Other Pueblos Mágicos near Pátzcuaro

Pátzcuaro is one of the best Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico, but fortunately, three other Pueblos Mágicos are close by.

Three of the nine Pueblos Mágicos in Michoacán are less than an hour from Pátzcuaro.

Lake Pátzcuaro seen from the Archaeological zone of Tzintzuntzan,Michoacán

Our guests at Hotel Mansión Iturbe sometimes have a tough decision to make, especially if their visits are limited in time:  “Which Pueblo Mágico shall I visit, Tzintzuntzan, Santa Clara del Cobre, or Tacámbaro?”

Naturally, while the decision will depend on the preferences of the traveler, each of the candidates has a rich history and culture, unique among the three.  However, since all three are so close to Pátzcuaro, it would be quite easy to visit all three during a three-day visit!

1.  Tzintzuntzan (named a Pueblo Mágico in 2012).  In the indigenous language, the name means “Place of the Hummingbirds.”  It was the capital of the Purépecha Empire.  It is home of the famous archaeological zone, “Las Yácatas.”  These structures have an unusual circular design and were used as temples in honor of the Purépechas’ gods.  From the yácatas, you have a breathtaking, panoramic view of Lake Pátzcuaro.

Archeaological Zone of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán

In town, just below the yácatas, there are two principal colonial-era architectural gems that are scrupulously attended by the locals:  The Temple of Solitude with its iconic atrium of olive trees, and the Ex Convento Franciscano de Santa Ana, which is now a museum where you can see a great variety of artisanware, and even a full kitchen as it would have appeared in the era of Don Vasco de Quiroga.  An also must-do is the Handicrafts Market outside the atrium of olive trees.

Tzintzuntzan at Lake Patzcuaro Area in Michoacán

We highly recommend visiting the Virgin of Guadalupe Chapel with its lovely corn stalk paste figures.

Virgin of Guadalupe Chapel in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán

Important dates to visit Tzintzuntzan are the Festival of Christ the Redeemer, the Holy Week, and Day of the Dead.

You shouldn’t leave Tzintzuntzan without treating yourself to some local traditional gastronomy.

You can take a taxi of course, but if you’re driving to Tzintzuntzan from Patzcuaro (about 18 kilometers, or 12 miles), take Highway 120 toward Quiroga and follow the signs.

2.  Santa Clara del Cobre (2010).  Its name says it all:  Copper, copper, copper.  The creative genius the artisans possess in forming and hammering copper – which goes back generations – is not to be missed.

Artisan from Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacan

When visiting this Pueblo Mágico, you practically have to stroll the streets downtown to visit the copper workshops.  Visit the National Copper Museum, which is right on the main street.  There you will find the award-winning best of the best.  The date for the National Copper Faire is variable, but always takes place during the summer.

Copper Handicrafts in Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán

Also, just down the hill from the center square are the Templo de Nuestra Señora del Sagrario (16^th century) dedicated to Santa Clara de Asis (known as the Patroness of Artisans), and right next door, the Templo de la Inmaculada Concepción (17^thcentury).  In both places, you will see some extraordinary examples of – what else? – copper!

Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán

You won’t be able to miss the impressive Kiosko in the center of the plaza; the top is made of copper.  While you’re checking out the copper shops, you may as well try some of the famous tortas de tostada, tostadas de carne apache, and their excellent barbacoa de borrego.

Kiosko on main square in Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán

Again, it’s a short taxi trip, but if you want to drive, Santa Clara del Cobre is about the same distance from Pátzcuaro as Tzintzuntzan, again by highway 120, but in the opposite direction, toward Opopeo.  A beautiful trip lined with pine trees.

3.  Tacámbaro (“Place of the Palms”) (2012).  It known as the “Balcony of the Hot Country.”  Tacámbaro is considerably lower in altitude than Pátzcuaro and is thus considerably warmer and the foliage is more abundant and varied than at higher altitudes.  Favorite destinations include the Parque Ecológico de Cerro Hueco, Laguna de la Magdalena, and surrounding woods.

Surroundings of Tacambaro, Michoacán

Places we suggest you visit are:  Fatima’s Shrine, which has many interesting and unique “Vírgenes Refugiadas” and a copy of the “Santo Sepulcro,” the Cathedral, and Centro Cultural Amalia Solorzano de Cárdenas.

Fatima´s Shrine inTacambaro, Michoacan

Of course, the cuisine is not to be ignored!  Tacámbaro is known for its fine carnitas, cheese from the region, and even avocado ice cream!

Avocado Ice Cream in Tacambaro, Michoacán

Tacámbaro is a little further from Pátzcuaro than Tzintzuntzan and Santa Clara del Cobre (55 kilometers, 30 miles, again using Highway 120), but the dreamy pine-studded trip and the destination are worth the effort.  You may want to consider hiring a taxi, as the road can have sharp inclines and curves in places.

So there you have it, the three Pueblos Mágicos closest to Pátzcuaro!  If you have the time, we naturally recommend that you visit all eight, which include Angangueo, Cuitzeo, Jiquilpan, and Tlalpujahua, each with its own special attractions.

Come to Michoacán and enjoy our Pueblos Mágicos!

*Text, Pictures and Video property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.

We invite 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.

Here are some post that we suggest you:

Ten Unique Tourist Options for our Patzcuaro Visitors

The Paricutin Volcano and its Burried Church

Creators of Mexican Folk Art in the Pátzcuaro Lake Region

Hotel Mansion Iturbe

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Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Patzcuaro, Michoacan
Mexico

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