URUAPAN
Tourism in URUAPAN
The second most important city in the state of Michoacán has a history that dates back to the pre-Hispanic era. Uruapan has been qualified as “the orchard of Michoacán” or “World capital of the avocado”.
Nevertheless, the more deserved title is “the true cradle of the lacquer”, due to the production of trays, cups, masks, boxes, and other wooden objects, artistically decorated with this technique that goes back to the pre-Hispanic period.
Among its multiple attractions, the city has magnificent historical monuments like the Franciscan Parish Church that preserves part of its 16th Century walls, and a Plateresque style front that was originally on the main façade; indeed worthy of admiring.
The Huatapera and the chapels of the districts of La Magdalena, San Francisco (better known as San Francisquito), San Juan Bautista, San Pedro, San Miguel and Santiago; the market of “Antojitos” (typical dishes); Municipality Museum Eduardo Ruiz, with an exhibit of pre-Hispanic pieces; the Tourist House, used for the promotion, exhibition and sale of a great variety of crafts.
Uruapan surroundings offer beautiful landscapes with forest and the magnificent Volcano Paricutín, which is considered the youngest of the world and the only one that the human being has seen born.
Map of URUAPAN
Tourist Attractions in URUAPAN
Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatitzio (Eduardo Ruiz National Park)
Also known as Uruapan National Park, it is divided into two parts: the Barranca de Cupatitzio National Park where you can take a tour along the river of the same name and among its abundant vegetation, and the Protected Area that consists of 452 hectares of pine forests. Without a doubt, it is the greatest attraction in Uruapan and one of the most beautiful routes in the country.
Paricutín Volcano
The youngest volcano in the world was born on February 20, 1943. In a matter of hours the earth began to shake, it opened and began to release thick steam and stones. Thanks to a farmer who notified the town, there were no human victims, however two towns were buried: Paricutín and San Juan. From the latter you can see the church tower that remained intact, being the only witness to the eruption.
La Tzaráracua waterfall
This beautiful waterfall is located only five kilometers from Uruapan and with its 60 meters high it will really offer you a spectacular view. To get there you will have to do a three kilometer journey between stairs and paths. During the journey you will have wonderful landscapes to enjoy. In addition, the place has spaces for picnics and children’s games.
Artisan market
Located in front of the Eduardo Ruiz National Park, this market is outdoors and has more than 100 stores that offer all kinds of crafts. As is well known, Michoacán is distinguished by the great work of textiles, wood, clay and much more.
La Huatapera, museum of indigenous art and tradition
Built in 1533. It functioned not only as a hospital, but also as a meeting place for the indigenous people of the area. In fact, meeting place is what its name means in Purépecha. Now it is the headquarters of the Museum of Indigenous Art and Tradition which, divided into four rooms, shows us the rich tradition and culture of this town. In its chapel you can see the 16th century mural and a different handicraft piece made every month by the indigenous people.
Gastronomy
Churipo with corundas, carnitas, enchiladas with chicken or jerky, quelites and mushrooms, pumpkin flower quesadillas, pozole, menudo, fish, huchepos, flour tamales and nacatamales, tamarind atoles, rice, milk cocoa and grain, fritters with white atole, pumpkin and sweet potato, cooked bananas, metate chocolate, chilacayote empanadas.
Traditions and Festivities
- Celebration of Palm Sunday. June 24.
- Patronal Festival in honor of San Juan Bautista. June 29.
- Patronal Festival in honor of San Pedro and San Pablo. July 22.
- Patronal Festival in honor of María Magdalena. July 25.
- Patronal Festival in honor of the Apostle Santiago. July 26.
- Patronal Festival in honor of Santa Ana. August 10.
- Patronal Festival in honor of San Lorenzo. September 29.
- Patronal Festival in honor of San Miguel. October 4.
- Patronal Festival in honor of San Francisco de Asís. November 1 and 10.
- Celebration of the Day of the Dead. November 1 and 2.
