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Before you go
Your trip to Quiroga.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Quiroga – Michoacán Destination Morelia, Pátzcuaro and the monarch butterfly about 45 km from Morelia
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Internacional General Francisco J. Mujica (MLM) Morelia · 70 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
It lies on the road between Morelia and Pátzcuaro: about 45 km from the state capital and 26 km from Pátzcuaro. There are regional buses on that route. The nearest airport is Morelia (MLM), northeast of the capital; from there the most practical way to continue is by car or taxi.
How many days
Half a day is enough for the center, the artisan shops and a stop for carnitas; with a few more hours you can add Santa Fe de la Laguna. It is often visited en route between Morelia and Pátzcuaro, or on a day trip around the lake together with Tzintzuntzan.
When to go
The town is just over 2,000 meters above sea level. Rainfall is concentrated from June to September; from November to April it usually rains little, with mild days and cold nights, especially in December and January. The patronal festival is in July.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
There is no public transport that goes into the center, which is walked easily. To reach it and to go to Santa Fe de la Laguna and other lakeside villages, car, taxi or regional buses work; with a car it is easier to combine several villages in the same day.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Quiroga
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Morning
Quiroga center
Begin at the Parroquia de San Diego de Alcalá and the main square, which features the statue La América. Continue to the Plaza de la Constitución, where the statue of Vasco de Quiroga stands, and walk the streets of artisan shops around it.
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Afternoon
Carnitas and Santa Fe de la Laguna
Have carnitas for lunch in the center, served in tacos with corn tortillas. Then go to Santa Fe de la Laguna, a few kilometers away, to see the church of San Nicolás, Vasco de Quiroga’s former hospital complex and a pottery workshop.
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Late afternoon
Lakeshore
Take advantage of the low light over Lake Pátzcuaro in Santa Fe de la Laguna before returning to Quiroga or continuing to Pátzcuaro or Morelia.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Quiroga?
Visit the Parroquia de San Diego de Alcalá and the main square, browse the artisan shops, eat carnitas and go to Santa Fe de la Laguna on the shore of Lake Pátzcuaro.
How far is Quiroga from Morelia and Pátzcuaro?
About 45 km to Morelia and 26 km to Pátzcuaro, via the same road.
Why is Quiroga known for carnitas?
Families in the town have prepared carnitas for generations, and Quiroga is called the capital of carnitas. The dish has its own page on Sabores del México.
Can you visit Quiroga on a day trip from Morelia?
Yes. The town is about 45 km away, and half a day is enough for the center and the carnitas. With a full day you can add Santa Fe de la Laguna and Tzintzuntzan.
Is it cold in Quiroga?
Nights are often cold from November to February because the town is just over 2,000 meters in altitude. Days are mild.