Itinerary

Day 1

Wednesday, October 29, 2008 - Arrival Your tour coordinators, Susan and Kim, will meet you in the airport of Morelia, Mexico (MLM) when your flight arrives around 8:00 p.m. You will meet our wonderful, safe bus driver, translator, and handyman, Hugo, then board the bus and travel to our accommodations at the Hotel Virrey de Mendoza in the central historic district of Morelia. After checking into your rooms, we will enjoy a late night supper together in the hotel restaurant. The menu is varied, with every dish both delicious and beautifully presented. You might enjoy trying the unique flavor of the huitlacoche (Mexican corn truffle) soup and/ or one of the house salads accompanied with freshly baked rolls.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Hotel Virrey de Mendoza, Morelia

Day 2

Thursday, October 30, 2008 - MoreliaAfter a leisurely breakfast, we will stroll through the streets of this lovely colonial town enjoying the architecture of its many churches and public buildings. The Cathedral, Casa de las Artesanias (museum and store of local artists), and Museo de Dulces (candy museum store) will be included on our walking tour. After lunch you will have time to further pursue your own interests in Morelia. You may wish visit the Market of Sweets featuring stall after stall of beautiful handicrafts and traditional candies or explore the larger San Juan Market to take in the sights and smells of fresh produce, herbs, spices and an amazing array of fresh flowers. The iconic "Tarascas" fountain, remains of the arced Aqueduct built in 1785, and larger-than-life paintings by the famous muralist Alfredo Zalce may also be of interest. Be sure to wander through the central plaza and alleyways to see the colorful decorations for the Day of the Dead festivities. We will dine at the La Azotea Restaurante overlooking the Armas Plaza. Rest assured that you will find an entrée and/or dessert to suit the occasion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Hotel Virrey de Mendoza, Morelia

Day 3

Friday, October 31, 2008 - Tzintzuntzan and Santa Clara del Cobre
After breakfast, we will travel westward to the lakeside ruins of the pre-Hispanic Purepecha Empire in Tzintzuntzan. Little is known about the early Purepecha people, referred to as Tarascans by the Spanish, but it is believed that they are descendants of peoples from northwestern Mexico, known as the Chichimecas. We will spend time visiting the present day village including the cemeteries, the Arts and Handicrafts Market and the 16th century Franciscan convent with its magnificent olive trees that, according to tradition, were planted by Don Vasco de Quiroga. From here, we will travel to the artisan community of Santa Clara del Cobre, where the ancient tradition of hammered copper thrives to this day. Our journey will end in the town of Patzcuaro, a cultural and artisan center for the state of Michoacan. Its original name was "Tzacapu-ansucutinpatzcuaro" translated as "door to heaven." We will overnight at Rincon de Josefa in the heart of town. Relax and enjoy as this will be our lodging for the next three nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Rincon de Josefa, Patzcuaro

Day 4

Saturday, November 1, 2008 - Janitzio and Patzcuaro
A morning boat journey across Lake Patzcuaro to the island community of Janitzio will start our day. There is much to see and experience on this first Day of the Dead celebration where the souls of children who have died are visited. Upon our return, the afternoon is free for you to stroll and shop in Patzcuaro, and/ or to rest up for our nighttime departure to witness the gravesite vigils that take place in the communities surrounding Lake Patzcuaro. Here, you will surely further your understanding of the Mexican views about life and death.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Rincon de Josefa, Patzcuaro

Day 5

Sunday, November 2, 2008 - Patzcuaro

On our final day in Patzcuaro, opportunities to purchase unique pottery, masks, textiles, and a variety of Day of the Dead crafts and foods abound in the open markets and quaint shops that surround the two main squares. We will guide you through the narrow cobbled streets among lovely old buildings with arches and commanding facades to visit the House of Eleven Patios, where we will be able to view artisans weaving fabrics and decorating bowls with resin lacquers and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, which houses the Virgin of Health, dating from 1547 and created from a mix of crushed cornstalks and wild orchid extract.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Rincon de Josefa, Patzcuaro

Day 6

Monday, November 3, 2008 - Los Azufres National Park

After breakfast, we will depart Patzcuaro and travel east toward Tlalpujahua. Along the way will stop at Los Azufres National Park, famous for its sulfide thermal waters in the midst of forests and mountains. The Larga and Verde lagoons are located here, as well as geysers, volcanoes of mud and therapeutic springs with temperatures ranging from 69.8°F - 179.6°F. After an afternoon of hiking and/or swimming in one of the most beautiful regions of the state, we will complete our journey to the picturesque town of Tlalpujahua and enjoy dinner and a restful night in Hotel El Mineral.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Hotel El Mineral, Tlalpujahua

Day 7

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 - Tlalpujahua

We will spend the day exploring the enchanting village of Tlalpujahua, one of 24 towns awarded the title of "Pueblo Mágico" by Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism. A "Magical Village" is a place with symbolism, legends, history, important events, and day-to-day life that offers visitors a unique experience. A former mining town, Tlalpujahua is now internationally known for its exquisite hand-blown and hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments. We will have the opportunity to observe how local artisans fashion a universe of glittering ornaments ranging from classic spheres to spiral-shaped “churros” and everything in-between! By mid-afternoon we'll leave the ambience of yuletide cheer behind as we travel back toward Morelia. We'll arrive at the Morelia Airport hotel by early evening to allow time for packing up your precious cargo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: La exhacienda de San Bartolome Hotel express, Alvaro Obregon

Day 8

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - Departure

We are a very short walk from the Morelia airport (MLM) which should allow you to easily catch your flight back to the USA. We wish you a safe journey home!

Extra Information

Inclusions -

All Ground Transportation including pick-up at airport (local bilingual driver)

Exclusions -

Trip insurance

Extras -

The fee for this trip is $1400.00 USD per person for seven days and seven nights in a double occupancy room ($1800 USD per person in a single occupancy room.)

A $600.00 USD per person deposit secures your place. This deposit minus a 10% processing fee is refundable if cancellation is made in writing by August 30, 2008. For cancellations made after this date, 50% of the total amount paid may be refunded. A $30.00 USD fee will be assessed for any returned check.

Applications with deposits will be accepted until all spaces are filled. This trip is limited to 12 participants including the two tour guides. Contact us to receive a trip application/registration form!