Viewpoint 3 km west of Pátzcuaro
An extinct volcano just west of town, with a cypress-lined road, 400-plus steps and the best view over Lake Pátzcuaro.
El Estribo is the forested hill that rises just west of Pátzcuaro, an extinct volcano protected as a natural area, and it is the classic place to see the whole lake at once. A steep cobbled road lined with tall cypress trees climbs from the edge of town to a lookout pavilion at about 2,175 meters, with picnic tables, benches and grills under the trees.
From the top you look out over Lake Pátzcuaro with Janitzio and the other islands scattered across it, the lakeside villages and the mountains beyond. For those with energy left, a stairway of more than 400 steps continues to the true summit for an even wider view.
It is a favorite of locals for morning runs, walks and weekend picnics, so it feels more like a neighborhood park than a tourist site. Go early for clear air and soft light, or late afternoon for the sunset over the lake, and bring water, since the climb is steeper than it looks.
What to see and do
Walk or drive up the cypress-lined cobbled road to the lookout.
Climb the 400-plus steps to the summit for the widest view of the lake and islands.
Have a picnic at the tables and grills near the pavilion.
Come at sunset for the light over Janitzio.
Getting there
El Estribo is about 3.5 kilometers west of Pátzcuaro's Plaza Grande. From the plaza, follow Calle Ponce de León uphill out of town and keep going to the cobbled road up the hill; on foot it is a steady climb, and by car or taxi it takes about 10 minutes.
3 km west of Pátzcuaro
Directions from Pátzcuaro on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Cerro del Estribo
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Cerro del Estribo.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Cerro del Estribo.
Links open a partner site. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you.
Photos
Weather cool
Cerro del Estribo shares the climate of Pátzcuaro, 3 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Make Pátzcuaro your base
Cerro del Estribo is an easy trip from Pátzcuaro, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Pátzcuaro
-
Zona Arqueológica de Ihuatzio
· Archaeological site · 7 km away
One of the three Purépecha capitals: rectangular pyramids and raised stone causeways on a hill above the lake. -
Isla de Janitzio
· Town · 8 km away
The lake's best-known island, crowned by a giant Morelos statue you can climb inside, a short boat ride from Pátzcuaro's pier. -
Jarácuaro
· Town · 9 km away
A former island of hat weavers, often called the birthplace of the Danza de los Viejitos, with a lively Day of the Dead night. -
Tócuaro
· Town · 9 km away
Village of mask carvers: workshops make the wooden masks used in dances like Los Viejitos. -
Isla Yunuén
· Town · 10 km away
A small, green and quiet island in the north of the lake, a calmer alternative to Janitzio by boat from Pátzcuaro. -
Cuanajo
· Town · 11 km away
Purépecha woodworking town where families carve and hand-paint colorful furniture, sold straight from home workshops. -
Tupátaro
· Landmark · 12 km away
Its church of Santiago Apóstol has a painted wooden coffered ceiling nicknamed the "Sistine Chapel of America." -
Erongarícuaro
· Town · 14 km away
A quiet lakeshore town with cobbled streets, an arcaded plaza and a 16th-century Franciscan church and convent. -
Lago de Zirahuén
· Lake · 16 km away
A deep, clear mountain lake ringed by pine forest, with lakeside restaurants and cabins in Zirahuén village. -
Zona Arqueológica de Tingambato
· Archaeological site · 26 km away
An older, Teotihuacan-influenced ceremonial center with a ball court and a rich tomb, on the old road to Uruapan.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.