Travel Guide URUAPAN Contents

DISCOVER URUAPAN 01

URUAPAN PROFILE 03

URUAPAN ATTRACTIONS 04

URUAPAN DINING 07

URUAPAN SHOPPING 09

URUAPAN NIGHTLIFE 12

THINGS TO DO IN URUAPAN 13 DISCOVER URUAPAN

Uruapan is located in the Mexican state of Michoacan and stands out for its lush vegetation. The central and northern parts of the municipality are covered by forest, and the temperate climate makes the area surrounding the city ideal for ecotourism. It is the state’s second city, after Morelia, the capital.

Strategically located in the geographic heart of Michoacan, Uruapan is an ideal base for travelers to use to explore the state. There are lots of attractions that make Uruapan well-worth a visit, with beautiful landscapes that make it perfect for adventure tourism, and an ancestral culture that can be seen throughout the region. AVOCADO CAPITAL OF THE WORLD Uruapan has fertile land and lots of water, which has allowed it to earn the title of “avocado capital of the world” thanks to its impressive annual production and the fantastic taste of the fruit cultivated here. Known as “the green gold of Michoacan”, the Uruapan avocado is an export product and a cause of local pride. It has had a strong influence on the local cuisine, which is one of the most rich and varied in Mexico.

1 A BRIEF HISTORY

Uruapan is a long-standing city that has survived the ups and downs of Mexico’s history. It was established back in the golden era of the Purepecha Empire, a Mesoamerican power. This civilization had a well-structured society, with their own language, religion, and customs, as well as a significant military presence. It was one of the few civilizations capable of resisting the attacks of the Aztec empire, thanks in part to the capacity to work with metals like copper and bronze.

When the Spaniards arrived in the Americas, Uruapan was a major estate and the place of refuge for the last Purepecha governor. After the invasion and Spanish conquest, the city was founded in its present form by Friar Juan de San Miguel, in 1533. To this day, you can still see how the atriums of the chapels in the oldest part of the city form a huge cross.

2 URUAPAN PROFILE

The state’s second city, only behind the capital Morelia

Lush vegetation, fertile land, and a temperate climate

Known as the “avocado capital of the world” due to the amount of avocados grown here

Ideally located to explore all the attractions of the Purepecha Plateau

Lots of small colonial hotels, indigenous architectural influences, and Plateresque design features.

Delicious regional cuisine based on natural, fresh ingredients

Variety of handicrafts from nearby regions in the state

3 URUAPAN ATTRACTIONS

BARRANCA DEL CUPATITZIO NATIONAL PARK

Located very close to the center of the city, this park is also known as Uruapan National Park or Eduardo Ruiz National Park, in honor of the Michoacan author who was once the owner of the land. The source of the Cupatitzio River is located in its 1,200 acres in an area known as the Devil’s Knee. The river is divided into numerous different streams, and pathways have been made so you can explore them. Along the route you can admire fountains and lush vegetation.

The park has a lovely children’s playground, as well as a trout pond where you can watch and feed them, or catch them for dinner. The excellent climate and frequent rainfall keeps the national park green and radiant. A hotel located at the park is the ideal place for a memorable vacation surrounded by natural beauty.

LA HUATAPERA

Uruapan has lots of buildings that date back to the colonial era, the standout among which is “La Huatapera”, an old hospital founded by Friar Juan de San Miguel. It was one of the first hospitals in New Spain and it was where they attended to the indigenous people from the area. The property features a Plateresque architectural style, made from materials that include “tejamanil” (shingle), wood, volcanic stone, and quarry stone. Inside, you’ll find a major regional popular art museum.

4 EL PARICUTIN

Paricutin is located about 20 miles from Uruapan and at 10 years old, it’s the youngest volcano in the world. In February of 1943, a peasant working nearby realized that the earth started to tremble, and saw that it then opened, let off steam, and shot out rocks. The man managed to tell the nearby townsfolk, who were able to evacuate without a single loss of life. Paricutin buried two towns in lava: Paricutin, which disappeared completely, and San Juan Parangaricutiro, whose church still sticks out among the ruins and petrified lava, a beautiful yet disturbing image. LA TZARÁRACUA

About five miles south of the city there is a beautiful natural landscape whose main attraction is the 160 feet tall waterfall known as “La Tzararacua”, an abrupt drop in the flow of the Cupatitzio River. To see it you have to travel about two miles downhill, a journey that can be undertaken on horseback using side roads or on foot down more than 500 steps. Visitors can admire lush vegetation from the viewpoints located along the way. Other activities you can enjoy here include rappelling, mountain cycling, and paintballing, while you’ll also find games for children.

