En nuestro Hotel en Pátzcuaro, queremos que conozcas los diferentes lugares turísticos que puedes disfrutar en la Región del Lago de Pátzcuaro.
Por: Margarita Pedraza Arriaga
Live La Ruta Don Vasco! And Start It in Pátzcuaro
La
Ruta Don Vasco (Don Vasco's Route)
stands out among the top tourist routes
in Mexico. This singular route was the winner of the contest of Best
Product of Active Tourism in the International Tourism Faire of Madrid (FITUR)
in 2011.
One of the Top Tourist Routes in Mexico is Don Vasco Route in Michoacán
What
does La Ruta Don Vasco consist of?
La
Ruta Don Vasco was formed in honor
of Don Vasco de Quiroga, great
humanist and benefactor of the indigenous people. Born in Madrigal de las Altas
Torres in Spain in 1470, he arrived in Michoacán
as judge of the Second Royal Audience of New Spain in 1531, to end abuses
toward indigenous people, and pacify Michoacán
with help of Augustinian and Franciscan friars. In 1538 he was appointed the
first bishop of Michoacán.
Don Vasco de Quiroga a great humanist
Discover
the legacy of the beloved “Tata Vasco,”
through a living route, where tourists interact with local people and come to
understand the legacy that still persists in the indigenous communities. Don Vasco de Quiroga, as part of his
evangelization, promoted a community model of coexistence based on organized
labor, brotherhood, justice, and equality. He was searching for the creation of
a more just society, taking ideas from the utopia of Tomas Moro.
Live
an enriching experience! You can take off right in front of our Hotel Mansión Iturbe in Pátzcuaro,
where you will find the magnificent Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, one of the
most beautiful in the Americas, and heart of this magical town.
Vasco de Quiroga Square in Pátzcuaro and Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Centro de Interpretación de la Ruta Don Vasco
In
Pátzcuaro, you'll also find the Centrode Interpretación de la Ruta Don Vasco, where you will be able to
better understand the cultural heritage of this famous route, and better
appreciate the customs and traditions of the communities. This is
not to mention our beautiful natural environment, all in an entertaining way
through various media, including an impressive 360° video experience.
Centro de Interpretación de la Ruta Don Vasco in Pátzcuaro
A
fascinating high-tech “interactive table” lets you view traditionalMichoacán cuisinevirtually to learn
some of the specifics of our delicious dishes.
Traditional Cooks of Michoacán
There
is also a section dedicated to the Chapels
of Don Vasco, jewels of colonial art in Mexico, located right in the
Purépecha Plateau.
Once
you have completed your tour of the “Centro de Interpretación”, you’re
ready to enjoy sustainable tourism.
This part of Michoacán covers La
Ruta Don Vasco, and provides you with a wealth of history and culture,
as well as an enormous biodiversity.
Lake Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
Trace
the region where Tata Vasco worked
and learn about his evangelizing work, and his “community centers,” which served
entire communities. Santa Fe de la Laguna was the first such place to be founded in Michoacán.
Santa Fe de la Laguna, Michoacán
In
Pátzcuaro, you will discover our
urban and architectural work. You'll find what used to be the College of San
Nicolas Obispo, one of the oldest educational institutions of America, which
later moved to Valladolid (today Morelia). And of course there is our famous Basilica of Our Lady of Health in Patzcuaro. It was originally intended to
be the Cathedral of the San Salvador with five wings (only one was completed).
Former College of San Nicolas Obispo today the Museum of Popular Arts and Industries
Basilic of Our Lady of Health in Pátzcuaro
Take
a tour of Lake Pátzcuaro, one of the
main scenarios where Don Vasco de
Quiroga carried out his work. Go through the typical villages along the
bank of the lake. Along the way you'll find beautiful landscapes,
which in the rainy season are colored vibrantly with wild flowers, including
the famous pink mirasoles, which give the impression of an
active watercolor.
Mirasoles the famous pink flowers at Lake Patzcuaro landscape
Archaeological Zone of Tzintzuntzan known as Las Yacatas
A
trip by boat on the Lake of Pátzcuaro
is another excellent option. Relax, give yourself time to travel to the various
Islands and enjoy the flora and fauna. Enjoy the natural landscape,
stunning sunsets with a range of incredible hues. Don't forget to be a
responsible tourist and help to protect the ecosystem.
