Formerly, its name was Taximaroa, and it was the part of the Purépecha Empire closest to the Aztec Empire. This prompted two unsuccessful Aztec invasions as well as the first Spanish incursion into Purépecha lands in 1522. For both the city and rural communities around it, forestry and furniture making are important parts of the economy, but deforestation is forcing the area to look into alternatives such as tourism to take advantage of its natural resources and cultural sites.
Formerly known as Taximaroa, this region was strategically located near the Aztec Empire, prompting two failed attempts by the Aztecs to conquer it and the first Spanish entry into Purépecha territory in 1522. The city and surrounding rural areas have a strong economy based on forestry and furniture production, but deforestation is forcing them to consider tourism as an alternative way to generate income from its natural resources and cultural attractions.