5 OLD SAN PEDRO FACTORY The Old San Pedro Factory is a textile factory that dates back to the 19th century and is home to a number of attractions. The construction of the property began in 1886 and it later became one of the most important of its kind in the state. Nowadays the factory still has a number of buildings operational and forms part of the architectural heritage of Uruapan. It’s also a great place to hold a private banquet, convention, or special event, as it has over 27,000 square feet of gardens.

TEMPLE OF SAN FRANCISCO Uruapan was of great religious significance during the colonial era and the early years of Mexican independence, serving as a major bastion for the evangelization of the region. The Temple of San Francisco and Casa de la Cultura remain as icons of the colonial period, restored Plateresque buildings that date back to the founding of the city.

SAN JUAN NUEVO San Juan Nuevo (New San Juan) is an attractive, picturesque town about 8 miles from Uruapan. It was founded in 1944 by the inhabitants of the town San Juan Parangaricutiro, which was buried under the lava left by the eruption of the Paricutin Volcano. The people from the first settlement took an image of Christ with them, which is still worshipped with jubilation in the church of San Juan Nuevo. In the center of the town you’ll find handicrafts, typical candies, and of course, the world famous avocados grown in the region. San Juan Nuevo also has a small zoo which is located on high ground in the town.

6 URUAPAN DINING

When you think about the regional cuisine in Uruapan, delicious carnitas, avocado, charanda (a regional liquor), and the mouthwatering fruit ates come instantly to mind. We must also mention the extraordinary use the region makes of corn to prepare all kinds of food and drinks, such as the “corundas” and “uchepos” (snacks similar to tamales), “atole” (a corn-based beverage), and a thickened regional take on pozole.

Uruapan offers visitors all the culinary riches that characterize the great state of Michoacan, while also serving typical specialties from the Purepecha Plateau, and we can’t forget to mention avocado that has made this city renowned worldwide.

Purepecha traditions are still ever-present in the kitchens of the homes and restaurants in Uruapan. There’s not a family, cantina, or restaurant in the region that doesn’t still prepare old pre-Colombian recipes to excite the taste buds of diners. Don’t pass up the chance to enjoy “churipo con corundas” (beef and vegetable stew accompanied by typical regional tamales), and the famous Uruapan-style carnitas. Other not-to-be-missed local treats include the “uchepos” (sweet corn tamales) and a warm cocoa or tamarind flavor “atole” to wash it all down.

The dessert in the region normally consists of an “ate de frutas”, which is a sweet jelly-like preserve made from fruits like guava, quince or peach. It comes in different forms, such as jellies, sheets, or cubes.

The majority of the top dining establishments in Uruapan are located in the heart of the city, on the main streets of the historic district and by Eduardo Ruiz National Park. A highly recommended place to visit is the popular Mercado de Antojitos (Snacks Market) located behind the old hospital “La Huatapera”, where you can try different kinds of regional dishes at very affordable prices.

7 AVOCADO

The star ingredient of traditional Uruapan cuisine, and the real icon of this fertile region, is the avocado. This nutrient-rich fruit has made Uruapan world famous for its outstanding quality and impressive production levels. Taking advantage of its health benefits and the abundance of the fruit in the region, avocado is used throughout the city to make all kinds of specialty dishes. Enjoy it in guacamole, exquisite hot soups, refreshing salads, and purees, as well as sliced as a garnish and even as a flavor of ice cream. The avocado product that stands out though is a unique beverage called “guacamaya”, which is made from avocado mixed with different fruit concentrates, such as pineapple, grapefruit, or apple; sometimes a liquor is also added.

