Morelia founded in 1541 is located 1,950 meters above sea-level in a central highland valley between the large midpoints of Guadalajara and Mexico City, each accessible by a super highway at a driving distance of about 6 hours in either direction. In 2005 the estimated population of Morelia City was above 600,000 people. It was originally named Valladolid by Don Antonio de Mendoza, the first Viceroy of Mexico. However, following Mexico's War of Independence, the city was renamed to honor Jose Maria Morelos, one of its greatest heroes born here.

The climate of Morelia is spring-like and, thus, ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports activities and local culture life events. The rainy season is April to November. As with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in late afternoon leaving the evenings dry and cool. Winters here can be cool (chilly November to February), so warm clothes are necessary these months. Morelia is a beautiful, extremely well-preserved colonial city. Built in XVI century, it is an outstanding example of urban planning which combines the ideas of the Spanish Renaissance and the Mesoamerican experience. The quaint air of its centre with its elegant Spanish Colonial architecture, the cathedral, old shady parks make for a wonderfully enjoyable stay. The city's Downtown Area containing over 200 historical buildings is considered the World Heritage Site.

The city's layout is a classic grid design, with a central square. Architectural attractions of Morelia include: the cathedral, with its beautiful facade, its towers over 70 meters high and its large organ containing 4,600 pipes; the Government Palace built in 1732, the cradle of the Independence; the Palace of Justice of 1885, with its beautiful French style facade; the Municipal Palace edificed between 1541 and 1546; the Conservatorio de las Rosas dated 1774; the Museum of Colonial Art exhibiting works from the vice regal period. Aside from its historical attractions, Morelia is also the educational, cultural and political centre of the state. It is a university city where history and culture are very much apparent. It is also a home for dozens of writers, artists, philosophers, poets, and a community of retired Americans and Canadians.

The State of Michoacan abounds with a plethora of interesting spots. For example, the city of Zamora, 44 kilometers from Morelia, was built with fortifications (a privilege at that time) to serve as a barrier against the onslaughts of the Chichimeecas Indians. Founded by Antonio de Mendoza in 1574, Zamora is one of the most important cities of Michoacan nowadays due to its commercial and agricultural development. The State of Michoacan is the area proud of rich history and culture. Michoacan, and Morelia in particular, attracts many tourists and offers a range of lures making vacations unforgettable. When going on tour to the State of Michoacan, be sure to have a lot to tell your curious friends on return.