITH SOMEONE TO AVOID THIS EXTRA EXPENSE.
PRICE FOR 6 GUESTS: $82,000 MXN Ea (Approx $4300 USD / $5900 CAD)
PRICE FOR 8 GUESTS: $70,000 MXN Ea (Approx $3700 USD / $5000 CAD)
PRICE FOR 10 GUESTS: $63,000 MXN Ea (Approx $3300 USD / $4550 CAD)
PRICE FOR 12 GUESTS: $58,000 MXN Ea (Approx $3000 USD / $4050 CAD)
PRICE FOR 14 GUESTS: $54,000 MXN Ea (Approx $2850 USD / $3900 CAD)
INCLUSIONS: All Taxes, Hotels x 12 Nights, All meals (dessert and drinks are separate), all entrance fees & activities (unless otherwise noted), lecture & donation for scientific research, private transportation & bilingual services with National Guide. Tips for luggage handlers are included. All other tips are discretionary and appreciated. PLEASE NOTE: If you are travelling alone and would like a roommate to avoid the additional cost of a private room, we will try to match you with another guest.
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 geology, archaeology, gastronomy, 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 Mexico City, with direct transportation to the lovely Agua Blanca Resort in Jungapeo. From there we will stay in Patzcuaro before moving into a traditional region known as the P'urepecha Plateau to visit artistic villages and a church that was partly devoured by Paricutin volcano. Our last stop is in the city of Tlaquepaque. 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, more than a dozen styles of woven or embroidered textiles, paper makers and wood sculptors who create everything from home decor to dance regalia...
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...
We will step back in time during our stay in Patzcuaro, to visit a tranquil island where the P'urepecha villagers enjoy a rural and traditional lifestyle that is mainly based on fishing. We will be learning about the fishery, how the special butterfly nets are constructed and woven, along with some hopeful news about local efforts that are working on replenishing the lake with their nearly extinct fish. The family who will host us are important community leaders, teaching the P'urepecha language, songs and dances to the children and also working with their extended family members, who are involved with the restoration efforts. This is a very special day that can only be experienced due to our fortunate network of contacts after having lived in Patzcuaro full time for many years. We consider this a major highlight for your journey.....
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. When we visit the Church Ruins of Parangaricutiro near Paricutin Volcano, you may horseback ride to the site, and may want to skip walking on the lava if you are worried about your balance.
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 the Volcano 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 2 hours per hike, if you opt not to ride.)
or maybe you like to spend time with artists in their studios...
When we visit Santa Clara del Cobre, award winning artist Sergio Valesquez will have a small project prepared for you. Having the chance to work in a traditional workshop is an experience, but our reason for being here is not so you can master these skills - but simply try your hand at the process for a hands-on learning experience. A 90 mins workshop is all you will need to feel further mesmerized by the masterpieces we will see in Sergio's gallery, and those that line the main plaza of this charming Pueblo Magico. To boot, you will have a precious memory to wear on your wrist or gift to someone who will appreciate it....
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
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Sierra Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary with award winning research scientist
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El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary
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Bird Watching in Cupatitzio National Park with experienced Ornithologist
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Church of San Juan Parangarcutiro submerged in lava from Paricutin
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Rowing on Lake Camecuaro
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San Felipe Zirahuato Archaeological Site
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Tzintzuntzan Archaeological Site
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Pueblo Magico Cuitzeo del Porvernir
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Pueblo Magico Patzcuaro
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Pueblo Magico Tzintzuntzan
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Pueblo Magico Santa Clara del Cobre
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Pueblo Magico Paracho de Verduzco
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Catrina Dolls and Cookware of Capula
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Embroidered "story cloths" of Sanabria
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Ceramics & Popotillo (reed weaving) of Tzintzuntzan
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Copper art of Santa Clara del Cobre
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Back-strap weaving of Ahuiran, Aranza and Turicuaro
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Deshilados Embroidery of San Felipe de los Herreros
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Ceramics of Cucucho, Patamban, Ocumicho and San Jose de Gracia
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Burnished Pottery of Tonala
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Hope for the Monarchs Lecture
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Lecture about Invasive Bird Species of Mexico
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Presentation & Talk about the Arts of Michoacan
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)
