Location: Patzcuaro
Top Things to do in Patzcuaro
10 Things to do in Patzcuaro That You Shouldn't Miss
Pátzcuaro ( ˈpatskwaɾo (help·info)) is a large town and municipality located in the state of Michoacán. The town was founded sometime in the 1320s, at first becoming the capital of the Tarascan state and later its ceremonial center. After the Spanish took over, Vasco de Quiroga worked to make Pátzcuaro the capital of the New Spain province of Michoacán, but after his death, the capital would be moved to nearby Valladolid (today Morelia). Pátzcuaro has retained its colonial and indigenous character since then, and has been named both a "Pueblo Mágico" and one of the 100 Historic World Treasure Cities by the United Nations. Pátzcuaro and the lake region it belongs to is well known as a site for Day of the Dead celebrations.
Restaurants in Patzcuaro
1. La Biblioteca Publica Gertrudis Bocanegra
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By jwycoffmex - Ajijic, Mexico
Murals are complex bits of visual history. My guide, Jaime Hernández with Pátzcuaro Magic Tours explained the mural to me and helped me see things I would never have seen otherwise.
2. Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
The larger of the two major downtown plazas in Patzcuaro.
Reviewed By susanaquerida - Vancouver, Canada
A large plaza with tourist services surrounding it, this Zocalo is very pretty. It was being decorated while we were there just before Christmas. Unfortunately we didn’t see it completed, but it depicted scenes of the Nativity and animals of the Middle East with some artistic license. Elephants? Anyway, day or night this was a pleasant place to pass the time. Take a bike ride from the Michoacán style family bike ride, 2-seaters that can be lengthened to add more people, making a long caterpillar where everyone has to oedal and cheer led by the lead driver.
3. Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Salud
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
This church in Patzcuaro contains many interesting religious icons, including the Virgin of Health, who is alleged to have powerful healing abilities.
Reviewed By WRCtravels - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
This beautiful old building was crowded with people of all ages and nationalities. There were multiple masses being said since it was Ash Wednesday and for a U.S. norte-Americano it was interesting to see the priests putting the ashes (created from the burning of Palm Sunday the year before) being placed not on the forehead but on top of the head. In addition to the main sanctuary filled with statues, stained glass and amazing woodwork there is a side chapel where services were also being held.
4. The Stirrup Volcano (Volcan del Estribo Grande)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Located just outside of town, this small volcano provides excellent views of Patzcuaro.
Reviewed By ChineseBabe - Corvallis, United States
In Patzcuaro, this uphill walk is called El Estribo, and as others have said, it is easy to find the main rocky road. When we travel, we like to workout to get a dose of daily exercise, and in Patzcuaro, El Estribo is an outstanding outdoors option. The start is a little rough with a rocky road climbing through a poor but friendly neighborhood. There is lots of commerce and fellow exercisers on the road to El Estribo making one feel safe. The upper part of the climb is a beautiful, tree-lined road that leads to a fabulous lookout and picnic area. A steep set of 300-400 stairs takes climbers to the very top of the volcano. However, the lookout/ gazebo area has the best view. In our 7 days in Patzcuaro, we sweated up El Estribo 3 times and loved every 2-hour roundtrip walk. Non-walkers could take a taxi to the lookout area and gazebo to enjoy the fantastic views and appreciate the beauty of Lake Patzcuaro.
5. Santa Clara del Cobre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Town known for its copper craftsmanship.
Reviewed By PatzcuaroVictoria - Patzcuaro, Mexico
I have a hotel in Patzcuaro (Hotel Casa Encantada) and I always highly recommend to my guests visit Santa Clara. It is a short trip from Patzcuaro. The various shops and workshops plus the museum are well worth the visit. It is fabulous to see some af the artesanos create the beautiful copperware. It is one of the best places to buy your gifts for the folks back home to let them know you were thinking of them. WHY? There are great gifts in every price range from earrings to gorgeous vases and they pack without trouble and do not break transporting them. Make sure you make time to see this lovely Pueblo and it's artesania.
6. Templo de la Compania de Jesus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By PalemonL4 - Playa del Carmen, Mexico
We visited this church a couple of times during the day but at night is when the magic happens when all the lighting on the building give it a refined and and lovely feeling. Great for pictures and to strolll through with the family.
7. Centro de Interpretacion Ruta Don Vasco
8. Museo de Artes y Oficios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By PatzcuaroVictoria - Patzcuaro, Mexico
This ex-convent hides a surprising collection of local artesania. The entire museum is fascinating but my favorite areas are the old kitchen and the pyramid peek you get out the back door. They always have a show that is temporary and the permanent exhibits are beautful and informative. Notice the floors in one of the areas. Classic!
9. Isla Janitzio
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 641 reviews
This tiny island is inhabited solely by indigenous people, but is popular among tourists hoping for a glimpse of native culture.
Reviewed By Oldgringo48
Isla Janitzio was on my bucket list. I'm happy we made the trip. The boat trip was fun and the walk up to the monument was a good hike...A very scenic place.
