Visiting Pátzcuaro
Perched at an altitude of over 6,500 feet along the shores of its namesake lake, Pátzcuaro is a mountain town in the state of Michoacán, located in the heart of Mexico. The town has deep roots dating back to 1362. Its development is tied to the indigenous history of the region, formerly occupied by the purépechas people, also known as Tarasques. The name itself is indigenous, with Pátzcuaro meaning "Place of the Black Stones." Today, the town is known for its high-quality indigenous crafts. You will find plenty of markets and shops throughout the area. Do not miss the one at the Maison des onze patios (House of the Eleven Patios), housed in a former convent that provides a beautiful backdrop for local artisans. For a quick bite, try the local tamales, small steamed corn dough packets wrapped in corn husks.
Pátzcuaro, a charming indigenous town in central Mexico
Beyond its iconic red-and-white houses, Pátzcuaro holds significant colonial heritage. You can visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Health, built under the order of Vasco de Quiroga, the regional bishop starting in 1536. Also, make sure to see the Temple del Sagrario, a 16th-century Jesuit foundation, where stone arches extend gracefully along the narrow streets.
For a dose of culture, head over to the Museum of Popular Arts and Industries. Open for over 70 years, it houses a collection dedicated to the crafts of the Purépecha culture and various indigenous artifacts, including the region's signature peribanas ceramics, as well as textiles and sculptures. The gardens and central patio are particularly pleasant, and you can still see the original foundations of the pre-Hispanic buildings that stood here before the current structure was built.
Things to do around Lake Pátzcuaro
Pátzcuaro is known for its lake, which contains four inhabited islands: Janitzio, Pacanda, Tecuena, and Yunuén. You can easily reach them via a short boat trip. The island of Janitzio is the most famous, featuring a 130-foot-tall statue of José María Morelos y Pavón, an independence leader who is the namesake of the regional capital, Morelia. On the island, you can watch the local fishermen working with their traditional nets. Yunuén is also set up for visitors and offers lodging in traditional small cabins.
Hikers should not miss the trail to the top of the El Estribo volcano, which offers a clear view of the lake and the surrounding countryside. About 12 miles away, you can also find the important pre-Columbian archaeological site of Tzintzuntzan ruins.
When to go
The best time to visit Pátzcuaro and the surrounding area is during the Day of the Dead season. Beyond the mild weather, you can witness the traditional celebrations that define this time of year.
How to get there
You can reach Pátzcuaro by bus from Morelia, a trip that takes about 1 hour.
Pátzcuaro is a nice, quiet little town, and an excellent starting point for visiting Lake Pátzcuaro and the surrounding area. Don't forget the magnificent archaeological ruins of Tzintzuntzan with the superb view of the lake. If you want to visit an island in the lake, choose Yunuén over Janitzio. It is less touristy, and you can even sleep in trojes (traditional cabins) managed directly by the island's residents, rent canoes to paddle around the lake yourself, or admire the stunning sunset with a view of the Morelos statue.