Daily tours from Patzcuaro to Erongari­cuaro and surroundings
The tours are offered by Francisco Castilleja, a guide with more than 20 years of experience in the region and a great knowledge of the Purepecha indigenous communities, their traditions and philosophy.

Francisco Castilleja - known as "Kiko" - takes people from Patzcuaro to the village of Erongaricuaro, which means "place of waiting" or "place of the watchtower" in the Purepecha language.
This ancient town - one of the critical trade points for the Purepecha empire - is located about an hour and a half drive from Morelia and Uruapan, and just 20 minutes from the famous colonial town of Patzcuaro.

The name Purepecha means "one who is on a visit". Purepecha people believe they are 'visitors' in this world to live the story foretold by their Tonali (destiny). It is a story meant for spiritual growth, to help attain a perfect, natural and gentle state of mind; that of a visitor accepting the transience of life without complaint, but with courage, humility, humor, wisdom, and devotion.

Francisco's intention is to preserve aspects of the indigenous cosmic vision because of its value to all of us, as he had learned it through an intense relationship with his grandmother and with indigenous healers (curanderos), whom he had met during the First International Meeting of Indian and Alternative Medicine that he had organized in Erongaricuaro in 2002.

Together with his wife Ursula, who is interested in the conservation of nature and artistic education, Francisco is actively involved in the preservation of:
-The tradition of self-reflection, an ancient practice of self-healing.
-The original meaning of the pre-colonial art, found in masks, embroidery, and in wooden and painted handicrafts.
-The natural richness of the area. This begins with environmental education at an early age, as well as with the support of organic agriculture, especially the production of the multi-colored Indian corn.

The tours Francisco offers are directed to people interested in the roots of today's Purepecha culture, its artistic expression, its social and ecological situation, and pre-hispanic philosophy and the beauty of the region.

Tours have been designed for groups of up to 20 persons, and families with children are welcome. They can be customized to suit the group's interest, but typically center on the villages around the lake where close contact with artisans and the rural Mexican life is emphasized.

Francisco's classic itineraries include the following visits:
- Oponguio: Mezcal Production
- Puacuaro: Medicinal Garden
- Erongaricuaro: Ex-Franciscan monastery and Center of Pre-Hispanic Philosophy, Casa Eronokuri
- San Francisco Uricho: Home of the Urichas, last Purepecha women still planting organic multicolored corn and making corn tortilla to support their families, as most of the men are working in the US
- Tocuaro: Place of the famous Mask makers
- Tzintzuntzan: Archaelogical Site

Workshops of 1 to 5 days can be organised upon request on self-reflection, spoken Spanish, poetry, indigenous philosophy, Mexican history, batik making, and botany.

Tours and Workshops can be conducted in English, French, German, or Spanish.