Tour Details

Join Travelian Tours for a wondrous small group tour of Patzcuaro, a picturesque colonial town in the mountains of Michoacan. Nestled in a lush pine forest on the southeast shore of Lake Patzcuaro at an elevation 7200 feet, this picuresque town is catalogued as one of Mexico’s “Pueblo Magicos” (magical towns).  Patzcuaro is remarkable for its rich historic heritage, as well as its plethora of artisan crafts. It is known for ceramics, lacquer work, carved wood, textiles and hammered copper.  Visit the pre-Colombian archeological site of Las Yacatas, and meet master artisans in the villages of Tzintzuntzan and Santa Clara del Cobre with an expert guide from Patzcuaro.  Easter weekend is filled with many processions in town and performances in the main square. The town is alive with art, music and delicious regional cuisine. Stay at a beautiful bed and breakfast only one block from Patzcuaro’s main square and all the action.

Join Travelian’s expert guides for this stunning festival in comfort and safety with a small group of curious travelers!

Itinerary - 4 Days

DAY 1 – TRAVEL DAY, ARTISAN MARKET, TRADITIONAL FIESTA
8:00 am Depart from St. Paul’s Church for Patzcuaro. A sack breakfast will be provided en route. Arrive in Patzcuaro and leave bags at Bed and Breakfast. Walk to a special restaurant for lunch*. Return to B and B and unpack. Meet in lobby for orientation and to receive maps. Enjoy exploring Patzcuaro’s annual spring arts and crafts fair as well as galleries and shops around the main plaza. Return to bed and breakfast and meet in the garden for a Traditional Regional Fiesta (cocktails, music, and dinner included)! 

DAY 2 – TZINTZUNTZAN, ARCHEOLOGY, TRADITIONAL PROCESSION, MARKET AND MASTER ARTISANS

7:30-8:00 Breakfast at B and B. 9:00 Meet our guide in the lobby and depart for Tzintzuntzan. Explore the sacred ceremonial center of the pre-Columbian Tarascan empire known as Las Yacatas. Visit town to witness the Salida de Penitentes from the chapel, visit the Ex-Convento of San Francisco. Go to the market and visit master artisans. Depart for Patzcuaro. Lunch will be provided en route. Return to B and B. Rest or have more time to visit points of interest in Patzcuaro. Meet in lobby and walk to special restaurant for dinner*.

DAY 3 – SANTA CLARA DEL COBRE’S COPPERSMITH WORKSHOPS AND MASTERS AND PATZCUARO’S ARTISAN MARKET, GALLERIES AND ARCHITECTURE AND PROCESSION OF SILENCE

8:00 Breakfast at B and B. 9:30 Meet guide in the lobby and depart for Santa Clara del Cobre to visit coppersmith masters’ workshops. Visit the town and have time to shop for copper pieces. Return to Patzcuaro for lunch*. Explore town and visit markets, exhibitions, and Patzcuaro’s many points of interest. At dusk, witness Patzcuaro’s famous “Procession of Silence,” then walk to a special restaurant for dinner*.

DAY 4 – TRAVEL DAY, LAST MINUTE SIGHT SEEING, SHOPPING AND FAREWELL LUNCHEON

8:00- 8:30 Breakfast at B and B. This morning is your free morning to visit the Artisan Market, explore town, or take photos. Return to B and B. Check out and walk to a special restaurant for a “Farewell Luncheon”*. Depart for San Miguel de Allende. Arrive in San Miguel (St. Paul’s Church) late that afternoon. 

* Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the tour's fee.
This itinerary is subject to changes without prior notification.

WHAT TO TAKE           Official ID your current Passport, Mexican residency ID (copies are fine)   Original INAPAM ID (if you have one)   Allow $ 150-200 USD for meals not included   Water Bottle   Camera   Binoculars   Flashlight    Hat   Sunblock   Insect repellent   Sunglasses   Umbrella and rain gear    Hiking sticks   Insect repellent   Day pack    Light-weight walking/hiking shoes    A fleece garment can be useful in case of chilly mornings    Pack your binoculars, toiletries and travel documents in your day pack, a supply of  resealable plastic storage bags can be handy for storing food items from the breakfast,  to be used as mid-morning snacks    Be sure to bring your own kleenex and small change for bathroom fees   Money belt   Personal prescription drugs   First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder)