Lake Pátzcuaro

The Lake Pátzcuaro (Spanish Lago de Pátzcuaro ) is a lake in the state of Michoacán in Mexico, 62 km west of the city of Morelia.

The lake is one of the main tourist attractions in Michoacán. The lake has an area of ​​126.4 km ². He is up to 11 meters deep, with an average depth of five meters. Its shoreline is 55 km long, and five islands lie in the lake: Janitzio, La Pacanda, Yunuén, Teciin y Jarácuaro and a small island called La Tecuenita. Teciin is accessible by car.

The lake is surrounded by pine and oak forests where skunks, opossums, badgers, squirrels, rabbits and foxes. The lake itself has a rich biodiversity. At least five species of fish live here: the endangered Pez blanco ( Chirostoma estor ), trout, Acúmara ( Algansea lacustris ), Tiruh and Chegua ( Alloophorus robustus ). The only known from this lake in the wild Striped dwarf crayfish ( Cambarellus patzcuarensis ), is also popular in Europe in the hobby great popularity.

Tourist Activities consist primarily of boat trips and visits to the islands, especially the island of Janitzio. The traditional Día de los Muertos, where the locals with lighted by candles canoes lying on Janitzio family graves to visit these to decorate with flowers and food, is a special attraction at the lake.