Tzintzuntzan has a glorious past as the capital of the Purépecha empire, when it had a population of 30,000 people. During the conquest, Tzintzuntzan became the first city in Michoacán and was, very briefly, an episcopal seat.

From the splendor of pre-Hispanic times are the imposing Yácatas, remains of the ceremonial center of a culture that since the s. XII dominated these lands. Located on a natural promontory, from the Yácatas the entire surrounding territory is dominated, with spectacular panoramic views over Lake Pátzcuaro.

Vasco de Quiroga arrived in Tzintzuntzan in 1533. Here he founded the imposing ex-convent of Santa Ana, around which this Magical Town grew. Today the vernacular architecture of one-story houses, tile roofs and large wings survives. In addition, 33 centenary olive trees shade the extensive atrium of the convent, a meeting place for the community. Here the first mass was celebrated in Michoacán and from this convent the first evangelization began, hence the open chapel and the immersion baptismal font. Today, the former convent houses the Tzintzuntzan Community Museum, with an interesting sample of the history of the region.

The Magical Town of Tzintzuntzan, like all the hospital towns in the region, is a town of artisans. Particularly famous are the typical beige ceramic tableware with fish motifs or glazed green ceramic, such as those on display in the convent kitchen.

From Tzintzuntzan you can explore Lake Pátzcuaro, visiting hospital towns such as Santa Fe de la Laguna or the Tecuena, Yunuén and Pacanda islands, from the Ucazanaztacua pier.