Lake Zirahuen "El Alto Lucero" (the High Bright Star)

• A year in Paradise

  A year in Paradise

  • Guest Lee
  • Date of stay 07/31/12
  • Review Submitted 04/06/13
  We moved into El Alto Ludero about the first of August, 2012. I had planed to make this my permanent home. However, after some health issues came up, I must move back to the US for more constant monitoring. I have many friends who have seen pictures from the back deck over looking Lake Zirahuen. EVERYONE was duely impressed and envious. The quiet seclusion is a tonic to one's soul. There are several small 'tiendas' in the village of Copandero where one can purchase fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, and chicken. All is locally grown with no hormones or chemicals. I have appreciated the real taste of things, once again. The people of Copandero are friendly, outgoing and truly a joy to know. I shall miss them immensely. There are so MANY great points about El Alto Lucero. One probably fine other nice places, even with a view. THE BEST PART is Alejandra and Enrique. They are in a class all by themselves. They do not 'hover' and are not 'nosy.' But they are always there for anything you might need. Seriously -- Ale has been so very atuned to our needs. Most times, she thought of things well in advance of our needs. At other times, a mere mention of something brought her immediate attention. They are the PERFECT HOSTS. I FREELY GIVE THEM MORE THAN SIMPLY A 'RECOMMENDATION!' We have been treated with courtesy, respect and complete honesty. All my friends have received rave reviews from me. We have found Ale and Enrique to be FRIENDS of the highest order. I certainly hope that this house is available when I return on vacation. But, I realize that this diamond will soon provide shelter and comfort to others as it has us. Your stay here will be among your MOST PLEASANT experiences. Abrazos, Lee and Judy

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, people with disabilities, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• Peace, beauty, comfort, and adventure all in one place!

  Peace, beauty, comfort, and adventure all in one place!

  • Guest Nadia
  • Date of stay 07/23/12
  • Review Submitted 08/02/12
  I thought going from downtown San Francisco to small-town Guanajuato, Mexico would be relaxing....until I got to Zirahuen and "El Alto Lucero." The comfort of the house and the beauty of its surrounding give a new meaning to "rejuvenation." The location of the house made it easy for us to visit nearby towns we had never been to. The recreation center down the street was perfect for outdoor activities such as zip-lining and horseback riding. Nearby Patzcuaro, Uruapan, and Santa Clara del Cobre are lovely to visit. Zirahuen, on the other side of the lake, is perfect for enjoying delicious food and scenic boat rides. But we always looked forward to returning to a peaceful home and breathtaking view at the end of the day. We experienced the perfect blend of serenity, solitude, and adventure. Alejandra and Enrique made our experience easy and enjoyable; we hope to return again soon!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, people with disabilities, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Dear Nadia, I was unable to meet you guys in person, but I thank you very very much for your nice review and sure, next time you come, I would love to meet you both! Thanks again Enrique

