Janitzio, the Legendary Island of Lake Pátzcuaro
Janitzio is the most emblematic island of Lake Pátzcuaro (there are four others), and one of the popular sites of the state of Michoacán. Undoubtedly the busiest island of the lake, it is one of the principal places that our guests at Hotel Mansión Iturbe want to visit.
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| Janitzio Island at Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan |
Above all, be an informed tourist, which
allows you to have a more pleasant, more educated travel experience.
The Island of Janitzio is located
on Lake Pátzcuaro. Just getting to the Island of Janitzio
is something that arouses the interest of tourists who want to develop their
experience beyond the historic center of our Magical Town.
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| Janitzio Island at Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan |
Janitzio Island can be accessed through the public docks, which are managed by inhabitants of the communities around Lake Pátzcuaro. The most popular and traditional that is taken as a starting point for a visit to Lake Pátzcuaro is the easily accessible Muelle General (Embarcadero), although it is accessible from the smaller Muelle de San Pedrito. If you want an even more remote option, you could go to the Embarcadero de Ucazanáztacua, a pueblo on the other side of the lake by the road that borders the lake on the way to Tzintzuntzan, at marker 10.25.
The cost per person goes from 50 pesos,
depending on the season.
The spelling in Purépecha is actually
Xanicho and has several meanings: "corn husk,” or “corn flower."
It is known that the island was already
inhabited in pre-Hispanic times and was the place where the Cazontzin
Tzinzicha, kept his treasure. The Cazontzin was the King of the Purépecha
Empire, and Tzinzicha, was also known as Tanganxoan II, lived in Tzintzuntzan
and was the first one who had to face the Spanish conquerors.
On the Island of Janitzio, you
will find an old church dating from the eighteenth century, dedicated to San
Jerónimo, who is the Patron Saint of the Island. He is celebrated on September
30, which together with the commemoration of the Birth of Generalissimo Don
José María Morelos y Pavón, make this day one of the greatest festivals of this
community.
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| The Tower of the Church at Janitzio Island at Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan |
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| The Church at Janitzio Island at Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan |
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| The interior of the Church at Janitzio Island at Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan |
During the time of Mexican Independence, Janitzio Island was used as a fort by the Insurgents.
Janitzio is the highest of the Islands of Lake Pátzcuaro, on top of
which an immense statue in honor of Don José María Morelos y Pavón. This
monument was placed during the Presidency of General Lázaro Cárdenas del Río
(1934-1940.) A work by the Potosi sculptor Guillermo Ruíz Reyes, it is
approximately 47 meters high and is visible from far away in all directions.
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| Jantizio Island at Lake Patzcuaro, picture by Andrew Carhartt |
You can ascend to the top of the statue,
but be prepared to climb a lot of steps, along which you can admire the murals
of the artist Ramón Alva de la Canal, one of the precursors of muralism in
Mexico. These murals relate events of the life of Generalissimo Don
José María Morelos y Pavón, as well as the Independence of Mexico.
Another interesting place is the plaza surrounding the statue and from where you enter the statue. Here you will find ancient bronze cannons, along with other historical items.
As you go up the stairs and ramps that
are located throughout the Island leading to the statue, each time the view of
the lake becomes even more enchanting. Once at the top of the island, you will
enjoy the most stunning views of the surroundings of Lake Pátzcuaro and
the mountains that surround it.
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| Janitzio Island at Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacán |
Another exemplary place of the Island is
its cemetery, whose images have been seen around the world, thanks to the
traditional Night of the Dead on November 1 and 2. Several films
of the island have become famous through the golden age of national cinema,
such as Janitzio and Maclovia.
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| The entrance to the cementary in Janitzio Island at Lake Pátzcuaro |
When visiting this island, remember that
it is a community where its inhabitants also carry out their daily lives, and
it is important to respect their space and customs. During the pandemic they
have sometimes found it prudent to close off the Island to tourists. So
ask around before boarding the boat.
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| Muelle de San Pedrito in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán |
On Janitzio you will find locals
speak Purépecha as well as Spanish, as many – or perhaps even most – of the
locals are bilingual. You will also see traditional clothing,
highlighting the beautiful embroidery of the women's blouses and aprons. And if
you have the opportunity to witness a wedding or other festivity, you will see
that their clothing is even more elegant with spectacular embroidery. Gentlemen
will often wear their traditional fisherman clothing.
The cuisine of Janitzio is based on fish, especially the traditional charales, which you can enjoy with handmade tortillas, fish broth, or golden fish that is also very popular. Corundas are a dish of traditional Michoacan cuisine that should not be missed.
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| Traditional Food from Janitzio at Lake Patzcuaro (Charales y Boquerones) |
Just a couple years ago, another attraction was added to Janitzio, a zip line with a length of 1,200 meters going all the way to the next closest island, Pacanda. A small boat will take you back to Janitzio. For reasons of the pandemic, operation of the zip line is sporadic. Beware! If the wind is blowing toward you when you get on, you may get stuck half way to Pacanda and will have to be “rescued” by someone at the other end of the line.
The Island of Janitzio is a
beautiful place that can sometimes have a lot of tourism, so we recommend try
to visit it during the week so that you can enjoy the tranquility of the
environment, the sounds of birds and the beautiful panorama. It’s a community
on Lake Pátzcuaro that preserves its authenticity over the years.
Don't forget to bring back home some local
handicrafts. The miniature fishermen's nets are a classic favorite of
children who visit Janitzio.
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| Miniature fishermen's nets a traditional toy from Janitzio Island |
*Text, pictures and videos, 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:
Lakes and Montains in the Lake Region of Michoacán
Lake Zirahuén one of the most beautiful lakes in all México
National Park in Uruapan (Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatitzio)
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
More information about our Hotel In Patzcuaro
For reservations on line at Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Tel: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628
Fax: +52(434) 342 3627
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