Insurgente José María Morelos National Park

Overview

Description

Insurgente José María Morelos National Park is a protected natural area declared in 1938, which has since served as a family recreation area. At the park, you can appreciate a beautiful forest and stream. It has an excellent temperate climate and you can participate in various activities or simply relax. You can enjoy hikes or horseback rides on the interpretive trails.

Insurgente José Maria Morelos Park is only 14 miles from the Michoacán capital, the most populated urban area of the state.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 5

Percentage of local employees: 100%

In 2006, the Mexican government turned over the management of the Insurgente José María Morelos National Park's recreation area to the ejido (communal landowners) Villa Charo. Since 2002, the ejido has been preparing itself for assuming the responsibilities of this challenge and has been developing studies and seeking training.

In order to understand how to administer this new resource, the ejido shares information with other ejidos and indigenous communities; in 2005, this motivated the ejidos to join the Community Ecotourism Network of Michoacán (Ecomich), A.C. as a founding partner. This network is made up of ejidos and forest communities from different regions of Michoacán, which are developing community-based ecotourism businesses as viable alternatives to generate employment and income while also helping to conserve the environment. These activities are planned and carried out responsibly, taking the participation of the ejido and community landowners into consideration, without conducting extractive or any other activities that would place the perpetuity of the natural resources at risk.

Rates

$25 or less

The entrance fee to Insurgente José María Morelos National Park is US$0.50 per person or $2.00 per auto (including passengers).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Morelia (MLM)

The park is only 18 miles (28 km) from Francisco J. Mújica International Airport in Morelia. From Morelia, go to the village of Álvaro Obregón and take the turnoff to Indaparapeo; from there continue on to Charo and then to Zurumbeneo, where it connects with the highway to Mil Cumbres. Take this highway; the park entrance is at Kilometer 23. The highways are navigable year-round.

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

December 2007.

Photo courtesy of Insurgente José María Morelos National Park, Mexico, for SustainableTrip.org.