Pátzcuaro

Pátzcuaro is a lovely and historic colonial city, located in the central highlands of Mexico in the state of Michoacán. The town is small, friendly and vibrant. In the center of town is in the gorgeous Plaza Don Vasco de Quiroga, where tourists and locals alike sit and enjoy coffee, ice cream, and socialization.

A few blocks from the Plaza is the teeming, colorful street market. Everyday of the week mangos, pineapples, and papayas are piled high; Purépecha Indian women prepare special tamales, peel cactus and sell produce and herbs; artisans arrive with hand-woven baskets and knit shawls; colors and scents abound.

Just a block from the market, over the small hill with a view out to the mountains and sky is what appears from the distance to be a small forest enclosed by an endless adobe wall. Now you have arrived at Casa Werma— a tranquil paradise in the middle of town!

The Region

Pátzcuaro is in the heart of the Purépecha Indian homeland. Founded longbefore the Spanish conquest, Pátzcuaro was established as the Purépecha cultural and religious center. It is said to be the "doorway to heaven" from where the gods ascend and descend. Lake Patzcuaro is a one of the world's highest lakes at 2,200m/7,250 ft. and is surrounded by dozens of Indian villages and extinct volcanoes. The region around Pátzcuaro is beautiful and interesting. The surrounding towns and villages specialize in various art forms, including copper-mongering, mask-making, ceramics, woodcarving, and guitar building. There are also various Purépecha ruins nearby that are significant in their own right.

In 2002, Pátzcuaro was designated a “Magical Town (Pueblo Mágico)”. “A‘Magical Village’ is a place with symbolism, legends, history, important events, day-to-day life – in other words, ‘magic’ in its social and cultural manifestations.” (SECTUR)