Welcome to Pátzcuaro! Here are our recommendations for exploring this beautiful colonial town and the surrounding Lake Pátzcuaro region. These are places we love and highly recommend for your visit.
Nestled by a highland lake in Michoacán, Pátzcuaro is one of Mexico's most enchanting "Pueblos Mágicos." Founded in 1320 by the Purépecha people, its name means "the place where stones are dyed" or "the gateway to heaven" in the Purépecha language. Once the capital of the Purépecha Empire and later a colonial stronghold, it's a town where pre-Hispanic roots and Spanish heritage intertwine.
Pátzcuaro is especially famous for Día de Muertos, when families transform cemeteries and the island of Janitzio into a sea of candles and marigolds — an experience so magical it feels otherworldly. With cobblestone streets, whitewashed adobe houses, and artisan markets, the town radiates history, tradition, and spiritual charm. Visiting Pátzcuaro isn't just sightseeing — it's stepping into the heart of Mexico's living culture.