
City and municipality in Michoacán, Mexico
Photo: Montoya cer, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tacámbaro, officially known as Tacámbaro de Codallos, is a small city in the Mexican state of Michoacan. It is a place where history comes alive, but is also known for outdoor activities including a volcanic crater lake, hiking areas to waterfalls, and aquatic parks. It has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.
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Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Fátima
Most churches in Mexico are famous for their architecture, art, or colonial history, but this sanctuary's claim to fame stems from the late 20th century when it became known as the sanctuary for refugees. It houses four paintings of refugee virgins: the Virgin of Czeztochowa, arrived on October 20, 1957 and is of Polish origin. She was later joined by the Virgens of Lithuania, Cuba, and Romania. The church is also recognized for its replica of the Holy Sepulcher and for its stained glass window of Our Lady of Fatima.
Zocalo
The town's main plaza is a large open area with a central fountain, towering shade trees, park benches, and roaming vendors followed by a large army of strutting pigeons. Tacambaro is known for its ice cream vendors.
Historic chapel built by the Augustinian missionaries in 1538. Awesome architecture with red granite and flying buttresses. Very rustic, feels like it could be a 1,000 years old. Fairly small, but the interior has incredible paintings on the ceiling panels of the main nave.
Tacambaro's main church is a beautifully clean cathedral with a replica of the throne of God and a large number of paintings dating back to the 17th century. It was constructed by Augustinian missionaries in the 16th century. Tourists are allowed to climb the towers up to the roof.
Large hill that's home to a popular park with activities for kids, a track for jogging or cycling, picnic pavilions with grills and tables, and a number of trails through the forest for naturalists to enjoy Birdwatching or simply relaxing with nature.
Beautiful rustic lake in the crater of a dormant volcano. There are no developed park facilities here, so be prepared to rough it. Locals swim in the lake and canoeing and kayaking are allowed, but kayaks are only available for rent on Sunday.
Family friendly water park on the south side of town. Pools, water slides and activities for the children. Picnic pavilions. Includes a campground.
Casual corner diner serving burgers and pizzas. The carnitas pizza is a house specialty.
Super casual munchies including enchiladas and street taquitos. Very popular but serves a lot of food very fast. No seating area and no rest rooms.
Cheap tacos. Slow service.
Karaoke bar serving cold beer and micheladas. Mostly popular Spanish language pop and regional Mexican music, but a few English language songs in the mix too. Light food such as fries and wings. Friendly crowd.
Traditional downtown hotel with spacious, clean rooms. On-site restaurant, off-site parking available.
Small traditional hotel with about 6 rooms. Spacious, clean rooms with rustic decor. Off-street parking available.
Traditional hotel with lots of plants and balconies looking over the street. Rooms are basic with dated furnishings.
Traditional hotel in an historic home in the town center. Rooms are adequate but furnishings appear dated. Door locked at 9pm.
By car
Tacámbaro is about a 1-hour drive from the city of Morelia. From Morelia, drive west on Carr. Morelia-Pátzcuaro and exit at Tiripetío.
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