Lake Patzcuaro
Lake Patzcuaro
4.5
About
At over 6,000 feet above sea level, this is one of the highest lakes in the world.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Lake Patzcuaro and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
Attractions
5 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
76 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
23
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Ugo C
Reykjavik, Iceland751 contributions
Nov 2021
Such a beautiful setting. A lake with small islands. The weather was great, the boat to the main island was cheap and the ride there very scenic. The town of Janitzio and all others around the lake are very picturesque. The food was great and the views amazing. Lots to see and do here
Written 17 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AjijicRose
Ajijic, Jalisco58 contributions
If you are enchanted with antiquity, this is the place for you! Steeped in history and retaining much of the flavour of the 16th century, Patzcuaro has two plazas and a splendid Basilica "Nuestra Senora de la Salud" (Our Lady of Health). Here you will find the remains of Don Vasco Quiroga, the first Bishop of Michoacan and champion of the Tarascan Indians. The larger plaza is named after him. A hotel on the west side of the plaza was once the home of the Spanish lady, Gertrudis Bocanegra, after whom the second plaza is named. She fell in love with and married a Tarascan soldier. The library, in a former 16th century church, has a mural by Juan O'Gorman that details the history of Patzcuaro from pre-Columbian times to this century. The Museum of Popular Art is another example of 16th century architecture. We always stay at La Mansion de los Suenos for impeccable service and food, and for the beauty of its rooms and mural decorated courtyards.
Written 30 June 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marcopolo111
Cleveland, Oh2,737 contributions
Jan 2017 • Solo
A car tour around the lake, less than 70 km is highly recommended to see past cultures and civilizations and an unspoiled Mexico. The view changes continually and the road cross a couple of dozen villages, all unspoiled and devoid of tourism. Most of the villager speaks a prehispanic conquest language and the street food vendors offer a large variety of exceptional food. There are many villages selling local pottery, baskets and leather. Many villages are off the main road around the lake and a detour is worthwhile.
Written 20 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travisleroy_8
Austin, Texas78 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
My favorite area is the Colonial Highlands in central Mexico and Michoacan is perfect for me. There are small, active, ex-pat communities, but not the enclaves of San Miguel or Chapala.
You might consider the Lake Patzcuaro and Morelia area. It is a safe, magical area of Mexico. It's in the same mountain range as San Miguel de Allende, but further south and about 1,000 feet higher.
Lake Patzcuaro seems to be in the middle of everything: Mexico City is about 200 miles to the east; Guadalajara is about 200 miles to the west; the ocean beaches are about 200 miles to the south; and San Miguel is about 200 miles to the north.
The Texas border is about 750 miles north, with 4-lane cuotas (highways) all the way. Driving is fun, bus transportation is easy and flying is fast.
The capital, Morelia, is about 30 miles from the Lake and has an International airport, Costco, Sears, Office Depot, Auto Zone, Starbucks and superb medical facilities. But I prefer Lake Patzcuaro.
Morelia is one of the cultural capitals of Mexico. Don’t miss the Candy Museum and afterwards, visit the Candy Market. Our Film Festival was superb and the Music Festival was swinging. The Salsa Dance Festival and the Jazz Festival are being planned. There is always something to do.
Lake Patzcuaro, at 7,200 feet, has the ideal climate, with winter high temperatures in the 70’s and summer highs in the 80’s. Spring is delightful and the Easter Craft Festival in Uruapan is superb.
Summer brings short, afternoon rains, turning everything green. In the Fall, everything green, turns into vistas of colorful, blooming flowers. Enjoy celebrating one of the best Days of the Dead in Mexico. Lake Patzcuaro is one of the few places in the world that celebrates Noche de Muertos, or Night of the Dead, one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
Winter brings perfectly clear, sunny days, needing a hat and short sleeves. Evenings are crisp and winter nights require snuggling with a blanket, or someone warm. Winter temps seldom drop into the forties. Leave your snow shovel at home.
You might like it around Lake Patzcuaro.
You might consider the Lake Patzcuaro and Morelia area. It is a safe, magical area of Mexico. It's in the same mountain range as San Miguel de Allende, but further south and about 1,000 feet higher.
Lake Patzcuaro seems to be in the middle of everything: Mexico City is about 200 miles to the east; Guadalajara is about 200 miles to the west; the ocean beaches are about 200 miles to the south; and San Miguel is about 200 miles to the north.
