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Zitácuaro
Zitácuaro is a mid-size city in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. Archaeology and history buffs will enjoy the nearby site at San Felipe los Alzati. Nature lovers will want to explore the famous colonies of monarch butterflies at nearby Monarch Butterfly Reserves. Active sports enthusiasts will enjoy fishing, boating, hiking and mountain biking at a large nearby lake called Presa El Bosque.
Understand
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History
[edit]The town was originally settled by various indigenous groups including the Pirindas, Otomi, and Mazahua. In 1330 it was occupied by Tarascan (Purhepecha) people and initially resisted Spanish occupation. Franciscan missionaries evangelized locals during the 16th century.
The town was famous as a revolutionary stronghold during the Mexican War of Independence. In 1811, Ignacio Lopez Rayon mounted an insurrection in the plaza under orders from Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende. In 1868, President Juarez recognized the town's importance in the independence movement, decreeing it to be known as Heroica Zitacuaro (which is, today, the town's official name).
Get in
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The most convenient way to get to Zitacuaro is to fly to Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City and then take a bus to Zitacuaro.
By bus
[edit]Zitacuaro is 2-1/2 hours west of Mexico City with hourly bus service on Autobuses Zina from the Terminal Poniente (Observatorio bus station). Fares start at M$250 per person. Buses leave Zitacuaro for Mexico City about every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. Other destinations in nearby states are served by regional bus lines.
- 1 Central de Autobuses Zitacuaro (Bus Station), La Joya.
Get around
[edit]Taxis are the most dependable way to get around the core city and there are several sitios including near the town plaza. Uber claims to work here, but they don't have many drivers and are not as dependable as local taxis (which aren't very expensive).
See
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- 1 Cerrito de la Independencia (Independence Hill), Cerrito de la Independencia 69. Originally used as a defensive gun emplacement for the defense of the city, the hill is a relaxing and inviting park that provides panoramic vistas of the town, lying in a bowl-shaped valley below. A number of statues and monuments are found here as well as a site museum that explains the town's historical role in Mexico's battle for independence from the Spanish Empire.
- 2 Basílica y Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios (Basilica of Our Lady of Remedies), Calle José Ma. Morelos Sur, Centro. Although locals sometimes call this church La Catedral, it is not actually a cathedral as no bishop is in residence. Its designation as a basilica reflects its spiritual and historical significance, as designated by the Pope.
- 3 Museo Casona de Estacion (Old Train Station), Rafael Landívar LT13, Héroes Ferrocarrileros. Historic stone structure on a pleasant plaza. The museum presents historical displays about the city of Zitacuaro as well as historic railroad memorabilia including maintenance hardware, signals, route maps and more. A gallery presents rotating exhibits of contemporary art.
San Felipe los Alzati
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San Felipe los Alzati is an archaeological site maintained by the Instito Nacional de Antropologia y Historia, an agency of the federal government responsible for most of Mexico's heritage sites. The site is open from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days per week with last admission at 17:00. Entry costs M$75 per person.
The site is an ancient ceremonial center of the Matlazinca indigenous culture dating from 200 to 1500 AD. It is thought to have also served to monitor movement of people coming from the Valley of Mexico and as a defensive fortress against incursions by Mexica (Aztec) warriors.
Of the five pyramid structural groups at the site only one has been explored, documented and restored. It shows six pyramids with four oriented towards the four cardinal points of the compass and a larger central pyramid complex that is thought to have been where rituals took place.
The site is well maintained with good walking trails and informative signs. A small site museum on site contains historical artifacts and informative displays.
Do
[edit]- Presa El Bosque, Zitacuaro. Large man-made lake with lots of watersports available including kayaking, water skiing, and fishing.
- Cerro de la Coyota, Zitacuaro. Inactive volcano with hiking trails to the top where you can see unusual rock structures.
Festivals
[edit]- Feria de Zitácuaro - In early February, the town festival celebrates Mexico's constitution of 1857 and leaders like Benito Juarez and Melchor Ocampo. The festival includes a large expo where agricultural, industrial and commercial products are showcased. There is also an expo for Mexican artesanias.
- Fiesta de la Virgen Maria - On August 15, the town celebration of the Virgin Mary takes place. Includes parades, food, live music and fireworks.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Tianguis Zitacuaro, Guadalupe Victoria Nte. 47, Caranbanchel. Th 08:00 - 17:00. Thursday is market day in Zitacuaro and the tianguis is the town's traditional informal marketplace where anything and everything can and will be bought, bartered, or sold. Caters to locals so don't expect anything fancy.
Eat
[edit]Michoacan has a rich and unique cuisine with many towns having local specialties. In Zitacuaro the specialties are uchepos and corundas, both of which are types of tamales.
Uchepos (informally called chepos) a sweet corn tamal that can be served as a dessert (soaked in sweetened condensed milk), although individual cooks have their own personal touches including cajeta or a mezcal glaze. When served as a side dish or snack, the chepo is topped by cheese, tomato, green salsa, or crema mexicana (a type of thin sour cream).
Corundas are tamales wrapped in a corn husk or other plant leaf, folded into a triangular shape. They are not filled but are often topped with crema mexicana and red salsa.
- 1 Restaurante Bolita, Andrés Landa y Piña Nte. 21, Cuauhtemoc, ☏ +52 715 153 3953. Daily 08:00 - 18:00. Popular restaurant serving homecooked regional dishes. Large portions at reasonable prices. M$150.
- 2 Carrillo Cocina y Brasas, 5 de Mayo Nte. 118, José Ma Morelos. M-Sa 11:00 - 18:00, closed Su. Modern restaurant specializing in grilled meats, particularly steaks. M$150.
- 3 La Costa Grande, Av. Revolución Sur 74, Mariano Matamoros, ☏ +52 715 156 8127. Daily 09:00 - 19:00. Seafood restaurant with a brightly decorated, colorful dining area full of plastic sea creatures hanging from the ceiling. Fun place for families. Food is good and service is friendly. M150.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel El Conquistador, Leandro Valle Sur 2, Melchor Ocampo, ☏ +52 715 153 5790. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate hotel with spacious rooms that are clean and comfortable. Continental breakfast included in room rate. No elevator. M$800.
- 2 Casa Iturbide, José Ma. Morelos Nte. 64, Centro, ☏ +52 715 132 7648. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Small boutique hotel with spacious rooms, spotlessly clean. Small outdoor pool is available along with an outdoor cactus garden. Hot Mexican breakfast available. Friendly staff. M$1500.
- 3 Maria Fernanda Inn, Santos Degollado Ote. 33, Cuauhtemoc, ☏ +52 715 153 4040. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Moderate hotel with clean, spacious rooms. On-site restaurant available. M$1600.
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