Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Patzcuaro is a cultural and artisan center for the State of Michoacan, Mexico. The place is called "door to heaven" or "place where the blackness begins"
The beautiful central plaza remains a tribute to its namesake, Vasco de Quiroga moved the capital from Tzintzuntzan to the beautiful mountain city of Patzcuaro in 1533 and built a large basilica. He also founded the Colegio de San Nicolas Obispo in Patzcuaro.
Patzcuaro is a small colonial gem in the state of Michoacan, a land of immense natural beauty. Michoacan's countryside is a vast expanse of rolling hills, deep lakes, winding rivers and green valleys. Patzcuaro is found on hills above one of the lakes; Lake Patzcuaro. Volcanic activity and the state's latitude position helps create a setting not unlike Hawaii. Rich soil supports lush jungle-like vegetation, with spectacular mountain landscapes, and velveteen pasturelands. The state has few large cities, but rather is a quilt of small villages and towns that have changed little since the early 1800's . Its pace is leisurely, its people friendly, and its Spanish colonial and indigenous heritage rich.
This historical mountain town is an easy 3 1/2 hour drivefrom the famous Pacific Ocean seaside resorts of Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa and Troncones. Many historical fountains adorn the city. A multitude of churches, plazas and shrines make this a truly great historical destination. Patzcuaro is famous for its sidewalk cafes and great restaurants. Small and large market places line the plazas and ancient side streets. Woven tablecloths, trays, carved and finely painted furniture, and gold laminated handwork are among the treasures to be found in this colonial setting.

The main attractions here are:
The Colonial Center here the main square is called La Plaza de Quiroga or La Plaza Grande and is a fine place to just sit and relax, buy a nieve, gordita de nata, or some ate and watch the world go by.
Up the hill, east of the town center, is the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud - Patzcuaro's Patron Saint. It is here that Quiroga himself is buried, and the Virgin, Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Our Lady of Good Health), is said to perform miracles. The Museo de Artes Populares or Popular Arts Museum is just south of the Basilica, one block east of the main square. Some say it is the site of the first University in the Americas, founded by Quiroga.
Lake Patzcuaro / Janitzio Island is about two miles north of the town's center are the shores of Lake Patzcuaro, which also hosts Isla Janitzio. Frequent boats will take you from the docks of Patzcuaro to the island.
The island offers visitors an opportunity to browse markets and buy from local artisans and traders. There are a number of food stalls selling Charales, small fish caught in the lake and deep fried in batter.
Santa Clara del Cobre is about 12 miles south of Patzcuaro is Santa Clara del Cobre, which used to be a copper mining town. The mines are now closed, but copper crafting continues.
Santa Clara del Cobre is one of the "must see" villages around Patzcuaro. If you only have time to see one of the small towns around Patzcuaro on your stay in the area, consider Santa Clara. Many of the stores in the town have workshops at the back where you can see families of three or four generations working on the items you see for sale by hand.