Things to Do

Pátzcuaro's best sights are compact enough to cover on foot, but the lake and Purépecha villages deserve at least one slow day beyond the plazas.

Guide

Things to Do

01

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, usually shortened to Plaza Grande, is the centre of Pátzcuaro and one of the loveliest town squares in Mexico. It …

Sight
02

Janitzio

Janitzio is the most visited island in Lake Pátzcuaro, reached by regular boats from the town pier. A steep lane climbs through souvenir stalls …

Sight
03

Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Salud

The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Salud is Pátzcuaro's most important church and the spiritual focus of the region. Pilgrims come for the …

Sight
04

Casa de los Once Patios

The Casa de los Once Patios is a former convent complex turned craft centre, with workshops and shops opening onto a series of quiet …

Sight
05

Ihuatzio Archaeological Site

Ihuatzio is a Purépecha archaeological site just north of Lake Pátzcuaro, with broad platforms, ceremonial spaces, and views across the basin. It is less …

Sight
06

Jose Maria Morelos Monument

This 40-meter statue of independence hero Jose Maria Morelos stands on the highest point of Janitzio island. Visitors can climb the interior staircase past …

Sight
07

Parroquia El Sagrario

Parroquia El Sagrario is a handsome old church beside Casa de los Once Patios. Its long nave, stone arches, exterior buttresses, and weathered grey …

Architecture
08

Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra

Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra, often called Plaza Chica, is the more workaday of Pátzcuaro's two main squares. Buses, market errands, shoe-shine stands, and snack vendors …

Sight
09

Muelle General

Muelle General is the main boat dock for trips from Pátzcuaro onto the lake, especially to Janitzio. It is a practical place rather than …

Sight
10

Biblioteca Gertrudis Bocanegra

Biblioteca Gertrudis Bocanegra is a public library in central Pátzcuaro, but the reason to step inside is the large mural by Juan O'Gorman. Commissioned …

Sight
11

Tócuaro

Tócuaro is a small lakeside village west of Pátzcuaro known for carved wooden masks, especially the fierce and comic faces used in regional dances. …
12

Sanctuary Nuestra Senora de la Natividad

The Sanctuary Nuestra Senora de la Natividad is a 16th-century parish church in Arócutin, near Lake Pátzcuaro. Its cemetery stands in front of the …

Sight