Pie de la Sierra Hotel
Uruapan
The mountainous areas surrounding Uruapan offer a rich diversity of culture and natural beauty. They consist of thousands of acres of forested mountains and valleys which throughout the centuries have been home to some of the most historic Michoacan towns and villages (“pueblos”).
This region is also characterized by its fertile fields and productive orchards where a large variety of fruit and unique flowers grow in abundance; diverse architectural structures dating back to the 16th century, and the Tingambato pre-Columbian archaeological zone. The pure essence of traditional Mexico can be enjoyed year round in Uruapan and the surrounding pueblos during their many festivals, music and dance concerts, and special “Ferias” featuring local cuisine, costumes, art, craft, and rituals.
At this respect, it should be mentioned the important Feria del Domingo de Ramos (“Palm Sunday Feria”) celebrated at Uruapan each March or April, consisting of a regional dress and crafts contests, as well as a huge crafts tianguis (street market).
The city of Uruapan was named “Uruapan of Progress” in 1858, and at the present time is know as the “Avocado Capital of the World”, in virtue of being the largest cultivation center of the finest avocado, this valuable, healthy, and delicious commodity.
Uruapan has also been given the name “The True Cradle of Maque” because of the local production of wooden trays, cups, masks and other objects decorated with this beautiful hand painted lacquer technique, art form dating back to pre-Columbian times.
Some of the main attractions in the city of Uruapan are the Huatapera, the “Antojitos” Market, the San Francisco Church, the Plaza of the Martyrs, the Eduardo Ruiz Municipal Museum, the Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park, the Artisan Market, the San Pedro Textile Factory, and the narrowest house in the world (registered in the Guinness Book World of Records at only 1.5 x 8.4 yards).
The Uruapan area also has great natural attractions like the Tzararacua Waterfall, the Paricutin Volcano, and the Meseta Purepecha.