Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatitzio

Top choice


This incomparable urban park is just 15 minutes west of the main plaza, but it’s another world. Tropical and subtropical foliage is thick and aflutter with birds and butterflies. The Río Cupatitzio bubbles over boulders, cascades down waterfalls and spreads into wide, crystalline pools. Cobbled paths (labeled 'Recorrido Principal') follow the riverbanks to the river's source at the icy and gin-clear Rodilla del Diablo pool.

The main entrance to the 458-hectare gardens is where Calles Independencia and Culver City meet (though you can also enter at the western end of Calzada Rodilla del Diablo). There are a few fruit stands and taquerías inside, and there’s even a trout farm where you can net your own catch.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Fábrica San Pedro

0.42 MILES

This old textile factory from the 19th century is essentially a living museum. Hand-loomed and hand-dyed bedspreads, tablecloths and curtains are still…

2. Museo Indígena Huatápera

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Embedded in the Huatápera, an old colonial courtyard building on the northeast corner of the main plaza, this small museum showcases handsome artesanías …

3. Cascada de Tzaráracua

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Some 12km south of central Uruapan, the wild Río Cupatitzio makes its last act count. It pumps hard over the vine-covered, 30m-high red-rock cliffs and…

4. Volcán Paricutín

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The upstart Volcán Paricutín (2800m) might be less than 80 years old, but clambering up the volcanic scree slopes to its summit and looking out across…

5. Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol

13.12 MILES

This sensational 16th-century church on the main square has a beautifully carved portal at the entrance carved in the Moorish Mudéjar style by an…

6. Tingambato Archaeological Site

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7. Casa de la Cultura

15.39 MILES

Paracho’s cultural center is in the heart of town opposite the main square. It contains the small Museo de la Guitarra.

8. Museo de la Guitarra

15.39 MILES

Among the intricately decorated guitars displayed at this small museum in the Casa de la Cultura – including classical, Flamenco, Hawaiian and steel…