Morelia sits in the heart of Michoacan, one of Mexico's richest states for day trips. Patzcuaro, an hour south on the lake of the same name, is one of Mexico's most atmospheric colonial towns and the centre of the famous Day of the Dead celebrations. Tzintzuntzan, on the lake shore, was the capital of the Purepecha empire before the Spanish arrived. Santa Clara del Cobre, about 90 minutes south, is a village devoted entirely to copper craftsmanship, with workshops lining every street.
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, about two hours east in the mountains near Angangueo, should be on any visitor's list between November and March. Walking among millions of migrating butterflies in the pine forests is genuinely extraordinary. Closer to town, the Cerro Quinceo ecological reserve is a good hike with views over the city.