Patzcuaro is a city in Michoacan, Mexico. It is a bit of a tourist attraction for Michoacan visitors, but it has maintained its charm and beauty. It is definitely “real” Mexico and that is the best part! It’s authenticity!
Patzcuaro is a 12-hour drive from the Texas border. It is located in the mountains between Morelia and Uruapan. It sits on the edge of Lake Patzcuaro and is well-known for its Day of The Dead celebrations.
There is a famous island associated with Patzcuaro called Janitzio. It is one of five islands in Lake Patzcuaro. Janitzio is populated and can only be reached by boat. We haven’t been to this island yet, but it’s on our Mexico bucket list. We should be able to visit soon since we live only 45 minutes away!
In addition to Janitzio, there are at least 10 things to do in downtown Patzcuaro.
- Visit Centro and walk through the arches. Enjoy the restaurants and shops. We ate a pretty good pizza place while we were there.
- Go to Plaza Grande while you are downtown. Your kids can run through the square and expend some energy. Maybe there will be pigeons to chase!
- Spend time at Casa de los Once Patios. It was built in 1742 for Dominican nuns and now houses workshops and local craft stores.
- Learn about weaving and watch local craftsman in action. Taylor reminded me of Sleeping Beauty. I tried to explain this to the weaver but my Spanish is terrible. He just looked at me funny.
- Stop and smell the flowers in the patio gardens. See Calla Lilies the size of your hand. They bloom all year in this part of Michoacan.
- Don’t miss the oldest part of the patios. There is a fountain that was being cleaned during our visit. And there is a Baroque portal leading to an ancient stone bath!
- Look in on the craft stores. Keep in mind the prices are for tourists. Like asking over $30 USD for a handmade pool table for a dollhouse!
- Climb the steps across the street from the patios, and discover a beautiful vista. While you are there, take pictures with your family. They make the best keepsakes.
- Drop by Temple Sagrario. Built between 1693 and 1893, it took two centuries to construct! The old buildings are my favorite.
- Stroll through the streets of Patzcuaro. Be a part of “real” Mexico! You never know what you may find or what you may learn.
Let me show you!
Signing off in Mexico, Tina
Originally published November 12, 2015
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What a lovely place to visit, and yes quite a bit far from the states so it won’t catch any quick visit tourists. That does help keep it authentic and lovely :)
It looks like a beautiful place, and lots there to experience.
It is a sweet little town. Maybe not so little, but it sure feels that way ;-)
Very cool city! I love the old buildings and all the crafts.
Every city we visit in Mexico is like a new little adventure. It’s just so different then the US. I guess that is the way it is in every country.