8 URUAPAN SHOPPING

Colorful local textiles, the famous Paracho guitars, and the magnificent lacquer-ware known as “maque” are some of the typical handicrafts made on the Purepecha Plateau. They are classic souvenirs and the perfect memento of an unforgettable vacation in Uruapan. TYPICAL URUAPAN HANDICRAFTS The fantastic lacquering technique used to make wooden objects like trays, plates, boxes, masks, and toys has existed in this region of Michoacan ever since pre-Colombian times. The impressive level of detail in these beautiful handicrafts demonstrates the creativity of the artisans, their excellent skill with the paint brush, and the meticulous care taken in the application of the polished lacquer on firm, resistant wood.

The guitars from Paracho, a town on the Purepecha Plateau just half an hour from Uruapan, are recognized in Mexico and abroad for their excellent quality. They all start with high quality wood, followed by a precise assembly process, resulting in a finished instrument that produces a clean, refined sound.

One of the most popular places to purchase traditional Purepecha handicrafts is at the Uruapan Handicrafts Market, which is held by the Eduardo Ruiz National Park. Another popular place to go shopping is at the Regional Tourist House (Casa Regional del Turista), where the region’s many skilled artisans show off their wares.

9 URUAPAN LOOMS

These artisanal looms are located in the Old San Pedro Factory in the south of Uruapan and produce stylish handmade fabrics that are inspired in the traditional colorful exuberance of Mexico, while catering to the needs of modern life. You’ll be able to see a wide range of materials, including bedspreads, tablecloths, knitwear, and upholstery. When you visit the facilities, it’s highly likely that you’ll be able to see the artisans working. The whole production process is done here, including selecting the yarn, as well as the different steps of spinning, dying, and weaving.

EASTER HANDICRAFTS MARKET

Held during the Easter period, this is one of the largest handicrafts markets in Latin America. Juan de San Miguel, the Spanish friar who founded Uruapan, approached the different communities in the region to teach them a craft that might prove useful. Nowadays these artisanal products are still being made and the tradition is passed from generation to generation. Every Easter the artisans from the nearby communities come together to offer their wares at the Uruapan handicrafts market.

10 SANTA CLARA DEL COBRE

Located about 20 miles from Uruapan, Santa Clara del Cobre is an excellent traditional place to go shopping. This tiny town is recognized worldwide for the exceptional quality of the copper handicrafts and utensils that are made here. Make some time to visit the different workshops and stores that proudly show off their designs, copperware, and even jewelry items. If you visit the town during August, you’ll be able to have the privilege of attending the National Copper Fair, during which the latest designs are presented and different cultural activities take place.

11 URUAPAN NIGHTLIFE

There are two distinct styles of nightlife in Uruapan. On the one hand, there’s the evening entertainment put on by cultural groups that keep alive the Purepecha traditions through dance, shows, and music performances. On the other hand, you’ll also find bars and nightclubs packed with young people who love to party at the city’s hotspots.

EVENTOS CULTURALES Places like Casa de la Cultura, the Tariacuri Market, and the Regional Popular Art Museum at the old hospital, La Huatapera, usually put on concerts, dance performances, and traditional shows that are popular with locals and visitors. Apart from the colorful arts, culture and recreational activities, there are also food fairs, handicraft contests, and traditional dress shows held throughout the year.

ZONA ROSA Names come and go, trends, and technology change, but the nucleus of the local nightclubs and bars is still the so-called Zona Rosa on the major avenue Paseo Lazaro Cardenas. The weekends are when this vibrant nightlife hub really comes alive. With clubs for all tastes, there’s always somewhere amazing to party at in the Zona Rosa.

12 THINGS TO DO IN URUAPAN

Take a selfie at the “Devil’s Knee”, a unique rock formation at the Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park

Enjoy ecotourism activities at the Tzararacua, an impressive 160 feet waterfall on the outskirts of the city

Go to a “Neighborhood Party”, a colorful parade full of tradition that represents the history of the city

Purchase souvenirs at the handicrafts market held during the Easter period, which is one of the largest of its kind in Latin America

Discover the original machine rooms of the San Pedro Factory, where you can also purchase excellent quality textiles

Enjoy regional specialties like “carnitas” and local avocados

Savor a taste of “charanda”, a traditional liquor made from sugarcane in Uruapan

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