5th Michoacán Ruta de las Monarcas

Each year, our fifth grade team takes a four-day trip to the neighboring state of Michoacán.  It is a trip designed in a way that the students have fun while they learn about:

• The Purepechas culture in a visit to Las Yacatas and Tingambato, both archeological sites of great interest where the students compare and see the influences of other cultures at each site.
• The two old churches in Zintzuntzán that are samples of the changes brought by the Spaniards.
• The town of Santa Clara, a place where they observe the artisans working with copper to create beautiful items.
• The valley of Paricutín, an example of a natural volcanic disaster.
• Camécuaro Park and the National Park in Uruapan where students enjoy the natural beauty of this region.

The main attraction of the trip, however, is a visit to the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, a wonderful experience enjoyed by everyone on the trip.  In addition, our trip to Michoacán is a great opportunity for students to strengthen relationships, make new friends and share and relate to other students during their first year in middle school.