Zacapu Lagoon

🛶💧 A spring oasis and the home of Achoque.

What we know today as the Zacapu Lagoon is the remaining heart of an immense swamp that, in ancient times, covered the entire valley. This body of water is not fed by rain or dirty rivers, but is born from the bowels of the earth: it is nourished by 14 natural springs, which guarantees a purity and transparency that is difficult to find in other lakes in the region.

History of a Transformation 📜

Originally, this was a lake of more than 60 hectares, the support of pre-Hispanic civilizations that used tule for crafts and fishing to live. At the end of the 19th century (during the Porfiriato), a massive desiccation project began to create agricultural land, reducing the body of water to the approximately 24 hectares that we enjoy today. Despite this, it remains a protected sanctuary of life.

Unique Biodiversity 🐟

The purity of its waters allows the life of fascinating species, protected by the Fishermen's Union (founded in 1975):

• The Achoque of Zacapu (Ambystoma andersoni): An endemic species and different from that of Pátzcuaro. It is an incredibly rare and protected salamandrid amphibian.

• Purity Indicators: The presence of freshwater clams is the quality seal of the lagoon; These mollusks only survive in clean, oxygenated waters.

• Native and Introduced Fishes: Species such as the whitefish (very rare), the shot and the water snake coexist, along with introduced varieties such as the carp (belly, Israeli and herbivorous).

• Migratory Birds: From September to May, the lagoon becomes a winter hotel for the Canadian duck, which coexists with herons, kingfishers and coots.

Activities and Recreation 🚣

Today the lagoon is a 100% family and ecotourism space:

• Picnic and Grills: The banks are equipped to spend the day in the shade.

• Sports: It has volleyball and soccer fields.

• Navigation: It is possible to rent kayaks or rowboats to explore the water mirror in silence and see the crystalline bottom.

🌟 Our Recommendation

Total connection with nature.

• Responsible Observation: If you are lucky and the water is still, look out from the kayak. You will be able to see the bottom and perhaps spot a clam or the movement of fish among the submerged vegetation.

• Local Support: Eat what the locals offer and respect the nesting areas of birds. The Fishermen's Union makes a great effort to maintain ecological balance, help them by not leaving trash.