Road Trip Thru The Soul of Mexico: Best Things To Do for 3 Days in Michoacan Itinerary

Wondering how to spend 3 days in Michoacan for the ultimate road trip? You’re in for a treat because this region, aptly nicknamed “The Soul of Mexico,” is an absolute powerhouse of culture and flavor.

As part of Tianguis Turistico travel conference, after the 4 days in Acapulco and Taxco, we drove 4 hours from Mexico City for a 3 day trip in Michoacan.

Morelia: The Pink Quarry City

Known affectionately as the City of Pink Quarry due to its stunning pink stone architecture, the Historic Center of Morelia was declared in November 1991 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, similar to Goreme in Cappadocia and Old Quebec in Quebec City.

The elegant streets are filled with over 200 historic buildings, charming plazas, and cafés. It’s perfect for walking and soaking in the colonial vibe.

The city was originally called Valladolid but was renamed in 1828 to honor independence hero José María Morelos.

Hotel Misión Catedral

For our lodging, I checked in at Hotel Misión Catedral right in the Historic Downtown area. This specific property sits just steps from the majestic Morelia Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas.

Travelling Foodie Tip: Be sure to check out their rooftop bar for unobstructed panoramic views of both!

What makes this spot so special is its incredible history. The building was originally constructed in the year 1500 as a 16th-century mansion for the Conde de Pereda.

Following a massive renovation in 2006, it now blends stunning colonial architecture con modern comforts. Staying here felt like a complete step back in time.

La Conspiración de 1809 Dinner

For dinner, we visited La Conspiración de 1809. Situated in the Historic Downtown on Allende street, this fine cantina offers elevated signature Michoacan cuisine.

Named after the famous 1809 Valladolid conspiracy, the restaurant was beautifully designed to honor the region’s independence history. The kitchen is run by the popular Chef Cynthia Martinez, who I had the pleasure of meeting, and her husband Roberto González.

They specialize in fine dining Michoacan cuisine. We started off with delicious craft cocktails. I ordered the sope with a crisp tortilla and chicken. Next, I had fresh trout in a vibrant leaf sauce.

For dessert, I enjoyed Ate Moreliano. This traditional sweet paste is made by cooking fruits with sugar, and it paired perfectly with local cheese and a delicate corn cake.

Cocina Tradicional La Casa de Blanca

For breakfast, we visited Cocina Tradicional La Casa de Blanca in Tzintzuntzan. This spot is an absolute must for authentic, traditional Mexican cooking.

Run by the incredible Master Traditional Cook Blanca Delia Villagómez Estrada, this restaurant elevates Purépecha culinary traditions. Chef Blanca has over 30 years of experience and is a cornerstone of the UNESCO-designated cuisine.

She has even served as a judge for MasterChef Mexico! I got to learn how to form tortillas and make molcajete salsa directly from the master. I got the ultimate compliment when she actually asked if I was a cook because I was grinding the salsa like a pro!

We ate Corundas (steamed corn masa), Churipo (hearty beef stew), tiny deep-fried Charales fish and many more. The Charales really reminded me of the fried dilis I loved growing up in the Philippines. We also had her secret-recipe orange Uchepos (sweet corn tamales) made with carrots.

Tzintzuntzan Tour: Purepecha Capital

After breakfast, we explored Tzintzuntzan, which translates to the “Place of the Hummingbirds”. It’s the former capital of the Purepecha Empire, located beautifully on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro.

Easily one of the best things to do in Michoacan, our Tzintzuntzan tour included Las Yácatas Archeological Site, featuring unique pre-Hispanic stepped pyramidal structures overlooking the lake.

We also visited the Former Convent of Santa Ana, a 16th-century Franciscan complex known for its austere architecture, and its famous Olive Tree Atrium, which houses centuries-old trees brought over from Spain and planted by Vasco de Quiroga.

Finally, we also spotted the Parish of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Temple of Our Lady of Solitude, both serving as beautiful examples of local devotion and traditional architecture.

Patzcuaro Tour: Magic Town Beauty

Next, we drove to Pátzcuaro, famous for its colonial beauty, red tile roofs, and iconic Die de los Muertos celebrations (there are even Day of the Dead tours). When crossing off the best things to do in Michoacan, touring this town is an absolute must.

Our walking tour started at the Basilica of Our Lady of Health, an important sanctuary housing the region’s patron saint, and then passed by the Temple and College of the Company of Jesus, a historic building of great architectural value, and the connecting Former Jesuit College Cultural Center, a great space hosting exhibitions.

We then visited the Vasco de Quiroga Square, one of Mexico’s most beautiful plazas completely surrounded by colonial arcades. Here, you’ll find the most historic looking Domino’s store and the House of the Eleven Patios, a former convent successfully converted into a space for traditional artisan workshops.

We capped the tour off at the Estribo Grande Viewpoint to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the town center and the distant island of Janitzio.

Portón del Cielo Lunch

By midday, we needed a break in Pátzcuaro. We grabbed lunch at Hotel Porton del Cielo, a beautiful spot known for its regional cuisine and stunning panoramic views. The hosts, Flor García and Patricio Oseguera, has been running this boutique hotel and restaurant for over 15 years.

I started off with the unique Maestro Artesano cocktail made with creamy avocado, lemon, agave honey, mezcal and flamingo apple liqueur. Think boozy avocado smoothie!

