Santa Fe de la Laguna: The Town that Inspired the World

Just 5 minutes from Quiroga, time seems to stand still. Santa Fe de la Laguna It's not just one of the oldest towns in Michoacán; it's a living sanctuary of Purépecha culture. Its cobblestone streets, adobe walls, and the aroma of its traditional kitchens hold secrets that have captivated travelers and filmmakers alike.

This is the place where reality blends with fantasy, recognized worldwide as the real inspiration for the town of Santa Cecilia in the Disney-Pixar movie “Coco”.

A Journey to the Heart of “Coco”

For fans of the film, walking through Santa Fe is like stepping into the screen. Although the story of Don Vasco is the town's cornerstone, today it's impossible to ignore the cinematic magic that permeates the air here.

• The Church of the Movie: When visiting the Parish of Saint Nicholas of Bari, you'll immediately notice the similarity to the church that appears in the film. Its atrium and architecture are an almost exact reflection of Miguel's world.
• The Home of “Mama Coco”: This is where Doña María Salud Ramírez Caballero lived, the centenarian grandmother who, according to locals and visitors, inspired the beloved character of "Mamá Coco." Her house museum remains open for those who wish to pay tribute to her memory.
• The Color of Tradition: The marigold decorations and the aesthetics of their altars on the Night of the Dead are the visual essence that captivated the creators of Pixar.

The Cradle of the Hospital-Town (True Story)

Beyond fiction, Santa Fe has monumental historical importance. It was here that Don Vasco de Quiroga (“Tata Vasco”) founded the first Hospital-Town in America in 1533.

It wasn't a medical hospital, but a social utopia: an organized community where trades were taught, the sick were cared for, and equality prevailed. Today, you can still visit the Old Hospital (Huatápera), a building imbued with spiritual energy that remains the center of community life.

Clay Art: Glazed Pottery

Santa Fe is synonymous with pottery. Unlike other towns, here the specialty is black and green glazed clay, famous for its shine and durability.

• What to buy: Look for ceremonial candlesticks, atole pots, and complete dinnerware sets.
• Where: Walk along the main streets; you'll find artisans working the potter's wheel and kiln in their own courtyards.

Ancestral Gastronomy

You can't leave without trying the cuisine of the Traditional Cooks of Santa Fe. This town has been the birthplace of master cooks recognized by UNESCO.

• The Star Dish: The Duck in the Trash (don't be scared by the name, it's a stewed delicacy) or the Fish Broth lake style.
• To take away: Ash corundas and handmade blue corn tortillas.

How to get there: It is located on the north shore of Lake Pátzcuaro. If you are coming from Pátzcuaro, take the road towards Quiroga; it is just a few kilometers before you reach the center of Quiroga.

• Tip: En Santa Fe, la vida comunitaria es sagrada. Siempre pide permiso antes de fotografiar altares o el interior de las casas.