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• AT HOME AWAY FROM HOME

  AT HOME AWAY FROM HOME

  • Guest jj
  • Date of stay 06/21/12
  • Review Submitted 06/25/12
  El Alto Lucero is sui generis. I dare you to name a venue that’s better than El Alto Lucero anywhere in Michoacan’s Region Lacustre. You can’t. Lake Zirahuen is one of the Mexico’s best-kept secrets. For years, it was not the easiest place on the planet to access, but all of that’s changed. It’s now less than an hour from Morelia on a divided highway, and a tidy pink brick road circles the lake and swings back over to Santa Clara de Cobre. Located on the southwest side of the lake, part of the Zirahuen bedroom community of Copandaro, El Alto Lucero is nestled between two great restaurants—La Troje de Ala and Miralago. The casita comes equipped with all of the comforts of home – Wifi, TV and a DVD library, reading lamps, fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, washer and dryer, grill, and patio furniture. And firm beds and warm blankets. And secure parking. Ale and Enrique are fantastic hosts who’re there in case you need them and otherwise out of your way. Who hasn’t stayed in a rental, only to be faced with the “how the hell do I do this” question that no one’s around to answer? Or had hosts who seemed to hover over you so much that you felt that always had to be nice, like you were staying at a B&B run by someone’s great aunt? You won’t find that here, but you will find the happy medium. But wait – there’s more. This place is bitch-friendly. I’m talking about dogs. Yes, your well-behaved female dog is welcome here. There’s nothing quite like waking up to a fog-shrouded lake revealing itself to a brand-new morning, and there’s nothing quite like the magic of night falling on the lake. You do know about the Purepecha legend of the lake, don’t you? According to historian Eduardo Ruiz, Purepecha Emperor Siguangua ordered a rest house built near the lake, where according to the legend, the Princess of Zirahuen was transformed into moonlight by the sacred hummingbird who stole her soul. Her beloved, Cuitzeman, searched for her endlessly at night until the mother goddess Cuerauperi led him to the lake, where the Princess rose from the water, dragging him down with her to rest forevermore in the lake's dark depths. Come here, sit on the terrace, and you’ll believe. Yet another version of the legend has it that no woman has ever drowned in this lake, but the Princess continues to pull men down into its reaches. The lake's, contrasts from deep blue to jade , hints at another yet-debunked fantasy: the lake's deep inlets lead to the Pacific Ocean.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, people with disabilities, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Wow!!! Quite a review, worth the best travel magazine! Thank you very much Dear Jennifer. ;-) Ale & Enrique

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• El Alto Lucero

  El Alto Lucero

  • Guest Adventurer's
  • Date of stay 04/10/12
  • Review Submitted 05/25/12
  We cannot say enough about our stay at El Alto Lucero - it was so beautiful - very peaceful, quiet and the view was spectacular! Our hosts, Ale and Enrique were awesome and very helpful, friendly and accommodating! We definitely want to return and will and would recommend it for anyone to stay.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Dear Rick and Shari, thanks so much for visiting El Alto Lucero. It was a pleasure for us to have you and we are looking forward to welcome you again. Muchos saludos Ale y Enrique

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• Stunning two bedroom lake view casita

  Stunning two bedroom lake view casita

  • Guest Richard
  • Date of stay 05/04/12
  • Review Submitted 05/07/12
  This two bedroom casita features an unobstructed expansive view of Lake Zirhuen from its living room and kitchen, with a sliding door that opens to a big deck with VERY comfortable deck chairs and a small yard with barbecue below. Both ample sized bedrooms also have sliding doors to a nice yard area, with a small TV in each bedroom. The newly built casita is beautifully equipped with a full kitchen, dining area, washer/dryer and dishwasher. Everything was maintained in tip-top shape. Wi-fi quality was excellent. The owners, who live next door, are very friendly and yet also respect your privacy. Most services (such as restaurants and sports activities) around the lake are open on weekends and holidays only, so if you stay for a week or more, come equipped with food for the mid-week period. The lake is one of the most beautiful in Mexico...with its terraced hillsides it is reminiscent of Tuscany. For those of you used to the general noise level of Mexico, the area is stunning in its quietude. A perfect place to write, reflect and rejuvenate!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Estupendo

  Estupendo

  • Guest Andre
  • Date of stay 03/26/12
  • Review Submitted 04/08/12
  We were looking for a quiet, relaxing setting to break up our extended stay in Mexico City. We couldn’t have done better than El Alto Lucero. Alejandra and Enrique have done a wonderful job preparing and decorating this beautiful guest home. They are most gracious hosts and accommodated our special request for 5 people, with a mattress on the floor for one of our children. The atmosphere of this area is wonderful, a much slower-paced, quaint, high-country living; the perfect contrast to the frenetic energy of Mexico City. We enjoyed relaxing on the patio, swimming in the lake, and running on the nearby dirt roads. We left wishing we could stay a little longer.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Dear Andre and Theresa, Thank you for your kind review and your special attention towards us!!! If only all people were like you, this world would be a much better place! Hope to see you soon again. Ale and Enrique

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• A holiday of beauty and tranquility

  A holiday of beauty and tranquility

  • Guest Monicute
  • Date of stay 03/15/12
  • Review Submitted 03/22/12
  After driving on a first rate highway from Mexico city to The lake of Zirahuen, I was welcomed upon arrival by the impressive view of the lake at the foot of the terrace, and the sweet aroma of the pine tree forest surrounding the place. I had a an impeccable little house all to myself, so comfortable and practical that it made me want to rent it for a long term stay ! The chance to see the everchanging colours of the lake, to see a clear sky at night, to actually hear silence, was a long forgotten feeling for a big-city dweller like me !Of course the town is picturesque and lovely, but I felt so good at the house that I didn't want to leave !

