Pictures of Uruapan, Mexico
 
If you are coming from Patzcuaro, a city of about 40,000, when you arrive in Uruapan you will find that this city of over 200,000 is pretty much like a circus. If you come from stately and subdued Morelia, you will find it vibrant and much more active. It is the hub of the agricultural dynamo of Michoacan and reflects this in the hustling, bustling, smiling faces of its denizens.

Activity revolves around the central plaza that claims three full blocks in the center of the city which really becomes active on the weekends when you are likely to find two bands entertaining the throngs and not an empty spot on the numerous public benches.

It is a great place to observe capitalism in action since it seems everyone has pesos to placate their (and especially their children's) whims. Thus Uruapan becomes about as inexpensive as you will find a nice place in all of Mexico.

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One of the fountains with benches and trees for shade. The very clear water of the fountains here makes an impression. Looking southeast at a church behind it.

I found this great second floor restaurant on the southeast side of the plaza called Rincon del Burrito Real where I ordered a beer and they just kept coming with free snacks and food. While I was there I was able to take these pictures looking west (left) and east (right). Under the hedge trees (left) are the numerous chairs of the shoeshiners. Behind the colorful bush on the right is the row of 3 cheap (60 peso) hotels namely Oseguera, Moderno, and Capri. I viewed rooms in each and couldn't rent. So I walked 1.5 blocks on down the street (left in the picture) and stayed at the very nice Hotel Los Tres Caballeros for 75 pesos.
Map of Uruapan