Tourist Attractions in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán
Tzintzuntzan is another “pueblo mágico” (magical village) of Michoacán. When our guests at Hotel Mansión Iturbe ask about places to visit neat Pátzcuaro, the ever-enchanting Tzintzuntzan is always close to the top of the list.
Tzintzuntzan is a
village that holds dear a legend and culture that its residents have carefully
maintained for generations – a place that is central to the very history of Michoacán.
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| Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, México |
Tzintzuntzan was
the capital of the Purépecha empire. Don Vasco de Quiroga, as the bishop
of Michoacán, took possession of it on August 22, 1538.
This Pueblo
Mágico lets you grasp the grandeur of its past, including its huge variety of
artisanware and its traditional cuisine.
First, “How do I
get there?”
Tzintzuntzan is
about 18 kilometers (8 miles) from Pátzcuaro, going toward Quiroga on Highway
120. The trip is particularly enchanting if you make the trip in the
afternoon.
Here are some of
the attractions of Tzintzuntzan that you mustn’t miss:
1. The Archaeological Zone of the Yácatas: These structures are most curious and notable for their circular design sitting atop an enormous platform. (Please take the time to visit the museum on the site, where you will find some of the finest artifacts from the immediate area.) While strolling around the yácatas, you will be treated to a lovely panoramic view of the picturesque village of Tzintzuntzan itself, as well as Lake Pátzcuaro and the surrounding mountains.
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| Archaeological Zone of Tzintzuntzan |
2. The Franciscan Ex-Convent of Santa Ana: Located in the main part of the town
itself, you will appreciate the architecture of the era, and fine pieces of
colonial art and interior murals that date from the 17th and 18th centuries,
all of which is carefully safeguarded by the Cultural Center of the
Tzintzuntzan Community.
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| The Franciscan Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacana |
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| The Franciscan Ex-Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán |
3. Atrium of Olive Trees: To get to the Ex-Convent, you have to walk through the
olive tree atrium; stunning! The quiet energy you get from these
centuries-old (planted while Don Vasco de Quiroga was here!) is palpable.
Give yourself time to observe the other areas of the site.
Atrium of Olive Trees in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan, Mexico
4. Temple
of San Francisco: Located to the side of the Ex Convento de Santa Ana,
you will find an image of the revered and miraculous El Señor del Rescate
(Christ the Redeemer), much venerated not only in Tzintzuntzan but in the
entire region of Lake Pátzcuaro. The devotion for this image dates from
the 18th century when a pestilence attacked the community,
which was saved by el Señor del Rescate. Year after year in February, the
Fiestas del Señor del Rescate are held in this magical village.
Temple of San Francisco in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, México
5. Temple of Solitude: This temple is in the baroque style and dates from the 17th century.
You will be impressed with its artistic heritage, always protected by members
of the community, who will kindly explain if you have any questions about any
of its works of art or religious images. Here you also will have the
opportunity to observe figures made with pasta de caña (sugar cane paste), a
pre-Hispanic technique that so impacted the evangelizers (the technique
formerly used by the original peoples to elaborate effigies of their own
deities), that they themselves later used the same technique to make their own
religious figures.
Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntza, Michoacan, Mexico
6.
Handicraft Market: Tzintzuntzan has a large variety of handicrafts. Here
you will find excellent artisans who work different craft branches, like
pottery, and crafts made with vegetable fibers. You will also find much more, as
this Pueblo Mágico is an important artisan center.
Handicraft Market in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan
Lake Pátzcuaro:
Tzintzuntzan is located on the shore of Lake Pátzcuaro. Ojo de Agua (“Eye
of Water”) is a place where you can have access to the shore of the lake, and
spend a pleasant time and disconnect in the tranquility of the place.
Ojo de Agua in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, México
8. Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe: This is a small chapel in the area of the Ojo de
Agua, excellently cared for by the community, as is customary in Tzintzuntzan,
with beautiful images of cane paste.
Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan
Traditional Cuisine: Blanca’s House: when we hear about Tzintzuntzan we often think of its excellent traditional food of the renowned Master Cook Blanca Villagómez. Try to visit this important restaurant and try its delicious dishes. Everything is delicious! Their charales tacos, corundas, uchepos, chiles rellenos, tortillas and salsas are all outstanding. There you will find the most traditional dishes of Michoacán cuisine of the lake region, but also original innovations, which you will surely enjoy. Don't miss it!
*Text and pictures property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe in Pátzcuaro.
We invite you to check more posts in our blog, we hope you will find information that will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico.
Here are some post that we suggest you:
The Islands of Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacan
Santa Clara del Cobre a Great Experience
Other Pueblos Mágicos near Pátzcuaro
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Patzcuaro, Michoacan
Mexico
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