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you Monique for your comments, it was a pleasure to welcome you at El Alto Lucero. Esta casa es su casa and we are looking forward to see you again soon. Ale y Enrique

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• Color Splash!

  Color Splash!

  • Guest nature lover
  • Date of stay 02/16/12
  • Review Submitted 02/25/12
  The beauty of the places exceeded my expectations. The breathtaking view of the lake from the terrace never ceased to intrigued me, because right on the middle there was a tiny island. And just as Zirahuen is a miracle of nature, the "casita" is a miracle of color. Everything about its design is perfect, full of light and color, carefully appointed and taken care of. Also, It is equipped with all the perks of high tec. The owners are very friendly and helpful, always available to answer any questions. I highly recommend a stay at the beautiful "casita." I am planning to go back to climb all those stairs at the Estribo, a nearby mount. The restaurants in Patz, (the main town) they all serve delicious food. I particularly liked one that serves "homemade" food, it's absolutely DELICIOUS. Ah, and a visit the chocolate tiny shop is a must. The stop at the sweet shop gives the right amount of energy to go through the countless stores of the tiny streets. All of these details made my stay at the "casita", Just Perfect! I highly recommend it.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you very much Nora for your kind review! It was our pleasure to had you here with us and to show you some of the wonders that abound around our place. We are looking forward to have you here again very soon. Ale and Enrique

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• Ideal get-away

  Ideal get-away

  • Guest Stephanie
  • Date of stay 02/05/12
  • Review Submitted 02/08/12
  This is my second time staying at Alejandra and Enrique’s El Alto Lucero. It is the ideal get-away and has a little something for everyone. For us it was the ideal base for visiting some of our favorite artesenias in the nearby pueblos of Michoacan. The house has everything we needed (just like home) so I was able to work, thanks to the reliable high-speed internet, while my dad was out exploring the lake on his mountain bike. The house is impeccably clean and charming with all the amenities of home (and then some …I wish I had a dishwasher at home!). The view from the deck is breathtaking and the comfortable chairs and table make it nearly impossible to come in. Ale and Enrique are amazing hosts and I look forward to coming back for a third visit in the near future.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Dear Stephanie, It was our pleasure to have you and your dad here and we really appreciate your very nice review and over all, the fact that you enjoy your stay, encourages us to try to be better and to offer our guests the very best experience we can provide when renting our "Casita". Thank you very much and please come back soon, remember this is your home too :-) Ale and Enrique

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• ...a place to trully relax and enjoy the view!!!

  ...a place to trully relax and enjoy the view!!!

  • Guest Mauricio
  • Date of stay 12/28/11
  • Review Submitted 01/26/12
  The place is wonderful. The house is completely new and has everything you need (wireless internet, fully equipped kitchen, washer and drier machine. It is located at the top of the mountain so you have an extraordinary view to the lake. The house is peaceful, no noise at all and the hosts are very respectful but at the same if you need something they will help you right away. If you need a time to get away of all your problems, this is the perfect place to be, don't even think about it.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you very much Mauricio for your kind review, we sincerely hope you and your lovely family will come back again very soon. Best regards! Ale and Enrique

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Additional information about rental rates

Year Round

$70/nt (3 night minimum)

$390 per week

$640 for 2 weeks

$730 for 3 weeks

$840 for 1 month.

Rental rates discounts for long term rentals

All rates are Low Season. We do not charge extra for High Season!

Booking and Payments can be made via PayPal or International Bank Wire Transfers!

'From $70/nt to $840/mo'