Sunset at Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacán
Michoacán is famous for its handicrafts and
boasts a great handcraft diversity. Each community has a unique handicraft,
using techniques that were taught or perfected by Don Vasco de Quiroga, and which have endured for generations.
You'll find pieces of great artistic value and unquestionable quality. View the
workshops, buy their handicrafts, practice fair trade, and value the work that
went into each item. Interact with the craftsmen, who are friendly, hospitable
people.
Modesto Horta at his Workshop in Tocuaro making a Mask
Artisan in Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán
Very
near Pátzcuaro you will find the magical village of Santa Clara del Cobre, with its great artisans of
copper. Be sure to visit the National Museum of Copper. Beautiful Lake Zirahuén, between Pátzcuaro
and Santa Clara del Cobre, is also a
must. Many compare its beauty to that of Lake Tahoe.
Don Vasco de Quiroga at the National Copper Museum in Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán
National Copper Museum in Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán
Lake Zirahuen, Michoacán
Uruapan is another important destination on la Ruta Don Vasco, with its famous National Park, which will make you gasp
in delight of the myriad waterfalls and lush vegetation.
National Park in Uruapan, Michoacán
Discover
natural wonders such as Paricutin Volcano and the community of Angahuan, whose cathedral was half-buried by
the lava from Paricutín.
Ruins of San Juan Paranguricutiro Church close to the Paricutin Volcano. Picture cortesy of Andrew Carhartt
A
little off the beaten path is the Cañada
de los Once Pueblos – eleven distinct communities with great cultural
attraction. Beautiful handcrafts and delicious food.
Close
to Patzcuaro, heading to Morelia, visit Tupátaro where you will find the Temple of Santiago Apostle, known as the Sistine Chapel of Michoacán, a short distance you find Cuanajo, famous for its wooden
furniture.
Temple of Santiago Apostol in Tupataro
Cuanajo, Michoacán
Be
sure to visit Morelia, World
Cultural Heritage, and the capital of Michoacán. Take
advantage of good connectivity with the Cuitzeo– Patzcuaro highway that brings these two magical villages of Michoacán. In Cuitzeo you'll find the ex convent Agustino de Saint Mary Magdalena, a jewel of colonial architecture in Mexico.
The Majestic Morelia Cathedral
Former Convent of Santa Maria Magdalena in Cuitzeo, Michoacán
By
la Ruta Don Vasco, you’ll discover
the work of this great humanist. There are multiple attractions that you can
visit on your tour. We suggest you inform yourself before your trip and put
together your own itinerary, according to your preferences.
We
recommend taking your time, especially if you are going to buy handicrafts. The
creativity of the Michoacán artisans
is immense. You will always discover something new. In addition, if
you are lucky, you can combine your visit with a local celebration, allowing
you to not only get in touch with the people in the community but discover a
little more about their culture and traditions through their folklore and
gastronomy.
Artisan from Michoacán painting her pottery
Come
and discover la Ruta Don Vasco and
use the magical town of Pátzcuaro as
your home base!
*Text, pictures and video property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe. We invite you to check more post in our blog, you will find information about Pátzcuaro and its surroundings that we hope will help you in your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico. Here are some post that we suggest you:
Blog de Viajes en México especializado en que visitar en Pátzcuaro y sus alrededores, mostrando los atractivos de nuestro Pueblo Mágico; desde nuestra visión en Hotel Mansión Iturbe.
Queremos que vivas una experiencia única de acuerdo a tus expectativas. Te proporcionamos información para que tú mismo armes tu ruta y vivas una experiencia de viaje enriquecedora; entrando en contacto con la cultura local.
Conoce nuestras costumbres y tradiciones, descubre a destacados creadores de Arte Popular Mexicano y deléitate con la Cocina Michoacana.
Se prohíbe la reproducción parcial o total del contenido de este blog, incluyendo sus textos, fotografías y videos sin previo y expreso consentimiento por escrito del Autor.
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