Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico

People often ask for our favorite city in Mexico. Usually that answer is Patzcuaro. It's a mid-sized, inland city in the state of Michoacan at a high enough elevation to enjoy cool nights and warm days. It's a perfect base to explore the many artisan crafts of the state. But, more than that, it has a flavor of Mexico that has not been overly impacted by tourists from other countries. Some say that it is a favorite vacation spot of Mexicans.

Where else can you sit outside for breakfast and watch the local police march to the zocalo to raise the flag? (Note the colorful table linens that are made in this city and sold in our shop.)

The zocalo is the heart of this town and there are events, entertainment, and exercise daily. We like to fall in with the locals who walk or run around the perimeter in the morning.


Below is a photo of the El Viejos (the old ones) who dance on wooden shoes to lively traditional music.


One place we like to shop right in Patzcuaro is Once Patios (11 Patios) just a couple blocks from the central zocalo. I think it was a convent at one time, but is now a labyrinth of shops that represent the various crafts of the area. We'll look more closely at one in another post.

The daily food marked and the Friday general market are worth the trip. We especially like sniffing the sacks of dried peppers.


Another meeting place in Patzcuaro is the area around the Basilica. You'll find vendors of religious icons, clothing, toys, carvings, and tequilla. In the mornings there are food vendors and sometimes musicians to serenade. We enjoyed this group.

After a day out in the countryside, it's refreshing to come back to the hotel* where vendors sell ice cream and ices. These elaborate concessions are set up and taken down daily. The adventuresome try flavors of unknown origin. I stick to the familiar, like limon!



The evening walk always includes a detour to another area where people come to eat the impressive dinners cooked over these outdoor grills. Watching the swift movements and the generous helpings makes us wish we were brave enough for street food.


This is just a sampling of the delights of Patzcuaro. I'm sure every traveler has their own special places and events. You might want to consider this spot the next time you want to get away from the crowds.

*Hotel Los Escudos is our preferred abode in Patzcuaro. It's right on the zocalo and is reasonably priced. Another hotel on the zocalo that has good breakfasts (with fruit plates with papaya) is I Turbe. It gets good reviews, but we're on a more modest mission when traveling!