Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Beaches
Information
MICE tourism
Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Beaches
Information
MICE tourism
KNOWN FOR ITS TASTY CHEESES
Cotija is famous for its iconic cheese and offers beautiful cobblestone streets, red-tiled buildings, and stunning forest landscapes.
Its name comes from the Purépecha word "cotixani," which means "place where the throat is widened." Cotija has its roots in pre-Hispanic times, when it was inhabited by the Purépecha culture. During the colonial period, the region was conquered by the Spanish and established as an important agricultural and livestock center.
One of the main curiosities of this town is that most of its population descends from Spanish, Italian, and French settlers.
Discover the town's artisan tradition, where you can find leather goods, handmade textiles, earrings, huaraches, and much more.
Being the birthplace of Cotija cheese, a dry and salty cheese highly appreciated in Mexico and around the world, you must taste and buy this famous cheese in local markets and dairies.
Cotija is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, and bird watching.
This is a place where many traditions and cultural festivities are still preserved. Depending on the time of year, you might coincide with a celebration such as Holy Week, patron saint festivals, or events related to the region's music and dances.
Located less than four hours from Morelia and just over three hours from Guadalajara,
Cotija
What to See in Cotija
Tourist Attractions in Cotija
Plaza Principal (Main Plaza)
It is the ideal place to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere while admiring the colonial architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Pópolo
Better known as the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, it is considered one of the historical treasures of the municipality. Construction began in 1854 under the guidance of Jesuit priests and with the help of the people of Cotija, completed in 1871. Its façade is made of red quarry stone, with a tower 70 meters high. Inside, there are golden carved altarpieces and attractive paintings.
Arcade in the Municipal Palace
These are a meeting point for locals and visitors and the ideal place to enjoy local food.
Cemetery of Peace
Founded in 1889, its most notable feature is its main gate, created by José María Llerena, which is a replica of the gate of St. John Lateran in Rome. Here, notable figures of the town are buried.
Mercado Municipal (Market)
Taste the best gastronomic creations of the region, including its artisanal cheeses (which can weigh up to 28 kilos per piece), creams, carnitas, birria, raspadas, tamales, chorizo, and a wide variety of sweets (made from milk, mushrooms, or baked and sweetened sweet potato and pumpkin) as well as traditional breads.
San Juanico Lagoon
Located 20 minutes from town, it offers a unique landscape. At the lagoon, you can go boating, camp on its shores, walk along its boardwalk, or stay in one of its cabins. It's also a great place for bird watching.
Cotija Lagoon
Located a few kilometers from the town, it's an oasis of peace and natural beauty where you can fish or walk along its shores enjoying the scenery.
What to Do in Cotija
Select your Adventure in Michoacán
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN COTIJA
Learn about the production of the famous Cotija Cheese
Learn about the production of the famous Cotija Cheese Walk through the streets of this Magical Town, and if you visit between July and September, contact a cheese producer to see the production process.
You must try the famous Cotija cheese, sampling different varieties of this delicious dry and salty cheese.
Explore the Petroglyphs in El Pandito
In the locality of La Zanja, you will find the El Pandito ravine, full of vegetation and water (during the summer) that you can explore while enjoying nature. Along the way, you can discover petroglyphs, which are more easily accessible during the dry season, as the path is less slippery, and there are no small streams to cross. These carvings are believed to date from 400 to 600 A.D. You should go with a local guide, wear comfortable clothing, and boots.
Explore the natural landscapes
Cotija is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. You can go hiking in the nearby mountains. You can also explore the rivers and enjoy activities such as fishing.
Discover mezcal producers
The mountains of Cotija are known for favoring the production of maguey, giving the mezcal a unique flavor due to the terrain and climate. Several communities, such as Plan del Cerro and Agua del Gallo, have dedicated themselves to mezcal distillation. Each place has its own production technique; some add fruits, others aromatic herbs, and even pine wood.
When you visit, you will see that mezcal and Cotija cheese make a perfect pair.