Cuitzeo

— primary source) Cuitzeo North America > Mexico > Pacific Coast (Mexico) > Michoacan > Cuitzeo Cuitzeo is a small lakeside town in the southern state of Michoacan , Mexico . It has a charming colonial center with a historic Augustinian monastery. It is a lively town that celebrates several local festivals. It is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos .

From Morelia , drive north on federal highway MEX-43 for 35 km. When you cross the bridge, you're in Cuitzeo.

Cuitzeo is best explored on foot if staying in the town centre, though a car is useful for reaching attractions in the surrounding area. Local taxi services and colectivos (shared vans) are available for shorter journeys. Colectivos are an affordable and authentic way to travel between nearby towns and attractions.

🌍 Convento Santa María Magdalena ( Santa Maria Magdalena Monastery ), Jardín Principal s/n . 16th century Augustinian monastery with beautiful architecture and artworks. The project, began in 1550, was directed by Fray Diego Chavez and the architect was Diego del Toro. The church is known for its Plateresque architecture with its elaborate facade and precise masonry with walls that are up to 2 meters thick. The monastery's library contains more than 1,000 rare books from the 18th and 19th centuries. Frescoes were painted on several of interior walls and on exterior walls along the arched walkway and in an outdoor chapel. It underwent an extensive renovation in the early 21st century. ( updated Apr 2025 )

Lago Cuitzeo - the town is on the shores of a large, shallow lake. Fishing is a popular pasttime and kayaks and canoes can be rented for a quiet paddle on the smooth, quiet waters.

Dining in Cuitzeo features traditional Mexican cuisine alongside regional specialties of Michoacán. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients — corn tortillas, salsas, and seasonal produce are staples. Local fondas and comedores serve hearty, affordable meals. Regional dishes may include local variations of moles, tamales, barbacoa, or seafood depending on the area's culinary traditions.

Local cantinas and bars in Cuitzeo serve Mexican beer, mezcal, tequila, and aguas frescas. Mexico has a vibrant craft beer scene that is growing in many regions. Pulque, a traditional fermented agave drink, may be available in central Mexico. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Mexican coffee, fresh fruit juices (jugos naturales), and horchata.

🌍 Hotel Partenon , José María Morelos Sur 32, Centro . Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 15:00 . Small budget hotel with clean, comfortable rooms that have WiFi and ceiling fans. Poor service and odd hotel policies (like requiring manager to open rooms instead of issuing a room key). M$600 . ( updated Apr 2025 )

Basket weaving is a traditional folk craft practiced in Cuitzeo and weavers can sometimes be seen in shops and marketplaces, demonstrating their techniques and offering baskets for sale. 🌍 Mercado Municipal , José María Morelos Norte 10, Centro . Daily 07:00 - 20:00 . Small traditional town market with a handful of vendors selling fresh produce, meat and seafood. Not as large or colorful as marketplaces in large towns, so don't set your expectations too high. ( updated Apr 2025 )

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