lake located in Michoacán state, south-central Mexico. It is on the Mesa Central at 5,974 feet (1,821 metres) above sea level and is about 31 miles (50 km) long. The lake level rises and falls depending upon rainfall, but it generally covers an area of approximately 160 square miles (410 square km). Lake Cuitzeo is in an agricultural region 19 miles (31 km) north of Morelia, the state capital, and is a popular resort area accessible by highway and railroad.