Waterfall 33 km south of Paracho
Michoacán's best-known waterfall, where the Cupatitzio River drops some 40–60 meters into a canyon south of Uruapan.
La Tzaráracua is the most famous waterfall in Michoacán, on the Cupatitzio River a short way south of Uruapan. After rising in Uruapan's national park, the river runs south and plunges between 40 and 60 meters, depending on the source, into a green canyon, with the main fall in the center and smaller streams of water spilling down the rock on both sides. In the rainy season the flow is powerful and the spray carries far.
The classic way down is a stairway of 579 steps of volcanic stone, a descent of about 20 to 25 minutes through the forest, or you can ride a horse on the side trail. At the bottom a natural pool forms below the falls, and the view up at the curtain of water is the postcard image of the place.
It is a popular outing for families from Uruapan, so weekends and holidays are busy. Go on a weekday morning if you can, wear shoes with grip for the wet steps, and remember that the climb back up is the hard part.
What to see and do
Walk down the 579 volcanic-stone steps to the foot of the falls.
Ride a horse down the side trail if you prefer.
Take in the view of the main fall flanked by smaller cascades.
Go in the rainy season for the strongest flow, or the dry season for easier footing.
Getting there
From Paracho, drive south on Highway 37 to Uruapan and then follow the signs south of the city to La Tzaráracua; allow roughly 50 minutes to an hour. Horses can usually be hired for the descent; agree on the price before you set off.
33 km south of Paracho
Directions from Paracho on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
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Photos
Weather cool
La Tzaráracua shares the climate of Paracho, 33 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Mar, Apr, Nov.
Make Paracho your base
La Tzaráracua is an easy trip from Paracho, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Paracho
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Nurío
· Town · 8 km away
Purépecha village whose painted 17th-century church, the "Purépecha Sistine Chapel," burned in 2021 and has been rebuilt by local carpenters. -
Capácuaro
· Town · 11 km away
A Purépecha woodworking town on the Paracho–Uruapan highway, lined with furniture workshops and roadside showrooms. -
Cherán
· Town · 11 km away
A Purépecha town that rose up against illegal loggers in 2011 and now governs itself through a community council. -
Cocucho
· Town · 16 km away
A highland village known for its huge clay jars, shaped by hand and fired in open bonfires by local women. -
Angahuan
· Town · 22 km away
Purépecha-speaking village and base for Paricutín, with an early colonial church and guides with horses for hire. -
Templo de San Juan Parangaricutiro
· Landmark · 24 km away
A church tower and altar rising from a sea of black lava, all that is left of a town buried by Paricutín in 1944. -
Ocumicho
· Town · 25 km away
The village of clay devils: Purépecha women shape wild, colorful diablitos and scenes by hand, no two alike. -
Zona Arqueológica de Tingambato
· Archaeological site · 26 km away
An older, Teotihuacan-influenced ceremonial center with a ball court and a rich tomb, east of Paracho on the road to Pátzcuaro. -
Volcán Paricutín
· Mountain · 27 km away
The volcano that rose from a cornfield in 1943: ride or hike across the lava from Angahuan to its still-steaming crater. -
Zacán
· Town · 27 km away
A Purépecha village on Paricutín's slopes that hosts the great Purépecha artistic contest of music and dance every October. -
Lago de Camécuaro
· Lake · 33 km away
A spring-fed national park lake of clear, turquoise water among ancient ahuehuete cypresses, near Tangancícuaro.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.