1

Katy, here's a suggestion: sign up for the Michoacan_Net Yahoo Group and get ideas from the friendly members there. There's lots of information about cultural events and activities in the Morelia-Lake Pátzcuaro region.

Just FYI, there are a limited number of bus runs from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro, without having to transfer in Morelia.

But Morelia is certainly worth visiting, also. Among the many lodging options, an outstanding one is Casona Rosa, where you'll not just get a comfortable place to stay, but a warm welcome and tons of information about what to see and do. Rosa, the English speaking owner, can help you locate the most interesting artesanias.

Just my opinion; although Zacatecas is a fine destination city, it's far to the north of your Michoacán trajectory.

My wife and I live in the middle of this area, and although we tend to take a lot of its attractions for granted, we still appreciate the natural beauty around us.

2

Zacatecas is beautiful in the summertime. Lots of art and history, festivals, and a very interesting archeological site La Quemada outside of town. we are however in a different direction than Michoacan.

3

For hiking you can walk the trail in to the Canyon called Barranca de Huatitan in Guadalajara. This is about a 2 hours steep hike. You can take the bus 80 that takes you there directly. The one that I take from Tlaquepaque. This doesnt go through the center of Guadalajara but if you look on rutasjalisco.gob.mx you can find al lthe bus routs and see what other busses go there.

Further there is a place called Guachimontones which are ruins from a civilisation that was not Inco or Mayan. They are located at walking distance from a town called Teuchitlan which is at around 1 hour from Guadalajara by car. You can find some info on my website at the activities page http://glc.com.mx/teuchitlan-ruins-tour.htm You can do the trip on your own and you can take a bus from the old bus station in Guadalajara.

for artesanias you should go to Tlaquepaque and Tonala. Both places are famous for there artesanias and both places are at about 20 minutes from the center of GDL. Tonala is famous for its market on Thursday and Sunday and these days are very very crowded.

Other things you can do is every Sunday there is Via Recreativa. This is a route that the clear for cars and only can be used by bike, foot or any other not motorized things. You can get a bike for free if you turn in an id. This is a very nice way to get to know the city Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque, Tonala and Zapopan. Also you can find some extra information including a map of the route ont he following website http://glc.com.mx/city-biking-tour.htm

If you need any other info you can always email me. I have been living in Tlaquepaque for around 8 years now.

Wouter

4

Thank you all for the suggestions. Really great info. I will look into the links you've posted. I really appreciate some lesser-known tips. Please let me know if you think of any other suggestions.

Also, I know Michoacan and Zacatecas are not in the same direction, but I thought I would use Guadalajara as my "hub". From what I've read, both Morelia and Zacatecas are about 5 hrs by bus from Guadalajara. I don't mind a few bus rides.

5

Katy, what about birding in Michoacán? We have an American woman friend here who is an avid birder. She organizes informal birding outings and short hikes. There's also an informal group of expat hikers in Morelia who hike just out of the city every Friday morning.

6

If you are into artesanias, you GOTTA visit Paracho. Way back, the gachupines decided that the natives had to made "productive," so they were taught trades, each to a village. Paracho makes musical instruments, mostly stringed. You can pay from $50 US to $5,000 for a guitar, requinto, guitarron, mandolin, etc etc, there, and the makers will chat and you can check out workshops. there's also an Ovation factory there (if memory serves) where the locals moonlight.

I have a policy of buying only "useful" souvenirs when i travel and by that token Paracho was the bets place ever...20 years later I am still playing the requinto I got from David Soto Valencia.