Patzcuaro sits on the shores of a highland lake in Michoacan and is one of the most atmospheric small towns in Mexico. The Tarascan (Purepecha) civilization built their capital here, and the archaeological site of Tzintzuntzan nearby has the distinctive yacatas — circular step pyramids found nowhere else in Mexico.
In This Article
Tzintzuntzan Ruins
The yacatas at Tzintzuntzan are five rounded pyramids built on a huge platform overlooking Lake Patzcuaro. The Purepecha (Tarascan) civilization built these as ceremonial centers for their capital. The shape is unique — semi-circular in plan, stepped, and very different from the rectangular pyramids everywhere else in Mesoamerica.
The site has a small museum and a colonial-era Franciscan monastery built partially with stones from the ruins. The view from the platform across the lake is one of the best in the region.
Patzcuaro Town
The town itself is worth a stay — whitewashed colonial buildings, two main plazas, a lakefront with boats to the island of Janitzio. The Basilica on the hill above town was intended to be the new capital of Christianity in the Americas. The market behind Plaza Chica has Purepecha crafts — lacquerware, woven textiles, copper from Santa Clara del Cobre.
Day of the Dead
Patzcuaro is one of the most famous Day of the Dead locations in Mexico. The island of Janitzio has all-night cemetery vigils on November 1-2. Boats cross the lake in the dark, the island cemetery lit by thousands of candles. It has become very touristy — Oaxaca offers a more authentic experience — but the visual spectacle is hard to match.
Getting There
Patzcuaro is about 1 hour west of Morelia by bus. Primera Plus and Flecha Amarilla run frequent service. From Mexico City it is about 5 hours via Morelia.