Mexico is the most popular destination for Americans going abroad any time of the year.
Whether it’s January, when the beaches in Cancun are at their most attractive, or the peak of summer, an ideal time for exploring the balmy Mexican hinterlands, our southerly neighbor is full of wonders.
As much as you might think you know Mexico, you can never truly exhaust your list of destinations, especially when there are so many gems hidden in plain sight.
One of them is Morelia, a timeless city dating back to colonial times that has stolen the hearts of Americans lately:
Discover Mexico’s Pink City
Morelia may not be the first destination that comes to your mind when Mexico is concerned, especially with the resort-packed Caribbean Coast and Mexico City stealing all the limelight, but if anything, it’s a tourism hotspot just waiting to happen.
The capital of Michoacán, a small state in central Mexico tourists often skip, it is best-known for its preserved colonial center, with narrow, stone-paved streets that are flanked by 17th-century buildings, and most noticeably, all in a distinguishable pink-stone exterior.
It’s no wonder Morelia is oftentimes referred to as Mexico’s ‘Pink’ City, but unlike its ‘yellow’ counterpart in Izamal, you’ll hardly see Instagrammers faffing about here.
Other than the usual domestic tourists, you’re likely to be one of a handful of international guests around, which only adds to the authenticity, and unspoiled charm of Morelia, compared to other jam-packed tourist destinations in the country.
That’s not to say it’s lacking appeal. Quite the contrary:
Why Are Americans Growing More Interested In Morelia All Of A Sudden?
Last year, the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) informed that Morelia has seen an increase of up to 20 percent in foreign arrivals, while it’s generally considered the fourth most important ‘World Heritage City’ of Mexico.
In case you didn’t know, the colonial zone, where all of the main attractions are, is under the protection of UNESCO due to its historical significance and architectural value:
The most prominent structure in the center is the Baroque Morelia Cathedral:
In classic European style, it has two soaring identical towers, casting a permanent shadow over the city’s central square, the Plaza de Armas―inaugurated in 1580, it stands among the oldest religious edifices in Mexico, and it’s best known for its ornate main portal and colorful domes.
The main square is also an attraction in itself:
Other than the lush gardens, food stalls where you can get tacos for around $1, and the usual people-watching, you can visit the nearby Government Palace: it’s been the seat of government since its construction in the 18th-century, and it has an Andalusia-style arcaded courtyard.
The entire city center is an open-air museum, with over 1,300 pink quarry stone buildings dating back centuries, and you’ll definitely need two or three days just walking around not to miss out on any major sights.
If you’re short on time, however, we’d suggest you prioritize checking out the colonial-era aqueduct, extending for 1.2 miles, and Sanctuary of Guadalupe, described as one of Mexico’s most beautiful churches thanks to its sumptuous, brightly-colored interior.
Morelia Has Delicious Local Food
Colonial charm aside, Morelia is widely known across Mexico for its local food.
You will find all your takeout favorites, from tacos to tamales, sold at every street corner around the historic center, but if you’re keen on a Morelia-exclusive dining experience, you should make sure you add San Miguelito to your bucket list.
A laid-back, family-run cantina, it serves a wide range of regional delicacies, from corundas, the Michoacán variation of tamales, served with cream and salsa, to sopa tarasca, a hearty bean soup enriched with cheese, avocado, and fried tortilla strips.
Other faves include La Conspiracion de 1809, a historic restaurant extremely popular for its high-quality steak cuts, and elegant ambiance, as well as Restaurante Diego, located inside a small colonial hotel, where a locally-trained chef puts his a high-end twist to indigenous cuisine.
If you’re a sweet fiend, Morelia’s Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías is your go-to spot for sampling local desserts: our personal favorite are the morelianas, disc-shaped wafer biscuits pressed together with goat-milk caramel (or how it is called here, cajeta).
How Much Does A Visit To Morelia Cost?
Finally, if you’re wondering how much you should be budgeting for a long weekend in Morelia, the average price for a 3-night stay is a surprisingly-affordable $154, as per Budget Your Trip estimates, while a 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant costs $29.36 on average, according to Numbeo.
We know you like more practical examples and more detail, so let’s take a look at some of the hotel listings:
A standard villa at the 4-star M Hoteles Concepto, a short walk from the central square, will set you back by $50-a-night.
For those on an even-tighter budget, a quadruple room with shared bathroom starts from $38 at Casa Limonchelo, or as cheap as $18 at the privately-managed Casa Luna B&B.
For a bit of luxury, a night at the Grand Cantalangua, a pool-equipped BW-signed property in an upscale area of Morelia, will run you up an acceptable $124 per night.
Morelia is affordable, compared to other touristy Mexican cities, it’s incredibly rich in culture, and it’s a short flight away from most major U.S. airports, like Los Angeles and Houston—what’s left to be desired?
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
