Michoacán

Michoacán is one of Mexico's richest states in biodiversity, history, and flavor. The Reserva de la Biosfera de la Mariposa Monarca—where hundreds of millions of butterflies arrive each November from Canada to overwinter in the oyamel forests—is one of the most astonishing natural phenomena on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Morelia, the capital, is one of Mexico's most refined colonial cities: built entirely in volcanic pink stone, its historic center was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The colonial aqueduct, the cathedral with twin towers, and the Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia—which brings directors from around the world each October—make Michoacán's capital a city of living and permanent culture.

Lake Pátzcuaro, with the island of Janitzio at its center, is the setting for Mexico's most moving Día de Muertos: thousands of Purépechas illuminate the cemetery with candles in the early morning of November 1st, creating an image that has traveled around the world. Uruapan and its national park produce the state's most celebrated carnitas.

Paricutín Volcano, which emerged in 1943 in the middle of a cornfield and in nine years buried two entire towns, is one of the few volcanoes that humans have witnessed being born. The Church of San Juan Parangaricutiro still peeks out from the solidified lava, frozen in time, as testimony to an eruption that remains unique in recorded history.