Town 8 km west of Tzintzuntzan
A round, farming island in the middle of the lake with an inner lagoon and a famous Day of the Dead, with altars open in homes.
La Pacanda is the second-largest island in Lake Pátzcuaro, a low, almost round island in the center of the lake that sees far fewer visitors than Janitzio. Its flat land is farmed by the island families, and in the middle there is a small inner lagoon where ducks, herons and carp live. The island has a church, a cemetery and a quiet village, and it is easy to walk or cycle around.
Pacanda is best known for its Day of the Dead. On the nights of November 1 and 2 the islanders keep a long vigil, with arches, candles, flowers and food in the cemetery, and many families also set up altars in their homes and welcome visitors to see them, which makes the celebration feel more personal than on the busier islands.
The rest of the year it is a place for a slow, rural day on the lake, and the island has simple community-run cabins for those who want to stay. A zip line connects it with neighboring Yunuén.
What to see and do
Walk or cycle around the island and its inner lagoon, watching for ducks and herons.
See the church and the island cemetery.
Come for the Day of the Dead vigil on the nights of November 1 and 2, when homes open their altars.
Cross to Yunuén on the zip line.
Getting there
Boats to La Pacanda leave from Pátzcuaro's San Pedrito pier and the main pier; the trip takes around 45 minutes, passing Janitzio and Yunuén. From Tzintzuntzan, drive about 20 minutes to the piers. Agree on the return time with your boatman.
8 km west of Tzintzuntzan
Directions from Tzintzuntzan on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Isla La Pacanda shares the climate of Tzintzuntzan, 8 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Make Tzintzuntzan your base
Isla La Pacanda is an easy trip from Tzintzuntzan, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.