Morelia is an example of urban planning which combines the ideas of the Spanish Renaissance with the Mesoamerican experience. More than 200 historic buildings, all in the region's characteristic pink stone, reflect the town's architectural history, revealing a masterly and eclectic blend of the medieval spirit with Renaissance, Baroque and neoclassical elements.

The 56,259 ha biosphere lies within rugged forested mountains about 100 km northwest of Mexico City. Every autumn, millions butterflies from wide areas of North America return to the site and cluster on small areas of the forest reserve, colouring its trees orange and bending their branches under their collective weight.

A town with pre-Hispanic roots that is notable as the birthplace of the López Rayón brothers, who played a leading role in the struggle for independence. Its mining roots link it with the most important industry of the colonial period, while its buildings and street plan make it a classic example of the architecture of western Mexico.

This is a town in the heart of Michoacán state, established near the site of a settlement of pre-Hispanic origin that was part of the Tarascan empire since at least the 15th century. The old town is between the present-day Santa Clara and Opopeo, built on an ancient lava flow at the foot of Cerro de la Cantera.

Founded by Bishop Vasco de Quiroga in the 16th century, Pátzcuaro was the most important city in Michoacán at the beginning of the viceregal era. Its cobbled streets and squares surrounded by red-tiled adobe buildings are the perfect setting for one of Mexico’s most precious traditions: the celebration of the Day of the Dead.

Together with Pátzcuaro and Tzintzuntzan, Ihuatzio was once a seat of the mighty Purépecha state. This extensive site has only been partially explored. The huatziri or elevated walkways and the Plaza de Armas, with two semi-circular pyramids called yacatas, are particularly impressive.

An important control point for protection of the Purépecha territory at the border with the Mexicas, populated by the Otomies, their allies, situated on top of the Zirahuatohill and adjoining mountains. Elegant remains of their constructions in the midst of a natural green area.

First established in 1886 in a palace in the city of Morelia, the museum houses a splendid collection of pre-Hispanic artefacts, assembled by the institution’s first director, Nicolás León, as well as plates of rare codices, maps, ancient items of clothing and objects of historic importance such as the table where the Constitution of Apatzingán was signed.

During the French Intervention Acuitzio del Canje was the place where an exchange of Belgian and French prisoners for Mexicans took place. Today it is a town that is distinguished by its old church and its traditional patron saint celebrations in honor of San Nicolás Tolentino, held during the first days of September.

The Augustinian order’s fifth monastery in Michoacan, was built very much like a fortress in 1550. It was a center for evangelizing the Tarascans and for training priests for this work. This great building was notable for the great masters and pupils who lived and worked here. Restored to its grandeur, it houses exhibitions on the art of printing.