Patzcuaro Michoacan, Mexico

Patzcuaro is a cultural and artisan center for the State of Michoacan, Mexico. The original name was "Tzacapu-ansucutinpatzcuaro" that is translated as "door to heaven" or "place where the blackness begins"
The beautiful central plaza remains a tribute to its namesake, Vasco de Quiroga moved the capital from Tzintzuntzan to the beautiful mountain city of Patzcuaro in 1533 and built a large basilica. He also founded the Colegio de San Nicolas Obispo in Patzcuaro.

Patzcuaro (PAHTZ-kwah-roh) is a small colonial gem in the state of Michoacan, a land of immense natural beauty. Michoacan's countryside is a vast expanse of rolling hills, deep lakes, winding rivers and green valleys. Patzcuaro is found on hills above one of the lakes; Lake Patzcuaro. Volcanic activity and the state's latitude position helps create a setting not unlike Hawaii. Rich soil supports lush jungle-like vegetation, with spectacular mountain landscapes, and velveteen pasturelands. The state has few large cities, but rather is a quilt of small villages and towns that have changed little since the early 1800's . Its pace is leisurely, its people friendly, and its Spanish colonial and indigenous heritage rich.

This historical mountain town is an easy 3 1/2 hour drivefrom the famous Pacific Ocean seaside resorts of Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa and Troncones. Many historical fountains adorn the city. A multitude of churches, plazas and shrines make this a truly great historical destination. Patzcuaro is famous for its sidewalk cafes and great restaurants. Small and large market places line the plazas and ancient side streets. Woven tablecloths, trays, carved and finely painted furniture, and gold laminated handwork are among the treasures to be found in this colonial setting.

PATZCUARO ARCHAEOLOGICAL & SIGHTSEEING LOCATIONS
Ihuatzio, Michoacan:

Following along Lake Patzcuaro you can find the Ihuatzio archaeological site, Tzintzuntzan, once the capital of the Purepecha empire and now a major handicraft center with vegetable fiber weaving and carved wood. It is also the site of a sixteenth century Franciscan convent. Ihuatzio comes from the Purepecha language and means 'Place of the Coyotes'. Ihuatzio is located in the eastern reaches of the Patzcuaro Lake Basin on the slope of a hill.

Quiroga, Michoacan:

Nearby Quiroga is an active handicrafts center where products from nearly the entire state are sold. Santa Fe de La Laguna, a producer of clay, black earthenware and hand painted pots, candleholders and planters is a short distance down the road from Quiroga.

Tingambato, Michoacan

The name of this archological site comes from the Tarascan language and means "hill of temperate climate". To date only a small part of the site has been explored and surveyed. This site dates earlier than sites settled by the Tarascans or the Purepechas.

Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan

This archological site is located about 100 km from the city of Morelia . Tzintzutzan is one of the largest and most important excavation sites in the state of Michoacan. This was the capital city of the Tarascan Empire. This site was inhabited between 1200 and 1521 A.D.

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PATZCUARO MICHOACAN MEXICO

Patzcuaro Mexico rests 5 kms. south of the shore of tranquil Lake Patzcuaro. It is 58 kms. southwest of Morelia, and midpoint between Morelia and Uruapan. It is a beautiful town (population 45,000) with graceful colonial architecture, vibrant native markets, and a strong Indian village atmosphere.
Bishop Vasco de Quiroga did his most important work here and led a building boom in the 16th century that left several splendid colonial buildings. The city has two central plazas and several smaller squares. A jumbled series of narrow cobbled lanes wind past former colonial era mansions.

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Total visits since OCT 25, 2002!

7,389,396
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SISTER DESTINATIONS

Patzcuaro is just a 3 hour drive by car or Bus from the fabulous beach resorts of Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, Troncones & Barra de Potosi located in the adjoining state of Guerrero Mexico. This offers a truly unique opportunity for both residents and visitors from both areas to enjoy both the ancient mountain culture and architecture of Patzcuaro and the nearby beach and fishing communities on the nearby Pacific coast. We highly recommend you take advantage on this unique opportunity to add variety to your vacations.

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Patzcuaro Michoacan Mexico