Uruapan Travel Guide

Plan your next vacation to Uruapan, a city rich in culture and natural wonders. Explore its top attractions, sample the local cuisine, and learn about local customs and traditions.


Introduction to Uruapan

Welcome to Uruapan, a city situated in the beautiful state of Michoacan, along the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and friendly locals who welcome visitors with open arms.

Uruapan boasts numerous parks and forests, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, the city has several museums and historical sites that provide a glimpse into its rich past. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Uruapan is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Uruapan

Here is a list of must-visited places that you should add to your itinerary when exploring Uruapan.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Museo Antiguo Hospital Civil: This museum is housed in a 17th-century hospital and showcases the history and culture of the city.
  2. Casa de los Once Patios: This historical building has been transformed into an artisan center, where visitors can witness the creation of traditional crafts.
  3. Templo del Sagrario: This 18th-century church is a mix of Baroque and Churrigueresque styles and is a wonder to walk through.

Natural Attractions of Uruapan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatitzio: This national park is a lush green oasis in the middle of the city and features roaring waterfalls and scenic walking trails.
  2. Parque Nacional Eduardo Ruiz: This park has several hiking trails and a beautiful lake that is perfect for kayaking and fishing.
  3. Jardin de los 5 sentidos: This park allows visitors to explore with all five senses, with a great variety of trees, flowers, and fruits from all over the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Uruapan

Uruapan is a great destination for hikers and bikers alike. Here are some of the best routes in the city.

  1. Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatitzio: The park has several trails of varying difficulty, which allow visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty.
  2. Presa Corrego de la Mina: This reservoir has a 10 km bike trail around the perimeter, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
  3. Parque Nacional Eduardo Ruiz: This park has several hiking trails that pass by waterfalls, forests, and mountains, offering a stunning view of the park’s diverse flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in Uruapan: Activities and Tours

Uruapan is a city full of activities and adventures. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting the city.

  1. Take a walking tour of the city: Explore the city’s history and culture by taking a guided walking tour of the old town.
  2. Visit a local market: Get a taste of the city’s local cuisine and culture by visiting a local market like Tianguis Artesanal or Mercado Municipal.
  3. Take a traditional dance class: Learn a traditional dance style like Danza de los Viejitos, which is a symbol of Uruapan’s unique culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Uruapan

Here is a sample week-long itinerary to help you plan your trip to Uruapan.

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Uruapan and explore the city
2 Visit Museo Antiguo Hospital Civil
3 Hike Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park
4 Take a cooking class and learn local dishes
5 Explore Parque Nacional Eduardo Ruiz
6 Visit Casa de los Once Patios
7 Visit Templo del Sagrario

Food and Drink Scene of Uruapan

Here is a list of must-try dishes and local beverages that you should sample when visiting Uruapan.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Carnitas: This dish consists of slow-cooked pork that is served with tortillas and salsa.
  2. Atole: This warm, thick drink is made from cornmeal and is traditionally served during breakfast.
  3. Churipo: This hearty stew is made with beef, pork, veggies, and is served with tortillas to soak up the flavorful broth.

Local Beverages

  1. Tequila: A spirit made from the blue agave plant, which is native to Mexico.
  2. Pulque: This drink is made from fermented agave and has a slightly sour taste.
  3. Cerveza: Mexicos epitome drink, the beer is quite famous. Try the one you like, as most of them have different flavors.

Where to Stay in Uruapan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Uruapan offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some options for you to consider when planning your trip:

  1. Hotel Mansion del Cupatitzio: A beautiful hotel situated near the National Park that offers a pool, spa, and restaurant.
  2. Hostal Catre de mi Corazon: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of the old town that offers beds in dormitory rooms and private rooms.
  3. Jardin del Eden: A beautiful guesthouse located near the Parque Nacional Eduardo Ruiz that offers spacious and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Uruapan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some local products that you can purchase as souvenirs to remember your trip to Uruapan.

  1. Traditional Crafts: Uruapan is known for its crafts, which include pottery, woodcarvings, and textiles, which showcases the local artists’ creativity.
  2. Agave Products: As Uruapan has a lot of agave growing, you can also try buying products made from it, like agave syrup, agave nectar, tequila, and pulque.
  3. Vanilla: Uruapan is an essential producer of this highly valuable spice and has many shops that sell it there.

Local Culture and Customs of Uruapan

Uruapan has a unique and vibrant culture that is a fusion of indigenous and Spanish traditions. Here are some customs and traditions that visitors should be aware of:

  1. Danza de los Viejitos: This traditional dance is performed during festivals and features people wearing masks and dressed up like old men.
  2. Dia de los Muertos: A macabre celebration held each year during the first two days of November, in which people pay homage to their departed ones by setting up altars and offering food and drinks.
  3. Fiesta de Santa Maria Magdalena: Held in July each year, this festival is a significant event of the region during which locals dress up in vibrant costumes and dance in the streets.

Best Time to Visit Uruapan

The best time to visit Uruapan is during the dry season between November and April when temperatures are mild and the skies are sunny. However, the city can be visited all year round, and each season has its charm and weather.

Do’s and Don’ts of Uruapan

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Uruapan:

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Purchase crafts and products only from authorized vendors.
  3. Try the local cuisine and drinks.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespecting local customs and traditions.
  2. Eat the food from local street vendors; it may not be hygienic.
  3. Wandering alone at night in isolated areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Uruapan

Uruapan is a safe destination for tourists, but like any other place in the world, it is recommended to take essential safety measures when traveling like avoiding walking alone at night, not flaunting valuables, and not venturing into unlit, isolated areas after dark.

Health in Uruapan

Tourists are recommended to drink filtered water and bottled water only to avoid any waterborne illnesses. Also, carry mosquito repellent because mosquitos are known to carry diseases.

Getting to Uruapan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some options for getting to Uruapan:

Airports Near Uruapan

  1. Licenciado Eduardo Ruiz Airport (UPN): Uruapan has its airport, which serves flights from some Mexican cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana’s.

Bus Stations Near Uruapan

  1. Central de Autobuses Michoacán: It is the principal bus station, and it operates buses from different cities in the region and the country.

Other Options

You can also choose to explore Uruapan and surrounding areas by renting a car or taking a private taxi.

How to Get Around in Uruapan

The best way to get around Uruapan is by walking or using local transportation like buses and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Uruapan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore the region, here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can consider visiting:

  1. Morelia: The capital city of Michoacan, it’s known for its beautiful colonial architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture.
  2. Patzcuaro: This charming town is famous for its traditional crafts and has a beautiful lake filled with floating gardens.
  3. Tzintzuntzan: Located on the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro, this small town is known for its pre-Columbian ruins and its distinctive pottery style.

Conclusion

Uruapan is a vibrant and culturally rich city filled with natural wonders, museums, and delicious traditional cuisine. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Uruapan is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Follow this comprehensive travel guide to plan your next trip and experience all that this fantastic city has to offer.

Immaculate Concepción church Immaculate Concepción church San Pedro Factory San Pedro Factory Tzarárcua Falls Tzarárcua Falls Tianguis de Domingo de Ramos Tianguis de Domingo de Ramos