The Tarascan Plateau (Spanish: Meseta Tarasca), also Purépecha Plateau (Meseta Purépecha), is a plateau and region in the Mexican state of Michoacán, in Southwestern Mexico. The plateau begins at the southwestern foot of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt. It is considered a region of temperate land, irrigated by the Lerma River and its tributaries. It has several lakes, like Lake Pátzcuaro, Lake Cuitzeo, and Lake Zirahuén. History The Tarascan Plateau has a strong indigenous peoples presence. The Purépecha were dedicated to agriculture and forestry. It was the location of the Purépecha culture during the Mesoamerican Postclassical period. Some of its principal pre-Columbian and present day population centers were/are Pátzcuaro and Tzintzuntzan. See also Plateaus of Mexico Landforms of Michoacán Geography of Mesoamerica Purépecha