- Avocado Fair, agricultural, commercial, industrial, livestock and cultural exhibition. Nov 22 to Dec 15.
Music
Traditional indigenous. Pirekuas and sones, wind music.
Crafts
Their main crafts are the Maqueas Bateas, jewelery, gourds, gourds, masks, as well as shredded paper blankets, rebozos, guanengos and overcoats.
URUAPAN Surroundings
San Lorenzo
It has a temple dedicated the patron saint, San Lorenzo. The church preserves its original façade from the 16th century with an atrial cross added in 1823. A nice chapel is set aside the church. Village women made cross-stitched tablecloth and napkins, as well as cloth dolls of women dressed in local indigenous dress.
San Pedro Zacán
The highlights are the 16th century Santa Rosa Chapel, and the Saint Peter Parish.
Paracho
Eight picturesque communities, full of traditions, architectural monuments and astonishing natural wonders, compose the municipality. Paracho is the land of guitars, it is well known throughout both Mexico and elsewhere in the world as guitar producer. Some other instruments that can be found in Paracho are: violins, violas, cellos, acoustic bass guitars, and mandolins, among others.
You can visit interesting sites, such as the: House for Purepecha Art and Culture, the House of Culture, the Center for the Investigation and Development of the Guitar (museum, a classroom and a concert hall), the Guitar Museum, the Temple of San Geronimo in Aranza, the temple of Santiago Apostle of Nurio (known as the Cathedral of the Purepecha Novohispanic Art) and the Temple of San Miguel Pomacuarán. The National Guitar Fair Is held every August.
“Coco” became the highest grossing film in Mexico, its history and setting managed to reflect many elements of Mexican culture. One of the most symbolic details is undoubtedly that spectacular white guitar that managed to be a success in Paracho, Michoacán, where they created replicas that sold like hot cakes.
The original creator of the guitar was Germán Vázquez Rubio, hired by Disney Pixar to create and manufacture the protagonist’s guitar. At that time the company paid him $ 20,000 so that he could design in his workshop south of Los Angeles, California.
Capácuaro
You can visit the Parish of St John the Baptist built in the16th century with its ancient stone facade.
San Juan Nuevo Parangaricutiro
On May 10th, 1944 the residents abandoned the old village because of the volcano Paricutin erupted and moved to the hacienda “Los Conejos”, 30 km. from its original location. You can visit the Chapel of the Lord of Miracles, “Conejos” spring, “San Miguelito” Zoo Park, Pantzingo, an Eco Tourism Park with cabins, and the ruins of the Temple of San Juan Parangaricutiro.
Santiago Tingambato
The archeological zone has a clear Teotihuacan influence and is very different from the other sites in the region. Tingambato reached its zenith from 200 to 900 AC. Among the most important constructions are: the Plaza 2, the shrines, the ball game and the Tomb Number 1. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. You can visit the Temple of St. James built in the sixteenth century and the House for Art and Purepecha Culture.
Angahuan
Picturesque village founded during the pre-Hispanic Period. This is one of the few Michoacán mountain towns that has kept its original appearance with wood houses roofed with “tejamanil” (roof tiles). The highlights in the town are: the Hospital Chapel and the Parish of St. James built in the mid-sixteenth century in a Moorish style.
You can visit the tourist center in Angahuan, that rents cabins, runs a small cafeteria, and have some camping areas. It affords a good view of the Paricutín volcano and the tower of the Church of San Juan Parangaricutiro, part of little town that was buried by lava. The best way to know the area is with a horse and a guide.
Los Reyes
There is a small downtown market where you can enjoy the local gastronomy. Not too far from Los Reyes is the famous “Chorros del Varal”, five marvelous 40-meter high waterfalls surrounded by jungle vegetation.
Ziracuaretiro
It is an attractive little village surrounded by fruit trees. You can visit the St. Michael the Archangel Parish, and an archeological site full of ancient petroglyphs located near the beautiful springs “The Ziranda” and “El Tigre”.
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