Things to do in Pátzcuaro
-
A
Mistonga
When you dine Argentine, steak is your best option. This gorgeous enclosed courtyard restaurant serves it in a variety of ways, such as milanesa (pounded thin and breaded) and chimichurri (marinated in a garlic, parsley and olive oil sauce). It also has a fantastic Argentine wine list.
reviewed
-
B
La Surtidora
Waiters are dressed in chef whites, but don’t expect fine dining at this old-school café, which has been in operation on Plaza Grande since 1916. The beamed interior is perfumed with roasting coffee, it serves all manner of salads and the chicken enchiladas come topped with butternut squash.
reviewed
-
local market
The local market on the west side of the Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra is where you can find everything from fruit, vegetables and fresh trout to herbal medicines, crafts and clothing - including the region's distinctive striped shawls and sarapes. There's outstanding cheap food, too.
reviewed
-
Plaza Chica market stalls
The Plaza Chica market stalls serve everything from fruit juices to tacos to tortas.
reviewed
-
C
Museo de Artes Populares
This folk art museum is housed on the former site of the Colegio de San Nicolás, arguably the Americas’ first university, founded by Quiroga in 1540. The building was constructed on pre-Hispanic stone foundations, some of which can be seen behind the museum courtyards. Highlights of the impressive permanent collection include a room set up as a typical Michoacán kitchen, cases of gorgeous jewelry, and an entire room filled with retablos – crudely rendered devotional paintings offering thanks to God for saving the owner from illness or accident. Some are quite gory. Also don’t miss the wooden troje (traditional Purépecha house) in the garden.
reviewed
-
D
Casa de Los Once Patios
This cool, rambling colonial edifice was built as a Dominican convent in the 1740s. (Before that, the site held one of Mexico’s first hospitals, founded by Vasco de Quiroga.) Today it houses small artesanías (handicrafts) shops, each specializing in a particular regional craft. Look for copperware from Santa Clara del Cobre and musical instruments from Paracho, as well as lacquerware, hand-painted ceramics and vibrant textiles. You’ll likely find privacy on the top floors where you can take in the surrounding natural and architectural beauty.
reviewed
-
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
Pátzcuaro's leafy main plaza is one of Mexico's best hang out spots. It is framed by the 17th century facades of old mansions that have since been converted to hotels, shops and restaurants; and watched over by a serene statue of Vasco de Quiroga which rises from the central fountain. The sides of the plaza are named Portal Hidalgo (west side), Portal Aldama (south side) and Portal Matamoros (east side). The north side is Portal Allende east of Iturbe and Portal Morelos west of Iturbe.
reviewed
-
E
Biblioteca Gertrudis Bocanegra
One of the coolest libraries of all time, the Biblioteca Gertrudis Bocanegra occupies the cavernous interior of the 16th-century San Agustín church. There are oyster-shell skylights and a massive colorful Juan O’Gorman mural on the rear wall that depicts the history of Michoacán from pre-Hispanic times to the 1910 revolution. It also has high-speed internet for just M$5 per hour and a huge collection of pulpy English paperbacks for sale (M$10 for four).
reviewed
-
F
Templo de la Compañía
Built in the 16th century, the Templo de la Compañía became a Jesuit training college in the 17th century. The church is still in use and houses some Vasco de Quiroga relics. The adjacent college building fell into ruin after the expulsion of the Jesuits. It is now used for community activities and often has free temporary exhibits.
reviewed
-
Miguel Ángel Núñez
English-speaking Miguel Ángel, an anthropologist, offers insider tours of the Pátzcuaro area and throughout Michoacán. He covers indigenous culture, archaeology, colonial history, art and architecture. Tour prices depend on the destination, transportation is provided. He can also organize cooking classes and food tours upon request.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
G
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
This gorgeous church, built on the hill atop a pre-Hispanic ceremonial site, was intended to be the centerpiece of Vasco de Quiroga’s utopia. The building wasn’t completed until the 19th century and only the central nave was faithful to his original design. Quiroga’s tomb, the Mausoleo de Don Vasco, is left of the main doors.
reviewed
-
H
Centro de Lenguas Y Ecoturismo de Pátzcuaro
Courses at Centro de Lenguas y Ecoturismo de Pátzcuaro involve four to six hours of classes Monday to Friday. Cultural programs include seminars in Mexican literature and excursions to the butterfly sanctuary (in season) and local villages. Homestays (including meals) cost M$326 per day.
reviewed
-
I
Super Pollo Don Emilio
Downing a plate of enchiladas placeras (plaza-style enchiladas) here is probably the quintessential Pátzcuaro dining experience. Handmade tortillas are dipped in salsa, fried, and served with succulent chicken quarters and heaping piles of carrots and potatoes. Expect a queue.
reviewed
-
J
El Refugio
This elegant hotel bar has two (quite different) points of highlight: the lovely wood-burning fireplace that attracts couples and sparks good conversation, and the flat-screen TV above the bar that displays global and American football games to an international expat crowd.
reviewed
-
K
Akqua
Pátzcuaro's newest bar-lounge attempts to blend modern electronica vibrations into the ancient soul of this quiet town. Brand new at the time of research, it wasn't crowded. But the old stone courtyard is a great location and it should find its groove.
reviewed
-
L
Campanario Bar
Pátzcuaro seldom parties, but you can toast the saintly Quiroga at the airy sidewalk tables or in the cramped black-lit environs of Campanario Bar, which offers live bands on occasion. If the Pátzcuaro night has a pulse, this is its heart.
reviewed
-
M
Restaurante Don Rafa
The bow-tied waiters at this narrow, intimate restaurant serve set, three-course menus starring Mexican classics, such as chicken mole. There are tablecloths and candles on the tables, but fluorescent lighting spoils the mood. Still, a good deal.
reviewed
-
N
Doña Toya
At the top of a cobblestone hill and behind an unmarked red door, Doña Toya serves up the city’s finest sopes – disks of fried masa (dough) topped with shredded meat, salsa and fresh cilantro – at little plastic tables in her home’s front room.
reviewed
-
O
Tekare
Inside the Posada de la Basílica hotel, Tekare’s elegant, sun-drenched dining room has stunning panoramic views and a menu of dressed-up local dishes. Try the special, kurucha urapiti (‘white fish’ in the Purépecha language).
reviewed
-
P
Mercado de Artesanías
A tumbledown Mercado de Artesanías operates on the side street adjacent to the Biblioteca Gertrudis Bocanegra. Wooden masks and pastel crucifixes, are among the crafts sold here. Quality varies but prices are low.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Q
Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra
Pátzcuaro's second plaza is named after a local heroine who was shot by firing squad in 1818 for her support of the independence movement. Her statue commands the center of the plaza and she looks like your basic badass.
reviewed
-
R
Priscilla's
Posh and fancy, this fine dining room serves international dishes, like lasagna al prosciutto, fish-filled nopals and cheese fondue. There's courtyard dining on warm days and live music on Saturday nights.
reviewed
-
S
Teatro Emperador Caltzontzin
On the west side of the Biblioteca Gertrudis Bocanegra, the Teatro Emperador Caltzontzin was a convent until it was converted to a theater in 1936; it hosts occasional films and performances
reviewed
-
T
La Casa de Arcángeles
This bright courtyard café attached to Hotel Misión San Manuel serves all the typical Mexican favorites. Pátzcuaro’s youngest mariachi band performs on weekends, which is always a good time.
reviewed
-
U
Templo San Francisco
The pink stone Templo San Francisco is an interesting old church at Pátzcuaro.
reviewed
