Towns Around Morelia Introduction

Posted by: USMexpats Discoveries Written by: Patty M. Vanegas January 27, 2026

Capula – Capula is located 25 kilometers or 15.5 miles or about 40-45 minutes West of Central Morelia. This town is well known in the area for the artisan ceramic pottery. This is where I found my flower pots twelve years ago. They endured direct Texas sun and harsh Chicago winters. They held my herb container garden that included cilantro, rosemary, and sage. So, I would say the pottery is durable. If you live in Morelia, the seasons are much more mild. The pottery will look newer longer here. Capula, also, has excellent fresh baked bread. Enjoy sweet breads while shopping for your garden and home. Or, enjoy the bread later with a coffee or hot chocolate from the area.

Quiroga – Quiroga is located 42 kilometers or 26 miles or 55-60 minutes West from the center of Morelia. So, just ten more minutes West of Capula. Quiroga is known for their artisanal shopping spaces and their Michoacán carnitas. When arriving to the food court, vendors eagerly offer samples of their carnitas on handmade tortillas. Squeeze some fresh lime juice, sprinkle some chopped onions and cilantro, and a splash of salsa. Yum.

Christmas street decorations can be seen hanging from the homes and shops throughout downtown Quiroga.

All natural breathable fabric colorful clothing can be purchased in Quiroga. This along with a side of Jesus and a variety of religious artifacts. Plus, pick up some fun toys for the kiddos and those who are young at heart!

Love horses?! Are you tired of the same old, same old statues that all look alike. These horse statues are very realistic. They boldly embody the true spirit and diversity of horses. Great for gifts to loved ones who have an affinity for these amazing animals. Don’t tell the horses I called them animals.

Tzintzuntzan – Tzintzuntzan is located 49 kilometers or 30.5 miles or an hour and ten minutes away from downtown Morelia. Tzintzuntzan was the ancient capital of the purepecha peoples who existed in several Mexican states. Today they continue to thrive in parts of Michoacan such as Patzcuaro and Tzintzuntzan despite historical conflicts with the Aztecs and Spaniards. The town is considered to be an archeological zone with plenty of ancient structures such as the T shaped step pyramids. The culture has a beautiful blend of ancient history combined with living history as the purepecha continue many of their traditions in the modern day. Tzintzuntzan is one town revered for their Day of the Dead ceremonies. Although the Day of the Dead month long celebration has become known outside of Mexico, the residents of Tzintzuntzan reverently care for their cemeteries throughout the year with daily maintenance and upkeep and allowance for respectful visitors. They offer delicious leche milk based ice creams in a variety of flavors. An ample size michelada in a hand created clay pottery vase quickly quenches thirst with a spicy kick. This town boasts many artisan crafts made from madera and palma or wood and palm leaves ranging from baskets to tortilla warmers to holiday decor due to their weaving skills. Additionally, they are avid fishers. Thus, many fish dishes such as charrales, small fried fish caught in the lakes nearby, and large full size fish platters with fish, beans, and rice are the specialty.

Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas! TzinTzunTzan Christmas decor galore. These ornamental items are made from palma or palm leaves. They are magical marvels. Also, seen in this photo are baskets, bags, purses, lamp covers, and more made from palma.

An up close view of TzinTzunTzan’s bells for Navidad or Christmas. Holiday garland in many shapes including the adorable miniature versions of their famous palma hats. Don’t return home to your Mexican friends without bringing them a palma hat. This is how friends for life begins…

This is TzinTzunTzan’s roadside marketplace located along the highway right outside the cemetary. You can see the items made from palma for which the area is known. Additional artisan items available are clay pottery garden pots, cookware, drinkware, bowls, colorful shot mugs, and magnets featuring TzintzunTzan attractions.

Another view of the roadside market of TzinTzuntzan. A gardener’s paradise. Do you see those gorgeous garden pots in the background? Yes, imagine your container gardens with those!

