I’m sorry to start this video with a warning, but as I researched the area, Michoacan, I discovered that there is more trouble than what I originally thought. Therefore I cannot recommend coming to Michoacan right now.  There is a U.S. State Department travel advisory to NOT go to Michoacan because of crime and cases of kidnapping. There has been scattered violence and organized crime activity in the state.  

Last I heard there has been trouble in Aranza Michoacan, which is not that far from Patzcuaro (1 hour 20 mins). I cannot recommend you travel here under these conditions so I’m just giving you information. I am here now, so that’s what I’m talking about. While I do believe it’s true what they say: that if you have nothing to do with the cartel or the drug trade, the chances of you getting hurt here are very small, there is something to being at the wrong place at the wrong time. 

I hope things will change for the better. I won’t be leaving the area for a while and Patzcuaro itself seems very peaceful.

Well, it’s been a challenging and delightful week, all at the same time. But I’ll get to that later, right now I want to tell you about a jewel of a mountain town in Mexico. This is just a little taste of what it’s like to live in Patzcuaro!

Patzcuaro is a smallish colonial town of about 60,000 people in the mountains of the state of Michoacan. It’s known for its charming centro of white and red colonial buildings and sits on the southern end of Lake Patzcuaro. The lake has other small villages around it, each specializing in an art and craft production.  The lake also has several islands in it, the most well known is Janitzio, shown in many videos about the area. You can take a ferry ride across and visit the island which is  known for its celebration of the Dia de Los Muertos, and its unique statue of Morelos in the center of the island. (José Maria Morelos was a revolutionary leader during Mexico’s quest for independence and was executed by the Spanish government. Embraced across the country, this statue was created in 1933 to honor his memory)

I understand there is a small but growing group of expats living in the area,  Patzcuaro is a tourist town and an arts and crafts capitol, but I believe it’s less expensive for housing here than in very popular areas for foreigners, like Ajijic and San Miguel de Allende.

I love areas like this because there are more opportunities for rural living!

Patzcuaro is only less than an hour from the great city of Morelia, with its beautiful ornate architecture and history. I’ve been told that Morelia was the home of many wealthy people in its history and so has many fancy buildings and avenues, whereas Patzcuaro was a town for more of the working middle class peoples and has the structures to show that. The people of Morelia like to get away to the country and visit villages like Patzcuaro on weekends, and the people of Patzcuaro take advantage of the shopping, cultural events, international airport, and hospitals in Morelia.

If you saw my last video I talked about the weather in the highlands of Mexico in the summer. Though the last few days have been a bit warmer, it doesn’t seem to get hot here at about 7000 feet above sea level. The days are fresh with usual afternoon thunder showers.  In central Mexico most houses don’t have air conditioning or heat (tho there are fireplaces) because the weather, winter and summer, is pretty mild. I have not spent a winter in Patzcuaro but I hear it is cool with lows down to the mid 30’s and average temps in the high 60’s F during the day. You might consider a heater in winter.

For me, the winters in Mexico are calling me to the beach! At least some of the time, so If I lived here full time, I’d take some time in winter to go to the coast. I think the closest beach town is about 3.5 hours away in the Troncones/Zihuatanejo area on the Pacific.

I’ve rented a house outside of town here, but I’ve been in to Patzcuaro several times now and it’s a town that has grown on me. The first time I drove through I thought “wow, a lot of cars and a lot of people”, but it took getting out of the car and exploring on foot to really discover the character of the town. There is a peaceful beauty in the Plaza Grande, and it has a completely different feel than any other city I’ve been to.

My crazy week can be blamed on the full moon and extreme lightning happening last week! It started when I tried to upload my last video. You probably wouldn’t have noticed but I usually publish videos on Fridays at 3pm, but my last video didn’t get on the air until around 10pm. It’s because my desktop computer is on its last legs and something went wrong that day. Eventually it worked but it was only after trying to upload a half dozen times. 

The next thing was that my cell service went out. I’ve been using Airalo esims in Mexico and after a complicated start installing it back in March they have been working pretty good. Of course I use wifi when at home but I use the phone a lot for maps on the road. 

Eventually it just started working for no known reason. I wasn’t complaining about that.

I did a day of exploring and took a walk through the small villages of Santa Clara del Cobre and Zirahuen.

Santa Clara del Cobre is a charming town about 20 minutes from Patzcuaro. Known for its handmade copper wares, there are generations of artisans here who create beautiful pots, sinks, jewelry and more!

Zirahuen is a town of about 2500 people on the pretty lake of the same name. The Purépechas, called the lake the Mirror of the Gods. Unfortunately you can’t see the lake from the town square, but I caught a glimpse on the road.  There are a lot of cows in Zirahuen!

I wanted to show some of the other villages in this video. There is a big city (Morelia), many small villages, and the medium sized town of Patzcuaro, all within a one hour radius.

I’ve heard someone estimate that there are maybe 300 foreigners living in the area around the lake. There is not much English being spoken, but there is an English library above the Lupita’s restaurant, near the basilica. So being immersed with Spanish speakers, it’s easier to learn the language faster!

There are many buses, taxis, combis around for transportation and if you lived in central Patzcuaro you wouldn’t necessarily even need a car, but really to explore the area and all the little villages, and the city of Morelia, a car is very useful.

Day of the Dead and Semana Santa (Easter) are very big here and if you’re coming for one of these fiestas you should book hotels way in advance.

Patzcuaro offers a rich cultural heritage and a slower pace of life. If you’re into gardening, this area seems to be very ready to grow a variety of plants. At about 7000 feet Patz stays cool even in summer and summer rains make everything lush and green. 

There are apartment and home rentals both in the center and out in the country. Online, Rentals start around 5,000 pesos a month and go up.

I love the area, but it might not be for you if you require a lot of expat activities (like they have in the Chapala area), or a happening night life, or if you need English speakers around you.

Summary:

Living in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, is like stepping into a charming slice of Mexico’s rich cultural tapestry. Nestled beside a picturesque lake, this town is renowned for its vibrant traditions, warm-hearted community, and pretty colonial architecture. The pleasures of living here include the lively festivals, such as Día de los Muertos, where the streets come alive with colorful altars and celebrations. You’ll also enjoy the local cuisine, with delicious regional dishes and fresh ingredients straight from the market. The natural beauty, with serene lake views and nearby mountains, provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

However, there are a few risks and challenges to consider. Like many smaller towns, Pátzcuaro can have limited healthcare facilities and services, so it’s important to be prepared for any medical needs. Additionally, while the pace of life is generally relaxed, rural infrastructure may not always meet urban standards, which can affect things like internet connectivity or transportation options. Also, keep an eye on local safety advisories, as crime can sometimes be a concern in various parts of Mexico. Overall, though, if you value a rich cultural experience and a close-knit community, Pátzcuaro offers a delightful and fulfilling place to consider home.