PATZCUARO

Patzcuaro is located in the central valley region of the state of Michoacan, 50 km (31 mi) southwest of Morelia. Because of its lake, the climate is humid, with rainfall during the summer and an average temperature of 16º C (61º F).

The magnificent adobe constructions with red tile roofs give this destination a rural feel. Also of interest are the monumental churches, such as Nuestra Señora de la Salud and Templo de San Agustin, as well as the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, which is bustling with commercial activity. At the Casa de los Once Patios, you?ll find numerous crafts made in Michoacan, such as maize paste sculptures and lacquered wood items.

In the surrounding areas you can visit fertile lake areas such as Lake Patzcuaro. There you can enjoy festivities and customs with many years of tradition, such as the colorful Day of the Dead celebration. What?s more, Patzcuaro?s environs are ideal for outdoor recreational activities like mountain biking and paragliding.

Near the shores of Lake Patzcuaro you can visit the Ihuatzio and Tzintzutzan archaeological zones, where you can learn about Michoacan?s pre-Hispanic past. As for the regional cuisine, don?t miss out on the tamales stuffed with whitefish and the wide variety of atoles and other cornmeal beverages.