Uruapan de Progreso Tourist Attractions
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How to get thereFrom Mexico City by rail about 13 hours; by bus about 7.5 hours; by car on the MEX 15 via Toluca, Morelia and Pátzcuaro.Uruapan is a town relatively untouched by tourism. It lies on the Río Cupatitzio in the middle of a wooded area and its chief assets are its mild climate, lush vegetation and its beautiful parks.HistoryThe town of Uruapan (Tarascan: "where the flowers bloom") was founded in 1532 by the Franciscan Pater Juan de San Miguel and given the name San Francisco de Uruapan. It was laid out in a chessboard pattern and divided up into nine districts (barrios) which even to this day have retained their own individual character.
Plaza Principal
The focal point of the town is the Plaza Principal (Jardín Morelos) which was designed as a market place in the early colonial period. On the square stands the former Hospital Chapel of Guatápara or Huatápera, which goes back to Juan de San Miguel. It is also known as Santo Sepulcro and has a beautiful plateresque doorway with the statue of the founder "Santo de Uruapan" or "Tata Juanito". The hospital, which has a fine patio, today houses the Museum of Folk Art (Museo de Artes Populares), which mainly displays the lacquerwork which has been so closely associated with the town since the 16th c.
Market
The market, which is held daily, is well worth seeing. As well as lacquerwork, handwoven cloths and traditional garments are sold. Behind the Hospital Chapel is the Mercado de Antojitos, a "snack market", where it is possible to sample Mexican cooking.
Parks
Among the fine parks, pride of place must go to the Jardín de los Mártires ("Garden of the Martyrs") and the national park of Eduardo Ruiz at the gorge of the Río Cupatitzio (Purépecha: "where the waters meet"). Here there are beautiful walks leading through lush vegetation past waterfalls, rock formations and springs.
Parque Nacional Eduardo Ruiz
This is one of Uruapan's National Parks. There is plenty of vegetation and trails for visitors.
Uruapan - La Huatapera (Museo de Los Cuatro Pueblo Indios)
This museum displays crafts from the region. The building itself was constructed in 1533.
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