Cascada de Cusárare drops about 30 meters over a rock ledge into a forested pool near the Rarámuri (Tarahumara) community of Cusárare, roughly 25 km southeast of Creel in Chihuahua, Mexico. Visitors follow a marked trail from the parking area through pine forest to a staircase of about 280 steps descending to the base of the falls, where the full drop and surrounding rock amphitheater come into view. A visit takes about two hours round trip, including the descent, time at the base pool, and the climb back up. The base viewpoint gives the best vantage for photographing the falls against the canyon walls, particularly in the mid-morning light that reaches the pool before the surrounding cliffs cast shade. The falls run at peak volume from July to September during the summer rains, when the water carries enough force to create visible mist at the base; outside this window the flow is noticeably thinner. The site is community-managed by the ejido of Cusárare and stays relatively uncrowded outside weekend day trips from Creel.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily during daylight hours, roughly 8:00AM-6:00PM
- Best time
- July to September, when the 30-meter falls run at peak flow
Location
Ejido Cusárare, about 25 km southeast of Creel, 33200 Bocoyna Municipality, Chihuahua, Mexico
27.6053, -107.6172 View on map
Highlights
- Roughly 30-meter waterfall dropping into a forested rock pool
- About 280-step staircase descent through pine forest to the base
- Community-managed land of the Rarámuri Cusárare ejido
- Base viewpoint framing the falls against a natural rock amphitheater
Tips for visiting
- Visit July through September for the fullest water flow during the summer rains
- Wear sturdy shoes for the roughly 280-step descent and climb back up
- Bring small-denomination pesos for the ejido access fee
- Combine with a stop at the nearby Misión de Cusárare on the same outing
When to visit
July through September brings the fullest water flow after summer rains; mid-morning gives the best light at the base pool.
Accessibility
The site is not wheelchair-accessible; reaching the base requires descending and climbing roughly 280 steps through forest terrain.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Cascada de Cusárare take?
Most visitors spend about two hours round trip, including the step descent, time at the base pool, and the climb back up.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children who can manage the roughly 280-step descent and climb will enjoy the base pool view, though it is a more demanding walk for young children.
Is photography allowed at the falls?
Yes, photography is unrestricted, and mid-morning light gives the best exposure on the base pool and rock amphitheater.