The Texas border is about 750 miles north, with 4-lane cuotas (highways) all the way. Driving is fun, bus transportation is easy and flying is fast.
The capital, Morelia, is about 30 miles from the Lake and has an International airport, Costco, Sears, Office Depot, Auto Zone, Starbucks and superb medical facilities. But I prefer Lake Patzcuaro.
Morelia is one of the cultural capitals of Mexico. Don’t miss the Candy Museum and afterwards, visit the Candy Market. Our Film Festival was superb and the Music Festival was swinging. The Salsa Dance Festival and the Jazz Festival are being planned. There is always something to do.
Lake Patzcuaro, at 7,200 feet, has the ideal climate, with winter high temperatures in the 70’s and summer highs in the 80’s. Spring is delightful and the Easter Craft Festival in Uruapan is superb.
Summer brings short, afternoon rains, turning everything green. In the Fall, everything green, turns into vistas of colorful, blooming flowers. Enjoy celebrating one of the best Days of the Dead in Mexico. Lake Patzcuaro is one of the few places in the world that celebrates Noche de Muertos, or Night of the Dead, one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
Winter brings perfectly clear, sunny days, needing a hat and short sleeves. Evenings are crisp and winter nights require snuggling with a blanket, or someone warm. Winter temps seldom drop into the forties. Leave your snow shovel at home.
You might like it around Lake Patzcuaro.
Written 3 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CindyF243
Charleston, SC53 contributions
Jun 2012 • Solo
My recent trip to this area was incredible. It was so beautiful. Every little town seemed to have some outside market with crafts, people, food, etc. I had a tour guide that took me to local artists homes and studios so I was able to see how and where the ceramics were made. Seemed like the prices were very low for food, lodging, bus travel, and art purchases. The weather was warm in the day and cool at night. Everyone was very friendly and I didn't have any issues. There were a few more policemen in the town square, but it didn't seem like this was an issue. I was a woman traveling alone for 5 weeks in Mexico without any issues. Buses were great too. Those first class buses between cities are like 1st class on a plane and so cheap! Also just found a documentary about the local artisans of the region www.brilliantsoil.org. This was one of the artisans we visited. I too read the State Dept. warning, but all the Americans that I talked to who lived there said it was overblown?
Written 14 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria R
Patzcuaro, Mexico8 contributions
Jun 2012 • Solo
And I have now been here 20 years! Lake Patzcuaro and the surrounding area is another world. There are layers upon layers of history and fascinating and beautiful arts and artesania. I turned my home into a very small hotel about 8 years ago, La Casa Encantada. (We have been #1 on Tripadvisor since we opened practically.) I always say I could keep someone busy with new things to see and new experiences for weeks. I love nothing more than sharing my enthusiasm for the area. I have lived in may places including several other countries, but Patzcuaro is where I have stayed the longest because it is fabulous.. and it is truly like traveling back in time.
Written 6 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn025
Colima, Mexico29 contributions
Apr 2012 • Solo
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán and the surrounding areas are wonderful places to visit, as there are archaeological sites, lakes, colonial buildings, artesans, and interesting villages all situated in a beautiful green landscape of mountains and pine forests. I highly recommend hiring a local guide to enhance your journey around the region, and you will find none better than Miguel Angel Nuñez, of Casa de Tierra Tours. Miguel is an anthropologist and author, and he has lived in the area for 30 years. I recently spent 5 days in Pátzcuaro, and went on two private day tours with Miguel. We visited workshops of copper artesans in Santa Clara del Cobre, and an archaeological site, monastery (1525 a.d.), and stone carver in Tzintzuntzan. We traveled to Tupataro to see a tiny church with an amazing hand painted ceiling that tells many ancient stories (1528 a.d.), and another in Cuanajo, a small village of furniture builders. (There was much more, these are only some highlights). In his easy going way Miguel brings to life the history of Michoacán and the Purépecha people, the food, traditions, flora and fauna, problems and politics. It’s true that you can drive to many places by yourself, but what you learn is limited. Miguel offers insight, and with him you can know special people and places that are not in your tourist book. Contact Miguel at casadetierra@hotmail.com.
