The Lake Patzcuaro region was the center of the Purepecha Empire; brilliant warriors that were never conquered by the Aztecs. They established the cities of Patzcuaro, Tzintzuntzan, and Ihuatzio.

Today we can enjoy two archaeological sites that recall the splendor of this town and only minutes away from Pátzcuaro: Tzintzuntzan and Ihuatzio. These people were witnesses to the mixture of race and culture and the pre-Hispanic tradition.

They not only have pyramids but also buildings built by the conquerors. The customs, festivals, folklore, and traditions are preserved in these sites and the inhabitants share them with visitors.

Ihuatzio is a Purepecha word that means place of coyotes. The archaeological site that can be visited is only partly explored, but it is considered that the area occupied by the Purepecha between AD 1200 and 1530 was more than 50 hectares. Also evidence was found of a Nahuatl occupation in this place before Purépechas.

The main deity of the people was the god Curicaveri, honored by various kings, especially Tariácuri who created alliances between the three areas where the Indians lived, Patzcuaro, Tzintzuntzan, and Ihuatzio.
Today you can visit the place known as Plaza de Armas, whose two rectangular pyramids, dedicated to Ciricavery and Xaratanga, are different from those found in Tzintzuntzan.

After Tariácuri death, his nephew Hiripan was head of Ihuatzio and led the Empire from this site until the Spanish arrived at Tzintzuntzan.
Ihuatzio was an important ceremonial center and had a large observatory.

During the rule of King Tariácuri, the power of the empire was divided into three parts, Ihuatzio, Patzcuaro, and Tzintzuntzan under the leadership of Tangaxoan when the largest and most important achievements were made.

To get to both towns from Morelia, take Federal Highway 15 (leading to Guadalajara) and when you reach the town of Quiroga, take the road to Patzcuaro that leads directly to Tzintzuntzan and to Ihuatzio. You can also take the highway that goes from Morelia to Patzcuaro and take the turn-off to Quiroga to get to both towns.

Site open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission: $ 35.00 pesos.