The Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park is right inside of Uruapan, already a fascinating and decidedly curious small city. The park is centered around the Cupatitzio River. Despite the Italian-sounding name, the origin is actually from the purhépecha language and, nicely, means river that sings.
The park dates all the way back to 1938 when then-President Lázaro Cárdenas decreed it. The park protects a whole variety of streams and rivers, and these support a truly remarkable forest system, as well as the surrounding city. The park is also home to a variety of smaller waterfalls, before it escapes to the south and erupts into the Tzaráracua falls, themselves the center of another park and ecological area.
The park is also the site of a diverse trail system that leads visitors into the surrounding forested areas. Importantly, the trails will also lead them back out. The views from within are spectacular. Paved walkways actually extend some 3 kilometers and along the way a number of fountains and stone works make finding your way that much easier.
Uruapan is one of the destinations flown to by Mexicana from the AIFA airport in Mexico City. Most arrivals still come to Uruapan through Morelia, the state capital. The trip from there is just under two hours.
