Patzcuaro

Location: Michoacan, western Mexico
Distance from Mexico City: 200 miles west
Population: 60,000
Closest major airport: General Francisco J. Mujica aka Morelia Intl. Airport (MLM)
Time zone: Central Standard Time

Patzcuaro, a picturesque colonial town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nestled in a lush forest on the southeast shore of the extraordinarily beautiful Lake Patzcuaro. The city was founded by Vasco de Quiroga who used Patzcuaro to evangelize and defend the indigenous population, build schools and hospitals and teach the community the handicraft techniques, still used by local artisans today.

At 7,200 feet above sea level, Patzcuaro is nestled high in the mountains, surrounded by pine trees, firs and junipers. Many historical churches, shrines, plazas and fountains adorn this colonial jewel, famous for its handicrafts, sidewalk cafes and relaxed atmosphere. The 18th-century Casa de los Once Patios and the Museum of Popular Arts are two great places to find locally-produced handicrafts made by local artisans, descendents of the Tarascan Indians.

Situated on a hillside, just east of the main plaza, is the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, built in 1554. The Basilica houses the Virgin of Health, made out of cornstalks and also dating back to the mid 16th century.

Patzcuaro boasts exquisite restaurants and quite often, a shot of the local rum known as charanda, will be served before the meal. Popular dishes are white fish, queso ranchero and charales, small fried fish caught locally, served with sauce.

For outdoor lovers, Lake Patzcuaro is a wonderful site for canoeing, catching white-fish and visiting the small island, Janitzio, in the middle of the lake. Janitzio comes alive during the Day of the Dead, making Patzcuaro one of the top destinations during this national holiday. Several small villages are located along the lake, and renting a boat is a great way to get around. The villages are also notorious for their historical buildings and distinct handicrafts, such as lacquer ware, silver articles, pottery, woodcarvings, copper pots, guitars and textiles, depending on the village.

The Ihuatzio archaeological site, Tzintzuntzan, once the capital of the Purepecha, is also located along the eastern side of the lake, where a 16th-century Franciscan convent still stands today.