Oponguio

Oponguio is a small Purhepecha village on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. It is the site of a modern mezcal distillery.

• Mexcal Paloma Mesajeras (Messenger doves), Calle Morelos N° 9, Oponguio, ☏ +52 1 443 393-29-38. Tour the traditional mezcal distillery. The maguey is collect by jimadors using their razor sharp blades then the heart is transported on horse back to the distillery where it is roasted in a pit to convert the starches into sugars. All product is distilled using a traditional still. They have several types of mezcal to taste or buy. (updated Mar 2025)

Mexcal from the distillery

Four restaurants have good food at excellent prices.

• Casa Grande, Good traditional meals at good prices.
• Restaurant Japhúndaru, ☏ +52 1-4431-12-6936. Familia Mejía Rodríguez. Exquisite regional dishes. Mexican Antojitos. A beautiful view of the lake. A variety of cold beverages. Excellent service and hygiene. 
• Uekápiani, ☏ +52 1-44-33-93-2945, +52 1-44-33-30-4091. Owners: Family Ruiz Garnica. Regional dishes, the best view of the lake. Quality in hygiene and service. Whitefish, Tarascan bean soup. Corundus, and cold beverages. 

• Janitzio
• Tzintzuntzán
• Patzcuaro