Written 16 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PanamaAna
Berlin, Germany3 contributions
Feb 2014
... and warmly recommend going there. Yes, the government has given out a warning not to travel in the state of Michoacan - as well as the US- and the German government and probably some others). It is good to consider these warnings. Yet as they are given for a complete state, we tried to get more detailed information on the certain place we wanted to visit. Looking at all that we heard we decided to visit Patzcuaro nevertheless.
Travelled from Mexico D.F. in a first class bus and discovered a beautiful place. We felt totally safe during our stay (no, there is no guarantee but there is no guarantee in my hometown Berlin/Germany neither...).
What we saw was an almost tourist-free area - where most people's living is based on tourism! We therefore want to share how much we enjoyed our stay, how relaxing the town, the lake, the climate were and warmly recommend considering to visit the place!!!
Travelled from Mexico D.F. in a first class bus and discovered a beautiful place. We felt totally safe during our stay (no, there is no guarantee but there is no guarantee in my hometown Berlin/Germany neither...).
What we saw was an almost tourist-free area - where most people's living is based on tourism! We therefore want to share how much we enjoyed our stay, how relaxing the town, the lake, the climate were and warmly recommend considering to visit the place!!!
Written 20 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boursay
San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico70 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
We were staying at a hotel in El Centro Morelia and we took a Tour of Lake Patzcuaro advertized in a flyer we found at the hotel. Cost of the Tour is 400 pesos with pickup at the hotel around 10.00 AM, return at 7.00PM. The 9 to 12 passenger clean Ford van drove us to Quiroga, a small pueblo with lots of “artesanias”. There we tasted the delicious “carnitas” from Michoacan, wandered a bit in the shops and proceeded to Tzintzuntzan (Lugar de colibries) another pueblo with a nice old church and a Franciscan convent from the 16th century. Passing through the country we saw many shops specializing in the old tradition of stone and wood carvings. Then we arrived at the dock where we took a 20 minute boat ride to the island of Janitzio, the ride was included in the Tour, both ways. Janitzio is the island that is crowned by the giant stone statue-building of Morelos, the Mexican heroe. We were welcome at the island by fishermen in their small boats. With their large nets, they were looking for “charales” the tiny fish that is eaten fried with lemon juice, chiles...etc. Great snack! After we docked, we started climbing the hundreds of stairs through a narrow way bordered by hundreds of small souvenirs shops and eating places to get to the Morelos building. It is quite a way up there but worth the climb. The José Maria Morelos statue is hollow and has many murals telling the history of Mexico. To get to the very top of this 40 meter high structure, or inside the “hand” of Morelos, many more stairs! From up there, we can see the whole area, the mountains, the lake, the islands...etc. A very nice experience! Then we took the boat back and stopped for late lunch. Food was included in the Tour but not the drinks. We had a nice plate of fish with beans, rice and salad. Jamaica juice or sodas were10 pesos each.
Then we were on our way to the town of Patzcuaro (Puerta del cielo) We both loved this pueblo very much. In the old part of town, if we could remove the cars from the streets we could believe we are in the 1950´s of 60´s. There are three squares or plazas. The old one with its 1930´s theater still open and its very large mural next door in the Library, the plaza of San Francisco, and the main plaza with portales or Plaza Grande. Many people enjoy this plaza daily. There are musicians, dancers and performers daily. There are cafés serving the best coffees, the ice creams are the very best we have had in Mexico so far( zapote, higo, pistache piñon...etc) nice clothing and shoe stores for ladies and many souvenirs stores. Be sure to wander a block or two around the main plaza and see the very old churh (Temple Sagrado) the house of the eleven patios, the stone covered streets...etc. We loved Patzcuaro so much that we went back the next day. DIRECTION: From El Centro Morelia to Patzcuaro by bus: Take the “combi” Linea Roja 1. It is a small white van with a red line on the sides and a number 1 on the windshield. It will take you to La Terminal de Autobuses for 6 pesos per person. It is a 20 minutes ride through town This is the bus station where you arrive by bus from other big cities. At the bus station, there are three buildings. Building A is for long distance travel (from Mexico City for example). For Patzuaro, go to Building B, buses leave every 10 minutes, cost 35 pesos per person. 50% discount if you have an Insen or Inapam card (over 60 years old living in Mexico). When the bus drops you in Patzcuaro, right there take another combi to the Plaza Grande for a few pesos per person, It is only 5 minutes away. If you prefer to take taxis from El Centro Morelia to La Terminal de Autobuses it will cost you 40 pesos. From La Terminal to El Centro you need to buy a taxi ticket inside Building A before boarding a taxi, same cost 40 pesos, more depending on your destination of course. Enjoy it, we sure did.
