Quiroga, Michoacan

This rather nondescript but still pleasant town near the north shore of Lake Patzcuaro has served as a marketplace for surrounding towns and villages for more than 500 years. Spanish Bishop Vasco de Quiroga, for whom the town is named, arrived in the early 16th century and assigned different industries to area villages, many of which practiced these same crafts in one form or another. The idea was to avoid competition among these villages and assure a reasonable livelihood for their inhabitants. Then called Cocupao (“Meeting Place” in the Purépecha language) this market town occupied a privileged crossroads for points to the north, east, and south---and continues to serve its original function.

Products sold here---some produced by local artisans and others brought in---are mainly things made of vegetable fiber, carved wood, leather, textiles, and pottery. There are stacks of factory-made soup bowls and coffee mugs for sale alongside green-glazed chips-and-salsa platters made by hand in Tzintzuntzan. Unless you look like a real greenhorn, merchants will offer fair prices (often times marked) and hard bargaining is not necessary.

Around Quiroga:
   Morelia
   Paracutin
   Patzcuaro
   Santa Clara del Cobre
   Santa Fe de la Laguna
   Tzintzuntzan
   Uruapan
You might shop for a caso, a typical two-handed casserole pot from Santa Clara del Cobre. (This copper cookware is a great conductor of heat and the metal does not absorb flavors which might then influence another dish.) Keep an eye peeled for Quiroga’s classic peribanas, round wooden trays painted with brightly colored fruits, flowers, and other motifs.

Some of the stalls along both sides of the main drag sell simplistic, old-fashioned wooden toys. I can’t help but wonder who purchases them in this age of PSPs and X-Boxes. Other small outdoor stalls offer wooden chairs and stools, decoupage angels and Elvises, and junky little toy guitars and doll houses. There are nice huaraches---some classic styles built upon tire treads and more modern women’s sandals---at good prices. Calle Berrizabol has larger indoor stores selling wholesale merchandise. A nice family on the same street sells sterling silver jewelry from Taxco; price is determined by weight.

Also for sale are modern and traditional clothing, fresh-off-the-griddle blue corn tortillas, and all sorts of fruits and vegetables. The stands on one end of the main plaza (look for the blue and red umbrellas) are famous for their excellent carnitas.

There are several historic churches downtown in the midst of the market stalls, but nothing terribly exciting. Venture a block or two away from the main road and you’ll find pharmacies and tiny auto parts stores. Some streets are lined in brightly painted homes, while others favor the traditional white-and-red color scheme.

Villa San Jose Hotel & Suites  
Hotel with Morelia's most spectacular view.
With a privileged location from where you can enjoy Morelia ’s most spectacular view, Villa San Jose Hotel & Suites (special category) has a unique rustic style, 43 different rooms, meeting places, pool, tennis court, internet and all you might need to have an unforgettable stay at just 10 minutes from downtown. Its scenic restaurant “ La Fonda Santa Maria ” and its bar with live music, complete our offer.
Patzimba 77, Morelia, Michoacan
+52 443 324 45 45

http://www.villasanjose.com.mx
Michoacan Real Estate Agent - Tierra Colonial  
Welcome to Tierra Colonial, offering the best selection of real estate in Michoacan, Mexico and the city of Morelia! The properties on this page are rare, unique or represent a particularly good value. Be sure to browse our entire inventory by clicking the links on the left. For information about buying real estate in Mexico or about Morelia and Michoacan, explore the links on the right. We look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy!
Morelia, Michoacan
http://www.tierracolonial.com/
La Mansión de los Sueños  
A 17th-century home surrounded two large patios, fully restored and modernized as a comfortable, elegant hotel in the historical heart of town. Along with one of Patzcuaro's best restaurants, we offer massage, airport transfer and tour guide service.
Ibarra 15, Centro, Patzcuaro, Michoacan
434/342-5708
http://www.prismas.com.mx/
Hotel Casa de la Loma  
El Hotel más Romántico de Morelia
Hotel de Categoría Especial construido sobre una colina al sur de la ciudad de Morelia Michoacán, desde donde se puede apreciar una hermosa vista panorámica.
Hotel Casa de la Loma está situado en una de las zonas más bellas de la ciudad de Morelia, a tan solo 10 minutos del Centro Histórico designado por la UNESCO como Patrimonio Cultural De la Humanidad. A dos minutos del centro de convenciones, en una zona cercana a centros comerciales, centros gastronómicos y financieros
Morelia, Michoacan
01 800 823 6863
http://www.casadelaloma.com/
Casa La Paloma  
Experience folkloric charm in a rustic, handcrafted home on the edge of Lake Patzcuaro with a view of the lake from every window. A unique location away from the bustle of downtown Patzcuaro! Are you adventurous and interested in Old Fashioned Mexico? It's COOL (45º-75º)! 7,000' alt, surrounded by volcanoes, pine forests, & residence of the Tarascan Kings! Traditional Indian villages, Pre-Hispanic ruins, crafts- copper, wood & ceramics - Markets, Colonial architecture. 16th Century churches, canoeing on Mexico's butterfly-net lake, It's off the beaten track... but all within 1/2 hour drive to downtown Patzcuaro for an espresso cafe, tourists & some music. - No beach bars or discos!
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
http://www.casalazipina.com/
Lake Zirahuen Real Estate  
Welcome to Patzcuaro Colonial, your source for Patzcuaro, Lake Zirahuen Michoacan Mexico real estate. Thinking of buying or selling real estate in Patzcuaro Michoacan Mexico ? You've come to the right place and we are the right people to help you make the move.
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
http://www.patzcuarocolonial.com/

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