Three Archaeological Sites near Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
The more we know more about Mexican culture the more we want to know, and discovering different pre-Hispanic cultures is fascinating. Travelling and discovering its archaeological areas is very enriching and an experience that takes us back to other times.
Archaelogical Sites in Mexico: Tzintzuntzan at Lake Patzcuaro Region
There are three archaeological sites near Pátzcuaro, and when our guests at Hotel Mansion Iturbe ask us about places to visit close by, these magical places are suggested right off the bat. In addition to learning our history, we can enjoy beautiful landscapes, and experience a great sense of peace and calm.
These archaeological sites are places where you can enjoy the
moment by visiting them alone. But if you are an avid lover of history
and culture, we suggest you to do it with a guide certified in Tourism, of
which there are many in Michoacán.
1. Archaeological Site of Tzintzuntzan
The site is located 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Pátzcuaro, by
Route 120, just before entering the Magic Town of Tzintzuntzan.
Archeaological Sites of Mexico: Tzintzuntzan at Lake Patzcuaro Region
Tzintzuntzan – which means “place of the hummingbirds in the
indigenous language – ,was the capital of the ancient Purépecha Empire,
developed between 1200 and 1522 AD, and spread beyond what is now the State of
Michoacán, reaching Guanajuato, Guerrero and Jalisco.
Archaeological Sites in Mexico: Tzintzuntzan at Lake Patzcuaro Region
The archaeological area is located in the foothills of Yarahuato and Tariaquere, with an exquisite view of Lake Pátzcuaro, surrounding mountains, and picturesque Magic Village of Tzintzuntzan. From before you arrive you can admire the Yácatas.
Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacan seen from the Archaeological Site of Tzintzuntzan
The pyramids, or “yácatas,” can be seen on the approach to the town
itself. The first, striking impression is that they are
semicircular. In this ceremonial center you can see 5 yácatas which are
connected to each other, built on a large platform. According to National
Institute of Anthropology and History, the unit as a whole is considered
one of the most voluminous structures in Mesoamerica.
Archaeological Sites of Mexico: Tzintzuntzan at Lake Patzcuaro Region
We suggest you first visit the Archaeological Museum on site before you
start your walk to better appreciate what you are about to see, which was the
most important location of the former Purépecha Empire.
Archaeological Sites of Mexico: Tzintzuntzan at Lake Patzcuaro Region
2. Archaeological Site of Ihuatzio
The meaning of Ihuatzio is "in the house of the Coyote." Its
peak was around 1450 A.D. It had two stages, the first occupied by Nahuatl
groups, and later by the Purépechas. Together with Tzintzuntzan
and Pátzcuaro, it was one of the most important of the Purépecha
centers.
Archaeological Sites of Mexico: Ihuatzio at Lake Patzcuaro Region
The natural environment of this archaeological zone is very agreeable, with a wide area where you can breathe the fresh air, a peaceful place where you enjoy nature and at the same time get to know this ceremonial center that was also an astronomical observatory of the powerful Purépecha Empire.
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| Archaeological Sites of Mexico: Ihuatzio at Lake Patzcuaro Area |
Our favorite time to visit is in rainy season, because of the incredible
green landscape that you will have around you.
Archaeological Sites of Mexico: Ihuatzio at Lake Patzcuaro Region
As mentioned earlier, it would be easy to combine visits to both Tzintzuntzan
and Ihuatzio sites, if you are pressed for time.
3. Archaeological Site of Tingambato
This site is located between Pátzcuaro and Uruapan, just
off Route 14D. You have to go down through the town of Tingambato (“place
where the fire ends”). The total distance from Pátzcuaro is about
40 kilometers (25 miles)
This archaeological zone has features analogous to those of Teotihuacan,
which predates the time when the Purépecha Empire was at its splendor.
Archaeological Sites of Mexico: Tingambato in Michoacan near Patzcuaro
For people who enjoy nature, this area has extraordinary
vegetation. It is within a temperate forest in the Sierra, but is also
very close to “Tierra Caliente.”
According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History,
in the Archaeological Zone of Tingambato, there are two distinct stages
of development at the site: one from 450 to 600 A.D., and one from 600 to
900 A.D.
Visit the beautiful seven-level pyramid that stands out throughout the
ensemble, its two plazas, one of them with an altar and a ball court.
Archaeological Sites of Mexico: Tingambato in Michoacan near Patzcuaro
To make your visit to Pátzcuaro more complete and interesting, we
suggest taking time to research the pre-Columbian history of Michoacán
before you arrive.
Hours for the archaeological sites are 9:00-6:00, and on Sundays,
admission is free.
In view of COVID-19, it is very important to follow the
indications and protocols of safety and hygiene, inform yourself in advance and
above all check if the site is open to visitors, since circumstances can change
from day to day.
*Text and picture 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 be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico.
Here are some post that we suggest you:
Fatima's Shrine, Tácambaro, Michoacán
Other Pueblos Mágicos near Pátzcuaro
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Pátzcuaro, Mich.
México
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