The area has been inhabited since the 12th century. When the Spanish arrived in the 1520's there was a population of around 25,000 people living there. One of the first things they did was to build a monastery complex, and it is the most popular attraction in the area.
Thirteen of us ordered four taxis for the 19 km ride through Patzcuaro and on to neighboring Tzintzuntzan. Cost from Rancho la Mesa RV Park was 250 pesos (13.10 USD, $17.25 CAD) per cab.
There are two different churches on the monastery property.
And part of the monastery has been turned into a museum. It's actually really interesting and it has lots of information about the history of the area. For the 20 pesos ($1.05 USD, $1.40 CAD) admission fee, it was well worth it.
Intricate ceiling design.
Lots of old paintings on the walls.
Made of straw.
The kitchen in the monastery.
Really well done. They also had a section where you could buy locally made handicrafts.
The next attraction was in the church...
They say this wax figure is growing, and they had to put an extension on the box where the feet are.
Okay then.
Anybody need to go?
The monastery complex.
Ruth, and one of the 500 year old olive trees on the property.
Not sure exactly what these decorations for sale are for.
But this little girl liked the colors!
We found some more taxis and made the trip back to Patzcuaro, but this time to the boat docks area on the lake. We paid 70 pesos ($3.65 USD, $4.85 CAD) each for the round trip boat ride to Janitzio Island.
Music included!
Garth.
A boat heading the opposite way.
The island.
The main attraction on the island is the statue of Morelos.
Otherwise, the island itself is very touristy. Ruth and I have now been out to this island three times, and we really don't need to go back again.
The many steps leading to the top are lined with tourist shops and restaurants.
Roy, Sue, and Ruth.
From the top, I could zoom in on the RV Park 10 kms (6 miles) away!
Hi Sherman!
Roy and Sue are tiny at the base of the statue.
Looking up at the interior of the statue.
A view of the other islands.
Looking down, you see some funny things!
The boats waiting to take us back.
There is Paul, Brian, and Kathy.
Looking down from the highest point in the hand.
Touristy Janitzio Island.
On the boat back to Patzcuaro.
And then, back at the RV park we had visitors for happy hour! Our friends Jerry and Paula from Nova Scotia are staying at the other RV park in town, and they have our mutual friends Heinz and Uli and their friend Ruth visiting them... so they all came over to say hi to the group.
Kevin, Paula, Jerry, Ruth, Uli, Heinz, and Ruth.
Great to see everyone again, and we look forward to spending more time with Heinz and Uli in Valle de Juarez next week.
It was another great day in Mexico!
Today, we are off to see the copper artisans at Santa Clara del Cobre!
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Toshiba 2TB External Hard Drive. Record low price on the blue color only.
And in Canada...
You guys sure are keeping busy and looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteWe have no problem keeping busy, even on our rest days we are still doing something. We love it! :-)
DeleteVery neat monastery and island. You have friends at every turn in Mexico lol, probably see more people there than you ever do in Canada
ReplyDeleteWhen you are in Mexico you get to know other RV'ers along the way and if they keep returning like us, it is only a matter of time before you cross paths again. Other than the other Ruth we have meet Heinz, Uli, Paula and Jerry at the campground in Valle de Juarez a number of times and have visited each of them at their homes in Canada as well. :-)
DeleteWhy is the lake so muddy? Recent rains?
ReplyDeleteWe aren't sure but it is always a muddy looking lake and it wouldn't be from recent rains because it has been awhile since it last rained here. When I google it, I see several places where they say the muddiness is due to human activity around the lake but not sure if that it true or not though.
DeleteA beautiful spot despite the touristy shops etc. Awesome pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun little spot for your first or second visit but I think that Kevin and I have both had our fill of the island now.
DeleteWhat a great meet up!
ReplyDeleteYep, it sure was! :-)
DeleteVery lovely photo of Ruth and the olive tree.... great blog and pictures as usual Kevin....thanks! I knew I wouldn’t miss the outing so much after I’ve read it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynnette! Sorry you weren't able to join us, I know you would have enjoyed the day.
DeleteWow, lots to see:) Love old churches and that is a good admission price:)
ReplyDeleteIf you love old churches then you need to come and visit Mexico because there are lots of them here! The admission price was fantastic, there is no way you could see something like that in Canada or the USA for that price!
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