Pátzcuaro

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Pátzcuaro

Information

Description

Located on the shores of a peaceful lake, Patzcuaro is a picturesque town in Michoacan state that has managed to preserve its traditions. A former territory of the Purepecha culture, it is also one of the key places in the history of these people.

State: Michoacan

Coordinates:
19°30'59"N 101°36'35"W

Altitude: 2140 meters above sea level

Area:
km²

Time Zone: Central Standard Time UTC-6

Population: 87,794 inhabitants (INEGI, 2010)

Area Code: 434

Considered a Magic Town of the State of Michoacán since 2002 for its traditions, legends, history, daily life, and for its celebrations that protect a real touch of magic, Patzcuaro is, during the celebrations of the Day of the Deads, one of the favorite destinations for both nationals and foreign tourists.

During the night of November 1, people go to Janitzio Island in boats decorated with candles and marigold flowers of to attend a ceremony that brings together pre-Hispanic rituals with Catholic customs: the night of the dead in the cemetery of the island.

In Janitzio stands a huge monument in honor of José María Morelos y Pavón, who protects the murals inside of Ramón Alva de la Canal.

Lake Patzcuaro and its islands are the most important attractions of this destination. Located 4km from the center of town, it is one of the most beautiful sites in Mexico and one of the highest lakes in the world at 2,140 meters above sea level. Around Lake Patzcuaro there are the archaeological sites of Ihuatzio and Tzintzuntzan.

The lake consists of eight islands: Janitzio, Yunuén, La Pacanda, Tecuena, a small islet called La Tecuentia found near the island of Tecuena, Jarácuaro (which is accessible by car), Urandén Morelos, and Urandén Morales.

Visitors can go to any of them through a tourist transportation boat service and observe the fishermen releasing their famous nets like butterfly wings.

Patzcuaro is also famous for its handicrafts such as baskets, mats, hats, and Christmas ornaments made of natural fibers, pottery, lacquer, baskets, and furniture. The architectural beauty of Patzcuaro is distinguished by its colonial architecture with it various styles such as baroque and neoclassical.

With its beautiful landscapes, distinctive handicrafts, as well as its ethnic diversity and rich culture and history that rests on the tiles of the streets, Patzcuaro is undoubtedly a magical town worth visiting.

How to get there?

Patzcuaro is located on the shores of the lake of the same name, at the center of the state of Michoacan and 59 km from Morelia, the capital. The Francisco J. Mujica International Airport services the city of Morelia. To reach Pátzcuaro by land it is necessary to take the Morelia-Patzcuaro Highway.

Distances from Pátzcuaro to other destinations in Mexico

Morelia, Michoacán: 59 km.
Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro: 244 km.
León de los Aldama, Guanajuato: 261 km.
Guadalajara, Jalisco: 282 km.
Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal: 350 km.
Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo: 367 km.
Cuernavaca, Morelos: 373 km.
Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes: 377 km.
Colima, Colima: 388 km.
Zacatecas, Zacatecas: 498 km.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco: 582 km.
Monterrey, Nuevo León: 944 km.

Climate

Patzcuaro has a humid climate with rain in the summer.

The average annual temperature ranges from 14 ° C - 20 ° C.

What to pack?

Pants, sweater, jacket, sneakers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and short sleeve shirts.

In the winter boots, scarf, jacket, gloves are necessary.

Tourist Attractions in Patzcuaro and the surrounding area

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, Plaza de San Francisco, San Miguel Fountain, Guadalupe Sanctuary, Wooden Handicraft Market, Pier, San Pedrito Pier, Plaza de la Estación de Tren, City Hall Huitzimengari Palace, House of Shields, House of the Gigante, Hotel Mansion Iturbe, Church of San Francisco, Ex - convent of the Orden Hospitalaria de San Juan de Dios, Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Hospitalito Temple, Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra, Emperador Caltzontzin Theater, Bocanegra Geltrudis City Library, Fountain of the Torito, Casa de los Once Patios, Hospital de Santa Martha, Church of the Sagrario, Museum of Popular Arts and Crafts, Ex - Jesuit College, Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, Church of the Humilladero, residence of General Lázaro Cárdenas.

Lake Patzcuaro and its islands: Janitzio, Yunuén, La Pacanda, Tecuena, La Tecuenita, Jarácuaro Urandén Morelos, and Urandén Morales. Monument to Jose Maria Morelos in Janitzio.

Estribo Volcano and its views: Estribo Grande Hill, Estribo Chico Hill.