For food, I had the famous Tarascan soup (Sopa Tarasca), created in 1966 by Felipe Oseguera Iturbide for the Hostería San Felipe. This Michoacan staple was addictively creamy and smoky.

I also tried Enchiladas Placeras, featuring corn tortillas dipped in Guajillo chili sauce, fried, and filled with cheese and onion.

For dessert, I cooled off with Nieva de Pasta, a traditional, ultra-creamy Mexican ice cream that originated in Patzcuaro. It’s so good on a hot day!

Lu Cocina Michoacana Dinner

For dinner, we dined at Lu Cocina Michoacana. Located inside the historic Hotel Casino Morelia on Portal Hidalgo, this restaurant was founded in 1995 by a humble Michoacan family.

Executive Chef Lucero Soto creates contemporary Mexican menu that holds incredible accolades, including Marco Beteta’s Top 100 Restaurants in Mexico.

I tried the unique Rolled Jicama and Hibiscus starter, followed by the fork tender Pork Rib San Juan Style. Dessert was a Milk Uchepo paired with avocado ice cream, a twist on the Michoacan tamale.

We finished with a Mezcal tasting. The staff taught me to sip the spirit, taste some hibiscus salt, bite into a lemon, and finally bite into cheese.

Morelia Tour: Historic Landmarks

We started with a walking city tour of Morelia’s historic center. If you are looking for the ultimate mix of the best restaurants and things to do in Michoacan, this area is the perfect starting point.

Our stops included the imposing Morelia Cathedral, an absolute icon of the city famous for its baroque architecture and massive towers. We also passed by the Government Palace of Michoacan, a historic building filled with incredible murals depicting the state’s history.

Next, we explored the Michoacan University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo, a key institution in the country’s educational history, before finishing at the Clavijero Cultural Center, a beautiful space dedicated entirely to contemporary art and cultural exhibitions.

Gaspachos La Cerrada Snack

While exploring Morelia, we stopped at Gaspachos La Cerrada. Established in 1970, this iconic spot in the historic center serves a traditional Michoacan street food that you simply must try.

Don’t confuse it with the Spanish cold soup! Gaspacho Moreliana is an incredibly refreshing fruit salad consisting of finely diced jicama, mango, and pineapple. It’s topped generously with Cotija cheese, lime juice, orange juice, and chili powder.

Gaspacho delivers a massive flavor explosion that is sweet, citrusy, savory, and spicy all at once.

Mi Rancho Restaurant Lunch

For a massive, comforting early lunch, we visited Mi Rancho Restaurant on Avenida Francisco I Madero Poniente in Morelia. The restaurant features a beautiful interior with stunning traditional tile work (also make sure to check the washroom!).

Carnitas actually originated in Michoacan, and Mi Rancho serves some of the absolute best. The tender, flavorful pork comes on a huge platter with fresh tortillas on the side, allowing you to build your own tacos. You mix and match with their delicious homemade salsas.

Capula Tour: Catrina History

Then, we headed outside the city to Capula. For art lovers, visiting this charming artisan town is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Michoacan.

Capula is famous for its clay Catrinas and traditional pottery. The iconic Catrina was originally created in the early 1900s by artist José Guadalupe Posada as a satirical drawing called La Calavera Garbancera.

Later, muralist Diego Rivera named her La Catrina and featured her in his famous artwork. Today, she is the ultimate symbol of the Day of the Dead.

And if you’ve watched the movie Coco, I learned the fun fact that the movie was set in Michoacan with its history of the Catrinas.

Maestro Juan Torres Experience

In Capula, we enjoyed a countryside artisan experience. In 1980, the brilliant visual artist Juan Torres opened his workshop and art school here, giving the Catrina a three-dimensional clay form. His work completely transformed the town’s economy.

We visited his massive family estate, La Candelaria, where Maestro Torres and his daughter, experienced designer Velia Torres, personally welcomed us and gave us a tour. At the workshop, I even got to paint my own clay Catrina!

For our late lunch, we had the immense pleasure of dining at the master’s home, an exclusive experience that can be booked. We enjoyed a delicious chicken dish with guava mole. The guava brought out incredible sweet, fruity flavors I had never experienced in a mole before.

Tata Mezcalería Dinner

For our final dinner, we went back to Morelia to visit Tata Mezcalería on Bartolomé de las Casas. Founded in August 2015, this vibrant restaurant and bar boasts a TripAdvisor Bravo insignia.

Chefs Fermin Ambas and Neftali Hernandez run a 100% Mexican project, blending pre-Hispanic ingredients with contemporary flair. We had Bean Tetelas, mini Tostadas of Tiradito, and orange-scented Corundas to start.

For our main courses, we devoured Braised Oxtail with Tatzio Mole, Duck Magret with citrus couscous, and rich Seafood Tortelloni. The duck was perfectly medium-rare with crispy skin like Peking duck!

We finished with a dessert tasting featuring my favorite Banana Mascarpone Parfait. We paired desserts with a Michoacán Mezcal tasting, and the Palomas Mensajeras label was the clear winner.

Time For That Michoacan Road Trip

Spending 3 days in Michoacan is a great way to dive into Mexico’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and unforgettable flavors. From grinding fresh salsa on a volcanic stone to admiring the incredible pink quarry buildings in Morelia, this Michoacan road trip has a bit of everything.