Then we were on our way to the town of Patzcuaro (Puerta del cielo) We both loved this pueblo very much. In the old part of town, if we could remove the cars from the streets we could believe we are in the 1950´s of 60´s. There are three squares or plazas. The old one with its 1930´s theater still open and its very large mural next door in the Library, the plaza of San Francisco, and the main plaza with portales or Plaza Grande. Many people enjoy this plaza daily. There are musicians, dancers and performers daily. There are cafés serving the best coffees, the ice creams are the very best we have had in Mexico so far( zapote, higo, pistache piñon...etc) nice clothing and shoe stores for ladies and many souvenirs stores. Be sure to wander a block or two around the main plaza and see the very old churh (Temple Sagrado) the house of the eleven patios, the stone covered streets...etc. We loved Patzcuaro so much that we went back the next day. DIRECTION: From El Centro Morelia to Patzcuaro by bus: Take the “combi” Linea Roja 1. It is a small white van with a red line on the sides and a number 1 on the windshield. It will take you to La Terminal de Autobuses for 6 pesos per person. It is a 20 minutes ride through town This is the bus station where you arrive by bus from other big cities. At the bus station, there are three buildings. Building A is for long distance travel (from Mexico City for example). For Patzuaro, go to Building B, buses leave every 10 minutes, cost 35 pesos per person. 50% discount if you have an Insen or Inapam card (over 60 years old living in Mexico). When the bus drops you in Patzcuaro, right there take another combi to the Plaza Grande for a few pesos per person, It is only 5 minutes away. If you prefer to take taxis from El Centro Morelia to La Terminal de Autobuses it will cost you 40 pesos. From La Terminal to El Centro you need to buy a taxi ticket inside Building A before boarding a taxi, same cost 40 pesos, more depending on your destination of course. Enjoy it, we sure did.
Written 10 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaboSanLucasCocinera
Cabo San Lucas108 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
There are endless crafts vendors in Pátzcuaro, but there is only one Enedina Castillo Rendon. This amazing artisan has been carving wood figures with Michoacan's best since she was 10... and she must be over 70 now. You would never imagine that she is the creator of all the wood sculpture, large and small, which she displays under the portals of Patzucaro's tranquil main square. She does intricate handwork on traditional shawls as people view her wares, never suspecting that this tiny Purépecha woman is one of Mexico's few female wood sculptors. If you have the great good luck to be in Pátzcuaro, don't miss this mother of 15 (all college graduates and teachers and craftsmen) whose lifelong mantra is "Get to work!" You can see her work on YouTube, Enedina Castillo Artesana Michoacana en Tallado de Madera. Wow!
Written 10 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you operate a motor boat on lake Patzcuaro??
Written 6 October 2019
Bueno Janitzio es la isla más grande del lago de Pátzcuaro .Si tú duda es que puedas nadar lo más recomendable que no,por la gran cantidad de lodo en el fondo del lago . En el estado tenemos otro lago queda el de Camecuaro el cual si es para que puedas nadar
Written 7 November 2018
pablosantos21
Tequisquiapan, Mexico
para el traslado en lancha cual es el costo por persona, y en grupo tienen algún precio especial??? el viajer lo pretendemos realizar el dia 2 de noviembre del presente año
Written 14 September 2017
Para este año el costo de ida y vuelta es de 70 pesos por persona y en grupo más de 20 personas es de $60. Yo te recomiendo tomar el paseo de las tres islas sube 20 pesos más por persona
Written 7 November 2018
Is it safe to drive from San miguel allende. Also please suggest rental car agency in san miguel
Written 10 July 2017
I think it is. I have done it a couple of times without any problem and felt save. Car rental in Mexico is generally heaper than in US. I usually rent from Avis or Dollar
Written 12 July 2017
Are there any recreational activities on the lake? Sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming? Is the water warm enough/clean enough for swimming? Thanks for your help!
Written 19 July 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing