Jiquilpan
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◈ Jiquilpan’s history is dominated by the figure of Lázaro Cárdenas. The town’s appearance, welcoming plazas, handicrafts, cuisine, and notable works of art make up the heritage of the “ciudad de las jacarandas” (city of jacarandas).
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◆ Enjoy the jacaranda trees when they are in bloom.
◆ Visit the sericulture workshop.
◆ Spot white pelicans on Lago de Chapala.
Foto: Tim Cooper
Meander through the churches, squares, houses, and historic sites related to General Lázaro Cárdenas.
❖ Casa & Museo Lázaro Cárdenas
Discover the house where this historic figure lived, and explore the museum dedicated to his life and work.
The Casa is a house from the first half of the 20th century that still belongs to the Cárdenas family. It displays parts of the General’s life and works. You can explore part of it; be sure to check the schedule in the town hall.
Museo Lázaro Cárdenas is a few yards south on the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México campus. This museum exhibits a remarkable collection of images, personal belongings, and documents related to the General Lázaro Cárdenas. You can also see interesting archeological pieces from the area.
❖ Biblioteca Gabino Ortiz Villaseñor
Biblioteca Pública Gabino Ortiz Villaseñor is a public library set in a 19th-century building. The interior is decorated with 10 murals, the work of José Clemente Orozco. Its door is also a work of art, with 22 notable men from the Americas carved in wood, created by the sculptor Guillermo Ruiz.
Originally, the library was going to be a religious building. The structure itself dates from the 19th century and was created in the neo-Gothic style. The entrance commemorates famous figures from Spanish-American literature in a series of metal busts.
❖ Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís
Visit this church that holds old sculptures and paintings from the 16th century. Take the time to wander through the downtown streets and be charmed by the town.
The Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís is home to the Cristo de Peregrinación statue, brought here in the 16th century by friar Jacobo Daciano. The interior shelters beautiful decorative murals with religious motifs and a 19th-century Pietà. It is the town’s main church and is built in art nouveau and Gothic styles, holding sculptures and murals inside.
When visiting, make sure to also see the other churches, including Templo del Sagrado Corazón— pink, neoclassical in style, and with an interesting mural behind the altar—, Templo de la Virgen de los Remedios in Totolán, and Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
Stroll through the streets downtown and enjoy the Plaza de Armas. This square leads to the Fuente de la Aguadora, an emblematic fountain. A few steps farther and Jardín Colón appears. The plaza is ringed by interesting cafés where you can pleasantly while away the time.
❖ Spot American White Pelicans on Isla de Petatán
Visit this nature sanctuary where you can see flocks of white-feathered birds.
During the winter, this island receives spectacular flocks of American white pelicans migrating from Canada. Enjoy the feathered frenzy that is complemented by the sighting of other birds; get your camera ready to take dozens of pictures.
❖ Visit Hacienda Sahuayo
Sample the enormous variety of tequilas produced here and take your favorite one home with you.
Discover the natural fusion between the origins of agave plants, the properties of the soil, and the climate where it is cultivated, as well as the touch of the expert jimador in the harvest and the care taken during the production process. This region produces high quality tequila—types range from young silver, reposado, and añejo to the oldest extra añejo.
You can also travel to the town of Abadiano, where they make good mescal; we recommend the one made by the Valdovinos family. It is silver, strong, and aromatic. The area also produces great cheeses. To try them, visit Doña Rosa Sánchez.
❖ Learn More About Local Artists’ Work
Roberto Cueva del Río was a notable painter, and he left a mural on Escuela Primaria Francisco I. Madero. In addition, the work of sculptor and painter Feliciano Béjar, who was born here, is exhibited in a museum with his name.
❖ Festival del Pelícano Borregón
This festival welcomes the American white pelicans that come all the way from Canada. They flock to the banks of Lago de Chapala where they winter from October to March.
The festival encompasses plays, musical events, and dance performances. There are also workshops, conferences, and book presentations.
❖ Día de los Faroles
The pilgrimage of men that comes to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is also known as the pilgrimage of the “faroles” (lanterns). It is one of the town’s most representative traditions since the 1950s. On December 11th, people from Jiquilpan and the surrounding area participate in this festive tradition.
When: December 1 to 12
Magical Towns in
Michoacán
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