Pátzcuaro and Morelia City

Tour Date
March 27 – 30, 2026
4 days – 3 Nights

Two Colonial Jewels of Michoacán

Patzcuaro is an undeniably beautiful town full of elegant colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and strong indigenous traditions. The first Bishop of Michoacan, Vasco de Quiroga, not only evangelized and defended the indigenous peoples of Patzcuaro, but he also built schools and hospitals there. Vasco de Quiroga carried out extensive and surprising social work in the town, pitting him against the authorities and even the clergy, whom, with the support of King Charles V of Spain, Quiroga stubbornly resisted.

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House of the Eleven Patios. Dating from the 18th century was first inhabited by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena. Its original design featured eleven courtyards (hence the name); currently, it has only five. One of the building’s main features is its baroque-style bathroom, in addition to its beautiful arches.
During the 1960s, the construction was rescued and restored to turn it into an artisan center, where regional products could be sold. Nowadays, its patios host all sorts of arts and crafts exhibitions.

Gertrudis Bocanegra Public Library. Its construction dates back to 1576, and it was initially built to house the Augustinian Convent. In 1882, the State Government sold most of the property, and by 1938, under the orders of Lázaro Cárdenas, the Gertrudis Bocanegra Public Library was established. In addition to having cultural value itself, it shelters a mural painted by the renowned Juan O ‘Gorman.
The mural tells the story of Michoacan and covers the entire north wall. It measures 14 meters high by 12.7 meters wide.

Santa Clara (Copper Town). This town is internationally renowned for its products made of copper, obtained from the local mines. For many years, the artisans have mastered and perfected the techniques for working with copper. Several artisans offer a wide variety of products, such as glazed vases, pots, plates, saucepans, and many other decorative objects. The prices for the different products are very reasonable considering all the work put into each piece. Don’t forget to buy an original copper item created 100% by the artisans of this region.

Tzintzuntzan has a glorious past as the capital of the Purépecha empire, when it had a population of 30,000 people.
During the conquest, Tzintzuntzan became the first city in Michoacán and was, very briefly, an episcopal seat.
From the splendor of pre-Hispanic times is the imposing Yácatas, remains of the ceremonial center of a culture that since the XII century dominated these lands. Located on a natural promontory, the entire surrounding territory is dominated by spectacular panoramic views over Lake Pátzcuaro.
Traditions here go back far in time. Working with plant fibers is the specialty in this town, and creativity has soared. In the local artisan market, you can find the classical petatillo fish, as well as basketry of every kind, tablecloths, various objects, and even zoomorphic sculptures of monkeys, horses, or cows. Textiles with Pre-Hispanic motifs, pottery pieces, and stone and wood carving pieces are also available because, as we know, each town around the lake has its specialty.

The colonial city of Morelia is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and from its breathtaking architecture, it’s clear to see why. Besides being the capital of the State of Michoacan, it is also the seat of government institutions and the most prestigious higher education institute in the region: the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (Michoacan University of Saint Nicolas of Hidalgo). Like the rest of the state, Morelia has an enormous amount to offer its visitors, from the colonial spectacle of its buildings and elegant, vibrant streets to delicious regional cuisine.