Janitzio is an island on Lake Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacan. This little island is crowded with houses and shops to sell to tourists, thousands of whom flock here for Day of the Dead.
Understand
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The town of Janitzio, which means "where it rains", sits atop the hill. It is the largest of five islands in Lake Pátczuaro.
The town is known for the butterfly fishermen who are skilled at lowering their butterfly-shaped nets to catch the local cuisine "pescado blanco". These fisherman were at one time depicted on the reverse of the 50-peso banknote.
Climate
[edit]Mild, spring-like temperatures prevail most of the year in the North Central Highlands of central Mexico. The highlands have a climate that is mild and dry. The area around Janitzio rarely sees temperatures that go above 27 °C, even in summer. Daytime temperatures remain fairly consistent year round, however, it can become quite cold at night from November through March. The rainy season runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the wettest months. Quickmoving thunderstorms can be expected over the summer months, June to September. The rest of the year remains quite dry.
Get in
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Janitzio can only be reached by boats which run regularly back and forth from about 07:30 to 18:00 ($100 MXN return), accessible from Pátzcuaro's pier (embarcadero). These boats can be hired to take visitors around other parts of the lake. The boats run on regularly and takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the island. During Day of the Dead celebrations the boats run 24 hours per day.
- 1 Muelle (Embarcadero, Jetty). The boat docks are at the base of the hill. Boats arrive and depart every few minutes. When you're ready to return to Patzcuaro, go back to the same place the boats let you off.
Get around
[edit]Walking is the only way to get around on the island, which consists of steep cobblestone streets and a lot of stairs.
Street addresses are not used on Janitzio because it is a small island and everyone who lives there knows everyone and every place. You won't get lost though. Once you get off the boats, everything is up towards the giant statue of Morelos. Shops and restaurants are along the cobblestone streets and if you are looking for a particular place, just ask a local who will point you in the right direction.
See
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- 1 Jose Maria Morelos Monument (top of the hill). Daily 09:00 - 20:00. A 40-meter high statue of José María Morelos, a great hero of Mexico's independence, started in 1933, is found on the island's highest point. You can see the statue of Morelos from the boat, when arriving. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue by way of a staircase that spirals up the inside.Along the interior walls, the life of Morelos is depicted in murals painted by Ramón Alba de la Canal and other Mexican muralists. At the top, visitors can look through peepholes within the giant raised fist of Morelos, with views of the island, lake and surroundings. M$10 (2026).
- 2 Iglesia de San Jerónimo (Capilla de Janitzio). The town's church dates from the 18th century. It has a unique architectural style with arched porticoes that are more reminiscent of Haciendas than typical Mexican churches. The church is a cultural center for the island's residents and is a focal point of the annual Day of the Dead activities. San Jeronimo (St. Jerome) is the island's patron saint.
- 3 Panteon de Janitzio (Janitzio Cemetery). Beautiful old hillside cemetery that comes alive every year on Day of the Dead. Janitzio is one of the most scenic, traditional, and popular places for Day of the Dead, and on November 1, boats carry passengers to the island all night long as crowds make their way up the cobblestone streets where fishermen wave their butterfly nets to help guide the dead spirits to their waiting families. Entry to the cemetery is through stone archway and iron gates. On Night of the Dead, thousands of candles light the cemetery which is filled with marigold altars to remember the deceased. During the other 364 days of the year, it is a peaceful place with towering shade trees and views of the lake below. It's easy to understand why locals are dying to be buried here.
Do
[edit]- 1 Tirolesa Janitzio. 12:00 - 19:00 (but frequently closed if business is slow). Exhilarating 1.2 mile zipline from a metal platform high on the Janitzio hill to the nearby island of Tecuena, where a boat will take you back to Janitzio. M$250.
Festivals
[edit]Day of the Dead - Every year on November 1, the island of Janitzio fills with visitors coming to see Mexico's most famous Day of the Dead celebration. Purhepecha legend has it that on the Night of the dead, spirits living in the lake will hear the church bells toll on the island, and they will make their way up the hill to the cemetery. During the night it is customary to bring offerings to the dead. There is a procession illuminated with candles and animated with religious songs. The entire island glows with lights and torches.
Buy
[edit]Small shops line the narrow streets leading up the hill.
Eat
[edit]- 1 La Palapa (on the waterfront). Daily 10:00 - 18:00. Small, friendly restaurant with tables available outdoors on the lawn with waterfront views of the lake. Menu is mostly seafood with several shrimp dishes available. M$200.
- 2 Restaurante Omekua (Pequeña Isla). Daily 09:00 - 20:00. Homestyle traditional Mexican cuisine with a mix of chicken and fish dishes. Good views from the second floor dining room. Recommend the Mojarra dorada. M$200.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel Mirador, ☏ +52 434 110 4872. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Simple rooms in a traditional Purhepecha house. Rooms have basic furnishings but not much in the way of luxuries. M$600.
- 2 Finca Monarca, ☏ +52 434 116 4053. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Rustic small cabins with views of the lakeshore. Comfortable rooms are attractively furnished but lack basic toiletries (so bring your own).
Go next
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