Uruapan

About Uruapan

Uruapan is a lively city in western Michoacán, set where the volcanic highlands begin to descend toward warmer country. Abundant rivers and springs give it a lush, green setting, and the surrounding orchards have made the area one of the world's leading avocado producers. Its colonial core is modest, but the city has a strong Purépecha heritage and a busy everyday character.

The center revolves around the Plaza de Mártires de Uruapan, with the parish church and Casa de la Cultura nearby. La Huatápera, a sixteenth-century hospital complex founded by Franciscan friars, now houses a museum of regional crafts such as lacquerwork. Fábrica San Pedro, an old textile factory, still produces handwoven fabrics, and locals point out a famously narrow house. The highlight is Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatitzio, a green ravine inside the city where paths follow the river past springs, fountains and cascades. South of town, the Tzaráracua waterfall plunges into a forested canyon.

Uruapan works well as a base for the Parícutin volcano and the buried church of San Juan Parangaricutiro. It suits travelers who like nature walks, markets and regional food. The pleasant climate makes it comfortable most of the year, though the dry season is best for excursions.