Seven Reasons to Visit Patzcuaro, Michoacan

1.  One of the great Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico is Pátzcuaro, with its lovely colonial architecture that entices all who visit – a place rich in history and culture, where ancient traditions are honored.

One of the nicest colonial towns in Mexico is Pátzcuaro

2. The Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, considered one of the most beautiful squares in the Americas and one of the largest in Mexico, is surrounded by old mansions from the colonial era and leafy trees surrounding the statue of Don Vasco de Quiroga. Nestled in this special place is located our Hotel Mansión Iturbe, considered a jewel of the New Spain architecture.

                                                                    View of Vasco de Quiroga Square from Hotel Mansion Iturbe

It’s an ideal place to enjoy the magic of Pátzcuaro (a peculiarity of this square is that it lacks religious buildings).  

3. The Virgin of Health of Pátzcuaro is one of the most revered of Mexico and is located in the Basilica that bears her name. The image, created at the bequest of Don Vasco de Quiroga in 1536, is made from cornstalk paste, a technique developed by the indigenous. Countless of devoted believers come to request help from the Virgin.

The great celebrationin her honor is December 8.  Among the activities carried out is a “tour” of the Virgin through the main streets of the historic downtown of Pátzcuaro, performed in an atmosphere of joy and religious fervor.

Our Lady of Health of Patzcuaro during her festivities on December 8th at the Iturbe Street

4. Pátzcuaro and the Lake Region are distinguished by their crafts.  You'll find great masters of Mexican folk art in our Region. Visit their workshops in different communities both Pátzcuaro and buy directly from the artisans.

If your visit is brief, Pátzcuaro is an important craft center where artisans of the area gather.  You will find lots of crafts in La Casa de los Once Patios, el Palace of Hutzimengari, and various other handicraft shops. Don’t miss the tianguis of pottery in the Plazuela de San Francisco every Friday.

During Noche de Muertos (first of November), visit the huge craft market in the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga and the traditional craft competition, which fetures the best of the best.

Michoacan Handicrafts: Folk Art in Pátzcuaro

5. The cuisine of Pátzcuaro and the Lake Region is a perpetual celebration of the traditional food. You can’t leave without trying such regional dishes as sopa tarasca our very own Pátzcuaro ice cream. Traditional Michoacan cuisine includes uchepos, corundas, and charales. We recommend that you visit the market and the traditional bartering experience held on Fridays a few blocks from the Santuario.

You can also taste traditional recipes of yesteryear of the families in Pátzcuaro, including sweets like ate de membrillo and traditional chocolate. At our Doña Paca Restaurant you can try several recipes that have endured for generations.

Traditional Food from Patzcuaro at Restaurante Doña Paca

6. An excellent way to become acquainted with the work of Don Vasco de Quiroga is to visit la Ruta de Don Vasco, which is a great way to get to know the customs and traditions of the communities.  A fine opportunity to understand sustainable tourism along the different attractions, culture, history, and nature.

Vasco de Quiroga Statue in Patzcuaro on main Square

7.  Enjoy the many holidays of the year, including Day of the Dead, Holy Week, the Fiesta de la Cruz Verde, Corpus, the festivities in honor of the Virgen de la Salud de Pátzcuaro, and fabulous Christmas display of the monumental birth of Christ in the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga.

Day of the Dead in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán

*Text, pictures and video property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.


We intive you to check more post in our blog, you will find information about Patzcuaro and its surroundings, that we hope will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico.


Sustainable Gastronomy in Pátzcuaro

Ten Unique Tourist Options for Our Patzcuaro visitors

The Miraculous Lord of the Third Order in Pátzcuaro

Hotel Mansión Iturbe

Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Pátzcuaro, Mich.
México

For more information about our Hotel in Patzcuaro

Reservations online at Hotel Mansion Iturbe

Tels: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628

Fax: +52 (434) 342 3627

Toll Free fax number from USA & CANADA: 1 866 678 6102

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Amadeus: ON MLMMAN 
Sabre: ON 16297