A 40-metre cascade where the Cupatitzio River drops into a forested gorge south of Uruapan. Reaching the base means descending several hundred stone steps through subtropical woodland, or hiring a horse for the return climb. The ecotourism park at the entrance charges a small admission and adds zip lines, cabins, camping and basic facilities, and a second waterfall, the Tzararacuita, lies further downstream.
Tzaráracua Waterfall lies 10km south of Uruapan on the Nueva Italia road, reached in about 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by combi from central Uruapan on the Tzaráracua route. A taxi from Uruapan with waiting time is also common, and drivers can park directly at the park entrance. The 40-metre cascade drops the Cupatitzio River into a forested gorge, with the base reached by descending several hundred stone steps through subtropical woodland; a horse can be hired at the entrance for around 100 MXN round trip for those who prefer not to climb back up on foot. A morning visit avoids both the day's heat on the steep return climb and the busiest weekend crowds, leaving time to continue to the smaller Tzararacuita waterfall further downstream. The ecotourism park at the entrance charges a modest admission and adds zip lines, cabins, camping and basic food stalls selling grilled corn and fresh juice, making it easy to spend a full morning or afternoon on site. July to November is the best season, when the Cupatitzio River runs at full volume after the summer rains and the falls are at their most dramatic; the dry season leaves a noticeably thinner cascade.
How to get there
- Combi from Uruapan city centre, 20-30 minutes
- Taxi from Uruapan with waiting time
- Rental car with parking at the park entrance
- Horse hire at the entrance for the descent, around 100 MXN ($5.88 USD) round trip
Location
Carretera Uruapan-Nueva Italia km 10, 60150 Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico
19.4300, -102.1000 View on map
Highlights
- 40-metre waterfall on the Cupatitzio River
- Stone-step descent through subtropical woodland to the base
- Secondary Tzararacuita waterfall further downstream
- Horse hire for the return climb from the gorge floor
- Ecotourism park with zip lines, camping and cabins
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning to avoid both the afternoon heat on the return climb and weekend crowds
- Hire a horse at the entrance if the several-hundred-step climb back up is a concern
- Wear non-slip shoes, since the stone steps can be damp near the falls
- Visit July to November for the fullest water flow after the summer rains
- Bring small cash for park admission and food stalls, as card payment is unreliable
When to visit
July to November for the fullest water flow; visit in the morning to avoid heat on the return climb.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Tzaráracua Waterfall from Uruapan?
A combi on the Tzaráracua route takes about 30 minutes from central Uruapan, or a car makes the 10km trip in around 20 minutes.
Is the walk down to Tzaráracua Waterfall difficult?
The descent involves several hundred stone steps through woodland; it is manageable for most visitors, though the return climb is more strenuous, and horses can be hired for it.
What is the best time of year to see the falls at full flow?
July to November, after the summer rains, when the Cupatitzio River runs at its fullest volume.
Is there an entrance fee for the waterfall park?
Yes, the ecotourism park at the entrance charges a small admission that also covers access to zip lines, camping and cabins.