Hola Mexico-loving friends,

Welcome to the Mexico Spotlight newsletter. You are receiving this because you are already subscribed to my monthly Mexico newsletter.

This newsletter highlights specific destinations around Mexico. I hope to shine a spotlight on lesser-known destinations or slightly off-the-beaten-path towns and cities that are close to places that you may already have on your Mexico bucket list.

Why Pátzcuaro?

Pátzcuaro is a Pueblo Magico in the state of Michoacan that is one of my favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations in Mexico.

Mexico lovers may have heard of Pátzcuaro as a wonderful place to experience Dia de Muertos. If you are looking for a place in Mexico to experience Day of the Dead in a more traditional way than the parades and parties of Mexico City, Pátzcuaro is spectacular. There's the midnight candle of boats on Lake Pátzcuaro, the Artisan Market around the main plaza in Pátzcuaro, and the Catrina Festival in the nearby town of Capula.

And while that is a great time of year to visit, with some of the most beautiful traditions to explore, this region of Mexico is spectacular all year long. If you visit between November and February, you will have sunshine and warm days with chillier mornings and evenings thanks to the mountain region.

The town of Pátzcuaro has a beautiful market, church, and plaza where you can sample delicious local cuisine. I highly recommend building a whole Michoacan itinerary which can include stops in Quiroga, the home of carnitas, Morelia, the beautiful capital of the state, and if you are visiting in February, the Monarch Butterly Reserve, which is where monarch butterflies migrate to in the winter months.

How to Get to Pátzcuaro

The most direct option if you are coming from Canada or the US is to fly into Mexico City. From here, you can rent a car and drive into Michoacan. If you are planning to visit the butterflies as well as several other towns and cities on the way to Pátzcuaro, this is the best option.

You can also take an ADO bus from Mexico City to Páztcuaro if you don't want to rent a car. It's a long bus journey, but you can break it up by stopping for a few days in Morelia first.

The closest airport to Pátzcuaro is the Morelia International Airport (airport code: MLM). You can fly here directly from Chicago, Houston, Oakland, and Tijuana. From here, you can take the bus to Morelia and then after spending some time in Morelia, you can take a bus to Pátzcuaro.

Things to Do in Pátzcuaro

Pátzcuaro is packed with culture and history as well as fantastic food.

• Explore the different markets. The municipal market was under construction during my trip to Pátzcuaro last year and it appears to still be closed in some parts, but the alleyways that surround the building are bustling with vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, dried chilis, and spices. Head to the artisenal market for souvenirs like leather boots, handbags, woven baskets, and colorful homegoods. Head to Plaza Chica to find tons of food vendors selling everything from freshly blended juices to juicy tacos and tortas.
• Go to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud (and the gardens). The city's basilica is a grand church to behold and like many churches in Mexico, sits on an ancient site that was pulled apart by the Spanish conquistadors in order to build the church with those very stones.
• Take the ferry to Isla Janitzio. One of the most popular things to do in Pátzcuaro is to visit the largest island on Lake Pátzcuaro, Janitzio. There are regular ferries to the island throughout the day which cost 100 Pesos round trip (about $5USD). Hike to the top of the island for the best views. Stop along the winding streets to shop for locally made souvenirs or enjoy a michelada along the docks at one of the many restaurants.
• Visit the Parroquia del Santuario de Guadalupe. While this is not the main church in Pátzcuaro, it is a beautiful one to explore. It's located close to the markets. It is hard to see from a distance since the alleways packed with food vendors are what lead you to the entrance. However, when you reach the double-spired church with its colorful papel picado fluttering in the wind, you'll know you've arrived. If you come close to Day of the Dead, there are marigold murals all over the parking lot around the church which are absolutely stunning.
• Eat Carnitas in Quiroga. Just up the road from Pátzcuaro is the home of carnitas, slow cooked pork tacos that are famous all over the country. I have eaten a lot of carnitas in the years that I have traveled and lived in Mexico and these are truly the best I have ever eaten. Be sure to stop at Carnitas Carmelo for a life changing taco.

Where to Stay in Pátzcuaro

As I have said about many of the other off-the-beaten-path destinations featured in these Mexico Highlight newsletters, even the nicest hotels in Pátzcuaro won't break the bank. You can go very budget here and save all your money for carnitas and leather huaraches or you can splurge on a historical hacienda and still have money leftover for a few souvenirs.

Budget

• ​Posada el Palomar​
• ​Posada Yolihuani​
• ​San Pablo​

Mid Range

• ​Casa Graciela Hotel​
• ​Gran Hotel Patzcuaro​
• ​Best Western Plus Posada de Don Vasco​

Luxury

• ​Hotel Pueblo Magico​
• ​Hotel La Parroquia​
• ​Hotel Mansion Iturbe​

Where to Eat in Pátzcuaro

Michoacan is home to some of the most exquisite food in all of Mexico (do I say this about every state in Mexico?). The food in Michoacan played a huge role in Mexican cuisine being recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

That means you will eat very well when you are visiting Pátzcuaro. Here are my top picks for places to dine.

• ​Restaurante el Patio: Located in the main square of the city, the food at this restaurant is some of the best in Pátzcuaro. The menu is packed with local dishes like Sopa Tarasca, local mole with chicken, and incredibly delicious enchiladas. They also serve indulgent breakfasts if you are looking for a place to have a huge plate of chilaquiles.
• ​Tacos Checo: For the best steetside tacos in town, stop by for a few tacos de cabeza from Tacos Checo. The cheek (cachete) is so tender and juicy. If that's too adventurous, they also have beef rib tacos which are equally fantastic.
• ​La Canija "Chilaquileria": Anywhere that calls itself a chilaquileria is a place I want to spend some time and I can whole heartedly say that these chilaquiles are scrumptious. Have it in a bread roll for a quikc and hearty lunch or top it wil a fried egg for breakfast. They have it with salsa roja or salsa verde and the cafe de olla is the perfect level of sweet and cinnamony.

Watch Some of My Pátzcuaro Videos

​

​

I hope this made you want to book a trip to this magical part of Mexico! If you have any questions, as always, feel free to hit reply and ask away!

Laura