//
Town and Municipality in Michoacán, Mexico
Photo: Tim & Annette, Copyrighted free use via Wikimedia Commons
Patzcuaro is a town in the Lake Patzcuaro area of the Mexican state of Michoacan.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Large collection of small artesania shops, most selling authentic crafts from the Lake Patzcuaro region, set in an historic downtown landmark.
Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica
Life in Patzcuaro revolves around its two central downtown plazas, with manicured landscaping, local monuments, boutique shops, quaint inns, and casual sidewalk cafes.
Patzcuaro's most important church, and the resting place for the remains of Bishop Don Vasco Quiroga, a local hero much loved by the Tarascan people. The church is opulent with carved doorways and architectural details, colorful stained glass windows, many 17th century oil paintings on the walls, and a spectacularly painted ceiling over the main altar that features panels with different biblical scenes.
Beautiful public library which also houses a famous mural by famous Mexican artist Juan O'Gorman that was commissioned by President Lazaro Cardenas.
Stunningly beautiful Gothic 17th century church with a long, low nave, stone archways, and flying buttresses along the outer walls, its mildewed grey stones make it look ancient beyond its years. Built by Dominicans as a mission, the old convent is now the Casa de Once Patios. An adjacent cemetery is full of old headstones and iron gates. It is a tranquil place where locals have been dying to be buried for centuries.
Dining room with Sunday Buffet. Very good food.
For under US$5, you'll get a small salad, choice of soups, choice of main dishes, postre, and agua de fruta. A small sandwich-board sign identifies the entrance; seating is in a covered patio. Best for breakfasts.
referred to by gringo expats as 'The Office' - where the above street enters the Plaza Grande. This is the place in Patzcuaro to buy fresh coffee.
Extensive menu of well-prepared seafood dishes; excellent service, moderate prices. Any dish with shrimp in it is a specialty.
Lots of cheap, tasty foods. Recommended: tamales, corundas and birria.
Not so cheap, but excellent food and service with a panoramic view of Patzcuaro.
Young crowd. Beer and pool tables. Occasional live music.
Nightclub.
Michoacán #43. Small quiet hotel offering the cheapest prices for international backpackers. Small rooms downstairs are even cheaper. Camping available. Reservations not normally needed.
Ponce de Leon 16, Centro, An intimate five-room Boutique Hotel of charm and beauty in the heart of Colonial Patzcuaro.(web page:www.realaduana.com).
Portal Morelos # 59, Col. Centro. Small boutique hotel with two restaurants and plenty of art and history. Hotel Mansion Iturbe is in Vasco de Quiroga Square, heart of Patzcuaro, one hour from Morelia International Airport.
Calzada de Las Americas 450. US$48 per night and up. Dining room w/Sunday Buffet.
Housed in a traditional colonial building.
B&B / Boutique Hotel
A beautifully restored 18th century mansion located in the historic center. Beautiful colonial rooms furnished with folk art. Generous breakfast and bi-lingual staff.
By bus
Several first-class bus lines have infrequent service to Patzcuaro.
By car
Patzcuaro is an easy drive from the Pacific coast towns of Ixtapa, a resort community, and former fishing village Zihuatanejo, which has a large airport.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Uruapan · Regional · UPN
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Patzcuaro and Mexico.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your Isla Holbox trip with our complete Mexico guide. Explore sand streets, Punta Cocos bioluminescence, whale sharks, beach clubs, and ferries.
8 min read
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Compare safety in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico City, and Oaxaca with official travel advisories and local tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.