Lake Patzcuaro Area

The town of Ucazanaztacua is located only ten minutes away from the town of Tzintzuntzan, which centuries ago was the heart of the purhepecha culture; five minutes away from the town of Ihuatzio, that has an archeological site; and 20 minutes away from Patzcuaro, so you will have the chance to enjoy a beautiful countryside landscape while you take the route to get there. The architecture of these towns is from the 16th century and you will find churches, museums, houses, and ex-convents, with an exquisite Spanish colonial architecture.

Patzcuaro is one of Mexico’s most important domestic tourist destinations, a so-called “magic town” that lures thousands of visitors with its charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and a picturesque lake high in the green mountains of Michoacan. Population is around 60,000.

Tzintzuntzan, the City of Hummingbirds (translated from Purepecha to English) was the capital and the most important ceremonial center of the Purepecha Empire, because this place was were all the tribute was received. The Day of the Death celebration is very important in this place. The population is around 12,260.

Ihuatzio means Place of Coyotes (translated from Purepecha to English). It is located 10 kilometers far from Patzcuaro. There is an archiological center with 2 pyramids to honor “Curicaveri” y “Xaratanga”. The population is around 3547.

The Islands

In front of the hacienda you will see the island of La Pacanda, which is inhabited by Purhepecha families.

Janitzio, which means "where it rains", is the biggest island on the lake. The boats to access it run regularly back and forth from about 7:30 am to 6 pm, accessible from Pátzcuaro's pier (embarcadero). The town is famous for the butterfly fishermen who are skilled at lowering their butterfly-shaped nets to catch the local famous cuisine "pescado blanco". The butterfly fisherman were also located on the back side of the 50 peso Mexican banknote. A 40-meter statue of José María Morelos, a great hero of Mexico's independence, is found on the island's highest point. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue by way of a staircase that spirals up the inside. Along the interior walls, the life of Morelos is depicted in murals painted by Ramon Alba de la Canal and other great Mexican muralists. At the top, one can peer through peepholes in the giant raised fist of Morelos, giving a spectacular view of the island, lake and surroundings.