A steep staircase drops through pine-oak and montane forest to a 40-metre curtain of water crashing off red volcanic rock into a mist-filled pool. A rougher continuation trail leads on to the smaller Tzararacuita falls, which are far quieter on weekends.
Access is via colectivos marked Tzaráracua that leave from Uruapan's Plaza Morelos, or by private vehicle to the upper mirador car park 10km south of the city on the Carretera Uruapan-Nueva Italia, where horses also wait for those who prefer to ride down; no permit is required, though a modest entry fee is typically collected at the site. From the mirador, a staircase of roughly 579 steps drops about 180m through pine-oak and montane forest to the base of the main 40-metre falls, a round trip of 2.5km that takes 1.5-3 hours including time at the pool, extending to about 5km round trip for those continuing on the rougher path to the smaller Tzararacuita falls. The steps are stone and often wet from spray, making them slick and requiring careful footing on the way back up; forest cover provides good shade for most of the descent, though the immediate falls area is open to full sun and mist. The main landmark is the curtain of water crashing off red volcanic rock into a churning, mist-filled pool, with the continuation trail to Tzararacuita serving as an optional extension for those wanting a quieter, less-visited waterfall; the main falls make a natural turnaround for anyone short on time or energy for the climb back out. There are no refuge huts on the route, but food and drink stalls operate near the mirador and at the base of the main falls, so carrying a full multi-hour water supply is less critical here than on more remote trails, though 2 litres is still recommended for the climb back to the top.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- La Tzaráracua, 10km south of Uruapan on the Carretera Uruapan-Nueva Italia, Michoacán
- Best season
- July to November, when the Río Cupatitzio runs at full volume
What to bring
- shoes with strong grip for slick, mossy steps
- swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- dry bag for cameras in the spray zone
- 2 litres of water for the climb back out
Location
Carretera Uruapan-Nueva Italia km 10, Uruapan Municipality, Michoacán
19.3524, -102.0785 View on map
Highlights
- 40-metre waterfall crashing off red volcanic rock into a misty pool
- Roughly 579-step stone staircase through pine-oak forest
- Quieter continuation trail to the smaller Tzararacuita falls
- Horses available for those who prefer not to walk the descent
- Food and drink stalls near the mirador and falls base
Tips for visiting
- Wear shoes with strong grip; the stone steps are frequently wet and slick with spray
- Bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel if planning to enter the pool area
- Pack a dry bag for cameras and phones near the main falls, where mist carries some distance
- Save energy for the climb back up nearly 579 steps; it is harder than the descent
- Visit July to November for the fullest, most dramatic flow of the Río Cupatitzio
- Continue to Tzararacuita falls on weekends for a quieter alternative to the crowded main falls
When to visit
July to November mornings show the falls at their fullest volume before afternoon crowds build at the mirador.
Accessibility
The route is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible; it relies entirely on a roughly 579-step stone staircase with no paved or level alternative to the falls.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there to the falls?
The staircase from the mirador to the base of the main falls has roughly 579 steps, descending about 180m.
Can visitors swim at La Tzaráracua?
The pool beneath the main falls can be accessed, though the current volume and spray vary by season, so caution is advised, especially during the July to November high-water period.
Is there a way to avoid walking down the steps?
Horses are available at the upper mirador for those who prefer to ride rather than walk the staircase.
How do I get to La Tzaráracua from Uruapan?
Colectivos marked Tzaráracua run from Uruapan's Plaza Morelos, and private vehicles can also drive directly to the mirador car park about 10km south of the city.