How to Visit Fascinating Janitzio, Mexico's Biggest Lake Island Town

BY MARK CHESNUT

There’s something extraordinary about approaching Janitzio. As the boat skims across the calm waters of Lake Pátzcuaro, the island rises in the distance like a dream, its houses clinging to the steep hillside, crowned by a towering statue of Mexican independence hero José María Morelos.

This was my first visit to Janitzio, the largest town on a lake island in all of Mexico. It’s a unique, visually stunning destination that I’d been dreaming of visiting for some time — and a place I won’t soon forget.

Click above to watch my video reel, or click here to watch it in my Instagram account.

I’ve long been fascinated by this small town, which is dramatically perched on an island in the middle of a lake. Once I was actually on the boat, I was excited to see the town emerge on the horizon: the narrow staircases winding up the town, the tiny restaurants and shops.

Whether you go for a scenic day trip from Morelia (like I did) or looking to witness Día de los Muertos in one of Mexico’s most legendary locations, Janitzio offers a fascinating glimpse into the state of Michoacán’s rich history, indigenous traditions and jaw-dropping landscapes — all packed onto one unforgettable island.

Nestled in the heart of Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacán (about an hour from the city of Morelia), Janitzio is the largest and most well-known of the lake’s islands, famous for its dramatic hilltop setting and deep cultural traditions. The island’s name comes from the Purépecha language, meaning "where it rains," a fitting moniker given its misty, dreamlike atmosphere, especially in the early mornings.

Long before Spanish colonialization or tourism, Janitzio was home to the Purépecha people. They fiercely resisted Spanish conquest, in fact, and their influence is still strongly felt today in the island’s traditions, handicrafts and cuisine.

Despite its small size, Janitzio packs a visual punch. The entire town is built into the steep hillside, with winding alleyways, colorful facades, and terracotta rooftops that create a postcard-worthy panorama from just about any angle.

Janitzio is a small island, but there’s plenty to do. Climbing the 300+ steps to the summit will take up a good part of your time, of course. It’s a steep but pleasant hike up narrow streets, weaving past souvenir stands, tiny family-run restaurants and vendors offering snacks and drinks to fuel the climb.

The boat ride over offers some of the best views, but nothing compares to reaching the top of the island, where you’ll find not just the massive Morelos monument but also breathtaking, uninterrupted vistas of Lake Pátzcuaro and the surrounding mountains.

Inside the Morelos statue, murals tell his story, and you can also climb a few more stairs inside the statue to an even higher viewing spot. I almost did it — but let’s just say my mild fear of heights kept me from completing the challenge. But that gave me time to further appreciate the already incredible view from the hilltop. No regrets!

My visit to Janitzio was part of a fascinating day trip from the state’s capital city, Morelia, which is about an hour away. Small boats depart during the daytime from the shores near the town of Pátzcuaro. You could certainly visit by yourself, but if you’re not familiar with the region, I highly recommend signing up for a guided tour — you’ll save time, stay safer and probably see and learn more than if you were on your own.

The slow ride takes about 30 minutes, and while it’s a straightforward journey, timing matters — arriving earlier in the day lets you enjoy the island before the biggest crowds arrive.

While the island has small restaurants serving local specialties like pescado blanco (whitefish from the lake), many travelers prefer to explore Pátzcuaro’s vibrant food scene before or after their visit.

The island can get busy during holiday periods and on weekends. We visited on a Monday and practically had the island to ourselves — so if you prefer to avoid crowds, then it’s best to go on a regular weekday.

Though we didn’t time our visit for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), this island is legendary as one of the most interesting places to witness this important tradition, with centuries-old traditions on full display. On Día de los Muertos, this island becomes one of Mexico’s most iconic destinations, as local families honor their ancestors in the island’s cemetery, illuminated by thousands of flickering candles — a hauntingly beautiful tradition that draws visitors from all over the world.

For those visiting Janitzio during Día de los Muertos, planning ahead is essential. Accommodation in Pátzcuaro books up months in advance, and the island can get overwhelmingly crowded in the period from late October through the first couple days of November.

More importantly, visitors should remember that this is a deeply sacred time for locals. Our guide emphasized how some tourists unknowingly (or even knowingly) disrupt ceremonies by getting too close to families in mourning, walking over gravesites or taking intrusive photos.

If you do go, be an observer rather than a participant, and embrace the privilege of witnessing a centuries-old tradition with the respect it deserves. But even outside of this special time, Janitzio is well worth a visit—whether for its history, its stunning lake views, or the simple joy of getting lost in its inclined maze of streets.

ABOUT MARK CHESNUT

Mark Chesnut is a New York City-based journalist, editor, travel industry consultant and public speaker with more than 30 years of experience. The winner of the 2019 NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, Mark is the author of the book Prepare for Departure. Follow him on Instagram!