The Islands of Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacan

Lake Pátzcuaro is one of the tourist attractions of our “Pueblo Mágico”, with its famous Island of Janitzio.  But you will find more islands on this lake and we at Hotel Mansión Iturbe recommend that you give yourself time to get to know them.

To make a tour of the islands of Lake Pátzcuaro, you should make arrangements at the docks for such tours conducted by the people from the communities who live on the islands.

Janitzio Island in Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacán

These people are helpful, and proud of their Purépecha roots where they retain ancestral traditions.  During your visit, always be respectful of the customs and ways of life.  Enjoy nature and help preserve the environment and the local biodiversities.

And, as always, do not remove animal or plant species from their natural habit, generate as little trash as possible, and be aware that Pátzcuaro is now a town where single-use plastic items are no longer allowed.

Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacán

Observe the many bird species in their natural environment, and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.

 “So please tell me more about all these lakes!”

·        Janitzio means “hair of corn.”  It is the best-known island of Lake Pátzcuaro.  Among the many legends of this lovely lake, it is said that it is the island where the indigenous Purépechas kept their treasures.  Try to make it to the top of the island where you will be rewarded with a fantastic panorama of the surrounding Lake Pátzcuaro.  If you still have some energy once you reach the top, you can spiral up the enormous monument to General José María Morelos (which is 38 meters, or 125 feet, high).  If that isn’t enough, take the thrilling zip line (“tirolesa”) from Janitzio over the lake to the next island, Tecuena, which is 1,200 meters, or nearly 4,000 feet, long.

Janitzio Island on Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacán

·        Tecuena means “good honey,” and is the smallest of the main islands of Lake Pátzcuaro.  There is not a great deal to do; it’s a very peaceful place, except for the landing spot of the zip line coming in from Janitzio!

The Zip Line at Lake Patzcuaro. Picture cortesy of Andrew Carhartt

·        Yunuen means “half moon.” Here you will find an Ecotourism Center, which includes cabins, directed by the indigenous community of the place. An excellent opportunity to interact with its inhabitants and learn more about their traditions and ancient culture. It’s great for enjoy bird, in season.

Islands of Lake Patzcuaro and the fishermen

·        Pacanda is the largest of the islands and actually has a small lagoon at the highest point; it’s what is left of an extinct volcano, and it’s a favorite hangout for geese and ducks.  Although it hosts an Alternative Tourism Center, Pacanda is the epitome of tranquility.  You can “hear” the silence!

·Uranden means “tray,” and is the home of the "Reserva Ecológica de Pez Blanco", a project created to preserve the native paz blanco (white fish) of Lake Pátzcuaro.

Uranden has gained fame for its outstanding canoists, who have won in international competitions.

Traditional Mexican Cuisine at Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacán

Other features include:

·Jarácuaro was an island about 30 years ago, but is now accessible by car.

The famous “Viejitos” dancers, which we see performing so often in the  Vasco de Quiroga Square in Pátzcuaro, actually originated on Jarácuaro.  Almost as famous are the fine palm hats of every style imaginable made there.  In the seventeenth-century Templo de San Pedro you can admire various religious figures made of corn stalk paste, which was a technique developed by the Purépechas, quite to the amazement of the Spanish evangelists. 

Traditional Mexican Dance of Los Viejitos in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán

A visit to the islands of Lake Pátzcuaro is a must-do the next time you are in our “Pueblo Mágico”.  It’s a great way to enjoy the natural environment and come into contact with the native towns of the region.

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

We invite you to check more post in our blog, you will find information about different places that you can visit in Pátzcuaro, that we hope will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico!

Here are some post that we suggest you:

Let´s take care of the environment when we visit Pátzcuaro and the Lake Area

Sustainable Gastronomy in Lake Pátzcuaro, Michoacán

Ten Places to Enjoy the Nature near Pátzcuaro

Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

61600 Pátzcuaro, Michoacán.

México

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