Janitzio

The Stone Giant on the Lake 🚤

It's the most famous postcard image of Michoacán. The journey begins at the dock, sailing across the water to reach this island whose poetic name means "Corn Silk." Janitzio is the largest and most important island in the lake. Upon disembarking, you're greeted by a vibrant atmosphere: the aroma of local cuisine (charales and whitefish) and the colorful handicrafts accompany you as you climb its stone steps to the top.

Pero el verdadero tesoro te espera en lo más alto.

🗿 The Colossus of Morelos At the island's summit stands an impressive monument of 40 meters high: the statue of José María Morelos y Pavón. This masterpiece of Art Déco, built of concrete and clad in pink quarry stone, it was a vision of the General Lázaro Cárdenas and executed by the sculptor Juan Tirado Valle. Morelos gazes at the horizon, with his right fist raised in a sign of triumph and his sword in his left, eternally watching over the lake.

🎨 Spiral History (The Vertical Mural) Unlike any other monument, here the story gets climbed. The interior of the statue is hollow and houses an artistic treasure: As you ascend the 5-level spiral staircase, you are surrounded by 56 mural panels painted by the master Ramón Alva de la Canal.

• It's the perfect fusion of engineering and painting.

• The murals tell the story of the hero's life, from his birth to his execution, geometrically designed to be viewed in motion as you walk to the top. It is said to be the tallest mural in Latin America.

👁️ The View from the Fist The reward for the effort is unparalleled. Upon reaching the top (where relics were once kept) and climbing to the fist of the statue, you'll find a secluded viewpoint. From there, you have a 360-degree panoramic view of Lake Pátzcuaro in all four cardinal directions.

As you descend, take a moment on the esplanade to see the open bronze book with the “Sentiments of the Nation”, Morelos' ideological legacy, guarded by antique cannons and gardens.