Surroundings, Uruapan de Progreso

The waterfall of La Tzaráracua (Tarascan: "the sieve") is situated on the MEX 37 roughly 12km/7.5mi to the south. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole of Mexico, it is surrounded by attractive woodland near the Laguna Cupatitzio.

About 70km/43mi after La Tzaráracua along the MEX 37 lies the reservoir El Infiernillo ("Little Hell"). This artificial lake over 100km/62mi long with a dam 175 m (574 ft) high is fed by the rivers Tepalcatepec and Balsas.

About 30km/19mi west of Uruapan in the direction of Pátzcuaro on the MEX 14 is the little town of Tingambato (Purépacha: "place of the warm water"). There is a noteworthy excavation site which has been established as dating back to between AD 500 and 1000. Large pyramid platforms in the tablud-tablero style, which suggest the influence of Teotihuacán, were found next to a ball court.

18km/11mi to the north of Uruapan a road turns left off the MEX 37 and leads to the town of Angahuan (population 35,000) 21km/13mi away. The parish church of Santiago has a particularly impressive "mudéjar-plateresque" doorway which dates back to 1562. It is executed in "tequitqui", the Indian art of stonemasonry, lavishly decorated and resembles the doorway of the Guatápara chapel in Uruapan.

From Angahuan it is a 50 minute trip with hired mules or horses, or 5km/3mi on foot, to the unique lava field of Paricutín (Tarascan: "what lies in front"). The volcano of Paricutín (2575 m (8449 ft)) became famous throughout the world when it erupted on February 20th 1943 and several settlements were buried under the masses of lava which it emitted. The eruptions lasted for almost three years and more than 5000 people had to leave their homes. The top of the village church of San Juan Parangaricútiro protrudes from the midst of the lava field in splendid isolation. If contemplating an ascent of the volcano, it is recommended to engage the services of a local guide.

The MEX 37 continues past for another 20km/12.4mi after the turning to Angahuan and leads to Paracho de Verduzco (1567 m (5141 ft); population 40,000; fiestas: August 8th, village festival; November 16th to 26th, arts and crafts fair). The town is famous for its woodcraft, in particular guitars, violins, toys and furniture.