Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Historic village · Quiroga, Michoacán
Santa Fe de la Laguna
Purépecha village on the shore of Lake Pátzcuaro, a few kilometers from Quiroga, where Vasco de Quiroga founded one of his pueblo-hospitals in 1533. It has the church of San Nicolás, the old hospital complex and pottery workshops.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Santa Fe de la Laguna
Santa Fe de la Laguna sits on the north shore of Lake Pátzcuaro, in the municipality of Quiroga, a few kilometers from the city center. It is a Purépecha community, where the Purépecha language remains present in daily life, in festivals and in homes.
The town’s history is linked to Vasco de Quiroga. After founding, around 1532, a pueblo-hospital near Mexico City, he brought the model to Michoacán and, in 1533, established another there, with buildings for communal life, care of the sick and shelter for travelers. The word hospital came from hospitality: these were houses of welcome and communal living.
In the center are the church of San Nicolás de Bari and, behind it, the complex of the old hospital, with the chapel, the courtyard and the side arcades. The square has a statue of Vasco de Quiroga, whom residents call Tata Vasco.
Pottery is Santa Fe de la Laguna’s main craft. Some family workshops welcome visitors, show the work with clay and sell pieces directly. There are also artisans who work wood and textiles.
It is a living community with its own organization: move about discreetly, ask permission before photographing people and respect celebrations.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours for the center, the church, the old hospital and a pottery workshop.
Best time
In the morning, when the workshops are working. On festival days the village is busier and some areas may be reserved for celebrations.
How to get there
It is a few kilometers west of Quiroga center, along the road that skirts the north of Lake Pátzcuaro. Taxis and local transport make the trip.
Tip
Combine it with a return through Quiroga center and with Tzintzuntzan, on the other side of the town, in the same day.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santa Fe de la Laguna
What is a pueblo-hospital?
A community organized by Vasco de Quiroga in the 16th century, with buildings for communal life, care of the sick and shelter for travelers. Santa Fe de la Laguna was founded under this model in 1533.
Where is Santa Fe de la Laguna?
On the north shore of Lake Pátzcuaro, a few kilometers west of Quiroga center, in the same municipality.
What to buy in Santa Fe de la Laguna?
Ceramic pieces made in the village’s family workshops, as well as woodwork and textiles.