Tacámbaro

Town Plaza in Tacambaro

Tacámbaro, officially known as Tacámbaro de Codallos, is a small city in the Mexican state of Michoacan. It is a place where history comes alive, but is also known for outdoor activities including a volcanic crater lake, hiking areas to waterfalls, and aquatic parks. It has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.

Understand

Tacámbaro's known story begins in the early 14th century when it was taken over by the purépechas. During the Colonial Mexico era, it was claimed by Cristóbal de Oñate as an encomienda with the town formally established in 1535. The chapel and convent were built in the early 16th century. Disease swept through the indigenous population in 1575, killing more than half the town's population. After the Mexican War of Independence, the haciendas were burned. The town was briefly the state capital of Michoacan.

Get in

By bus

From Morelia or other cities in Central Mexico, take a bus first to Patzcuaro. From Patzcuaro, Autovias operates two buses per day to Tacambaro. The 1-hour trip costs about M$60.

• 1 Terminal de Autobuses, Cerro Hueco. Small bus station servved by Autovias, Primera Plus and other lines with service to Morelia and other regional destinations. 

By car

Tacámbaro is about a 1-hour drive from the city of Morelia. From Morelia, drive west on Carr. Morelia-Pátzcuaro and exit at Tiripetío.

See

• 1 Sanctuary of Fatima (Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Fátima), Aldama 184, Centro. Most churches in Mexico are famous for their architecture, art, or colonial history, but this sanctuary's claim to fame stems from the late 20th century when it became known as the sanctuary for refugees. It houses four paintings of refugee virgins: the Virgin of Czeztochowa, arrived on October 20, 1957 and is of Polish origin. She was later joined by the Virgens of Lithuania, Cuba, and Romania. The church is also recognized for its replica of the Holy Sepulcher and for its stained glass window of Our Lady of Fatima. 
• 2 Plaza De Tacámbaro (Zocalo), Venustiano Carranza 80, Centro. The town's main plaza is a large open area with a central fountain, towering shade trees, park benches, and roaming vendors followed by a large army of strutting pigeons. Tacambaro is known for its ice cream vendors. 
• 3 Capilla Santa Maria Magdalena, La Magdalena. Historic chapel built by the Augustinian missionaries in 1538. Awesome architecture with red granite and flying buttresses. Very rustic, feels like it could be a 1,000 years old. Fairly small, but the interior has incredible paintings on the ceiling panels of the main nave. 
• 4 Catedral de Tacambaro, Articulo 123. Tacambaro's main church is a beautifully clean cathedral with a replica of the throne of God and a large number of paintings dating back to the 17th century. It was constructed by Augustinian missionaries in the 16th century. Tourists are allowed to climb the towers up to the roof. 

Do

• 1 Parque Ecologico Cerro Hueco, Tacambaro. Large hill that's home to a popular park with activities for kids, a track for jogging or cycling, picnic pavilions with grills and tables, and a number of trails through the forest for naturalists to enjoy Birdwatching or simply relaxing with nature. 

• 2 Crater Volcanica La Alberca, La Alberca. Beautiful rustic lake in the crater of a dormant volcano. There are no developed park facilities here, so be prepared to rough it. Locals swim in the lake and canoeing and kayaking are allowed, but kayaks are only available for rent on Sunday. 

• 3 Balneario Sapirhaticheri, Crucero salida A, Pedernales, ☏ +52 459 596 2424. Daily 10:00 - 18:00. Family friendly water park on the south side of town. Pools, water slides and activities for the children. Picnic pavilions. Includes a campground. 

Eat

This town has a reputation for interesting food, but the dearth of good quality restaurants puts the lie to that claim. If you can find restaurants that serve them, the town's crispy pork carnitas are famous as are the aporreadillo (eggs scrambled with partially-dried meat).

• 1 Burguer Lunch, Hidalgo Sur 165, ☏ +52 459 596 1506. Tu-Su 08:30 - 22:30, closed M. Casual corner diner serving burgers and pizzas. The carnitas pizza is a house specialty. M$150. (updated Apr 2024)
• 2 Enchiladas y Tacos de Doña Lucia, Isidro Favela 139, Los Pinos, ☏ +52 459 124 5033. M-F 18:30 - 00:00, Sa-Su 10:00 - 17:00. Super casual munchies including enchiladas and street taquitos. Very popular but serves a lot of food very fast. No seating area and no rest rooms. M$150. (updated Apr 2024)
• 3 Tacos el Fogon, El mayorazgo, ☏ +52 459 103 3816. Tu-Sa 15:30 - 00:00, Su 15:30 - 23:00, closed M. Cheap tacos. Slow service. M$150. (updated Apr 2024)

Drink

• 1 Barracuda Bar, José Maria Morelos, Centro. Daily 19:00 - 02:00. Karaoke bar serving cold beer and micheladas. Mostly popular Spanish language pop and regional Mexican music, but a few English language songs in the mix too. Light food such as fries and wings. Friendly crowd. (updated Apr 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Posada Santo Nino, José Maria Morelos 39, Centro, ☏ +52 459 341 0351. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Traditional downtown hotel with spacious, clean rooms. On-site restaurant, off-site parking available. M$1000. (updated Apr 2024)
• 2 Hotel Panorama, Corregidora 300B, Centro, ☏ +52 459 596 1833. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Small traditional hotel with about 6 rooms. Spacious, clean rooms with rustic decor. Off-street parking available. (updated Apr 2024)
• 3 Posada Fátima, Gral. Nicolás de Regules 104, Centro, ☏ +52 459 596 0669. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Traditional hotel with lots of plants and balconies looking over the street. Rooms are basic with dated furnishings. (updated Apr 2024)
• 4 Posada del Carmen, Calle Portal Galeana 9, Centro, ☏ +52 459 596 0167. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Traditional hotel in an historic home in the town center. Rooms are adequate but furnishings appear dated. Door locked at 9pm. (updated Apr 2024)

Go next

• Patzcuaro
• Morelia
• Quiroga
• Uruapan