Patzcuaro – Patzcuaro is located 57 kilometers or 35.5 miles or about an hour and ten minutes Southwest of downtown Morelia. It is just South of Quiroga and Tzintzuntzan. This town is known worldwide for their Day of the Dead ceremonies that include an island, Isla de Janitzio. The island is reachable by ferry from the mainland dock of Patzcuaro. Once debarking from the ferry, one can walk along the dock and open stone plaza to reach the stone stairway that leads to the top of the island. The Janitzio Island includes an intricate stone stairway path that spirals up to an open plaza. This open plaza provides an exemplary view of the surrounding area along the lake. Enjoy an elote cup to warm up while gazing out across the lake. The Statue of Morelos is located here as well. Climb up some more stairs to stand in front of Morelos for a great touristy photo. Then, enter the center to learn more about the history of Janitzio and Morelos.

Patzcuaro is regionally known for their Danza de los Viejitos or the Dance of the Elderly. Often children and teens wear traditional clothing of the purepechua people and proceed to choregraphically dance as elders complete with canes and wooden tap shoes. Their shoes lend to the presentation with their clickety clack patters on the stone paved plaza and streets.

Patzcuaro has recently gained more recognition in the U.S. and elsewhere as William Dafoe along with other Hollywood celebrities have become enchanted by the charm of Patzcuaro. This came about in large part through the annual cinefest or movie fest in Morelia. This once a year event brings famous actors and actresses from around the world to Morelia to enjoy film previews and celebrations. Check out our earlier blog post to learn more about Patzcuaro. Patzcuaro

Patzcuaro Christmas tree nestled on the central plaza.

Patzcuaro downtown

An appreciation for where we walk. This is one of Patzcuaro’s walkways paved with volcanic rocks.

Another ode to where we walk. While everyone is looking up and around, some of us pay attention to what is below us – so we don’t trip and fall, but also to fully take in the amount of work put into creating these walkways. These brilliantly colorful stones placed perfectly for example. A nice smooth walkable space.

While one can see the clay pottery in the raw waiting to be painted as we may imagine, the incredible view behind the pottery place puts it all into perspective.

A traditional style two story home features the tiled roofs of Patzcuaro. A well trimmed bush hedge creates an enchanting entry. A medley of cacti, deciduous trees, and pines provide a soft frame for the property.

Santa Clara del Cobre – Santa Clara del Cobre is located 69 kilometers or 43 miles or about an hour and a half Southwest from central Morelia. It is simply a dip South of Patzcuaro. Santa Clara del Cobre is renowned for their copper crafts from cookware to detailed jewelry pieces (as we highlighted in a prior blog post about Santa Clara del Cobre). Read more in depth about Santa Clara del Cobre here Santa Clara del Cobre Copper Creations. However, they have silver selections as well. While shopping here, be sure to order some tostadas from the central plaza vendors. These tostada creations are unique to Santa Clara del Cobre. They are not even available in the city of Morelia as are many other regional dishes of Michoacán. Or, at least we have not found them anywhere in the city.

This view is entering Santa Clara del Cobre.

A beautiful view can be seen in Santa Clara del Cobre! A bustling town with a back drop of forested mountains on a sunny blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Take a little sip, take a little sip with me! A mezcalito in a mini barrel. Enrique has on a copper men’s ring from Santa Clara.

Patty is wearing a tricolor copper and silver ring. Jewelry in Santa Clara is creative and unique. Also, the quality lasts. Patty has had her rings for ten years.

Zirahuen – Zirahuen is located 74 kilometers or 46 miles or about an hour and fifteen minutes from Morelia’s downtown area. It is, also, located Southwest of the city and just West of Patzcuaro. Free from massive tourism and build up, Zirahuen has tranquil lake get away feel. Gorgeous age old pine trees delicately line this lake. Cool fresh air reinvigorates the lungs, mind, and spirit. As with each lake in the area, Zirahuen has its own breed of fish. This brings a distinctly unique flavor to their fish dishes and dinner platters. Non-motorized boats on the water add a serene scape to the lake.

Uruapan – Uruapan is located 107 kilometers or 66.5 miles or roughly two hours from downtown Morelia. Uruapan is well known for their avocados. The avocado orchards are surrounded by mature forests that provide clear fresh air. As we walked through the avocado orchards one morning in Uruapan, we breathed in the cool crisp fresh air. Avocados grow best in temperate climate areas with cool start days that maintain a steady range of temperature throughout the day and growing season.

As a special treat for those who read to the end, please enjoy this video!

https://youtube.com/shorts/Afa_iGRAFvA?si=ms_inQrz9a0Dz2Iw

Towns Around Morelia Introduction

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