Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park | National Parks Assc

Barranca del Cupatitzio Overview

Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatitzio, is a protected area in the Mexican state of Michoacán. It spans approximately 1.5 square miles (3.5 square kilometers) and is located in the municipality of Uruapan.

This park is renowned for being the source of the Cupatitzio River, a vital waterway that sustains the region’s ecosystems and provides a lush, green environment throughout the area. The park’s name reflects its defining feature, a deep ravine carved by the river, creating a striking landscape of steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and winding trails.

The terrain of the park is characterized by its rugged cliffs and dense cloud forest, providing a cool, misty atmosphere that nurtures an abundance of plant life. The landscape is dominated by towering pines, oaks, and an array of ferns and mosses that thrive in the high humidity.

Water is a central feature, with the crystalline Cupatitzio River weaving through the park, creating a series of stunning waterfalls, including the famous Tzaráracua and Tzararacuita falls. The combination of rocky outcrops, flowing water, and dense foliage gives the park a mystical feel, making it one of the most picturesque destinations in Michoacán.

Wildlife in Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park is diverse, with various species of mammals, birds, and amphibians inhabiting its lush forests. Among the mammals, visitors may spot white-tailed deer, armadillos, and even small wildcats that roam the wooded areas.

The birdlife is particularly rich, with species such as the emerald toucanet, various hummingbirds, and the striking black-and-white hawk-eagle soaring through the treetops. The constant presence of water also supports amphibians, including different species of frogs and salamanders that thrive in the park’s streams and pools. The biodiversity of the park makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.

One of the park’s most famous attractions is the “Rodilla del Diablo,” a unique rock formation where the Cupatitzio River emerges from the ground. This site, surrounded by lush vegetation and mythological significance, is a must-visit for those exploring the park.

Visitors are also drawn to the park’s well-maintained walking trails, which lead through the scenic ravine and offer breathtaking views of waterfalls and dense jungle. In addition, the park features charming bridges and viewpoints that provide ideal spots for photography and relaxation.

Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park offers several ways for visitors to experience its beauty. Walking and hiking trails are the most popular, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the forest. The park is also a favorite for picnicking, with designated areas that allow visitors to enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Birdwatching and nature photography are other key activities, as the park provides ample opportunities to observe wildlife up close. Additionally, guided tours help visitors understand the ecological and cultural significance of the park, enriching their experience.

The park faces some conservation challenges, particularly related to human activity and climate change. The demand for water from the Cupatitzio River has put pressure on its flow, while deforestation in surrounding areas poses a threat to the park’s ecosystem.

However, conservation efforts have been made to protect the park’s flora and fauna. Strict regulations on water use and forest preservation initiatives have helped maintain the park’s natural balance. The management of Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park continues to focus on sustainability, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its pristine beauty.

Park Map

Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The lush forests and rippling waterways of Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park provide an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, from colorful songbirds to majestic raptors.

Elegant Trogon (Trogon elegans)
One of the most striking birds in the park, the elegant trogon has brilliant green plumage with a red belly. It prefers dense forests, where it feeds on fruits and insects.

Russet-crowned Motmot (Momotus mexicanus)
Easily recognized by its vibrant turquoise feathers and long, racket-tipped tail, this beautiful bird is often found in wooded areas near water. It uses its strong bill to catch insects and small reptiles.

Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
A dazzling sight, the male vermilion flycatcher sports bright red plumage contrasted with dark wings. It perches on low branches, darting out to snatch flying insects.

Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys)
This colorful woodpecker, with its striking golden cheeks and black-and-white barred back, is a common sight in the park’s forests. It drills into tree bark in search of insects and nests in tree cavities.

Gray Silky-flycatcher (Ptiliogonys cinereus)
A sleek, soft gray bird with a distinctive crest, the gray silky-flycatcher is often seen in groups flitting through the canopy, feeding on berries and insects.

Mexican Jay (Aphelocoma wollweberi)
A highly social and intelligent bird, the Mexican jay is known for its bright blue plumage and raucous calls. It travels in family groups, foraging for nuts, seeds, and insects.

Black-vented Oriole (Icterus wagleri)
This striking black-and-yellow oriole is commonly found in the park’s forests, where it weaves intricate hanging nests and feeds on nectar, insects, and fruit.

Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus)
A powerful raptor often seen soaring above rivers, the common black hawk hunts fish, amphibians, and small mammals. Its broad wings and slow, deliberate flight make it easy to identify.

White-eared Hummingbird (Basilinna leucotis)
A small but striking hummingbird with a green body and a bold white stripe behind the eye, this species flits among the park’s flowering plants, feeding on nectar.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
A migratory raptor that passes through the park, the broad-winged hawk is a skilled hunter, preying on small birds, reptiles, and mammals. It is often seen soaring in groups during migration.

Popular

Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park, located in Michoacán, Mexico, is a lush, forested area famous for its crystal-clear waters, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The park’s rich ecosystem supports a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its cool, humid environment.

Mexican Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
This small, agile fox is a nocturnal predator that roams the park’s dense forests. With its distinctive grizzled gray fur and bushy tail, the Mexican gray fox is a skilled climber and opportunistic feeder.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
Often mistaken for wild boars, collared peccaries are small, pig-like mammals with dark bristly fur and a distinctive white collar. They roam in groups and play an important role in seed dispersal within the park’s ecosystem.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
One of the most commonly seen mammals in the park, white-tailed deer are graceful herbivores that feed on leaves, fruits, and grasses. They are an essential prey species for local predators.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
This small, raccoon-like mammal is known for its long, striped tail and exceptional agility. Nocturnal and elusive, the ring-tailed cat prefers rocky outcroppings and dense vegetation, where it hunts for insects and small vertebrates.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
Recognized by its armored shell and burrowing habits, the nine-banded armadillo is a fascinating species that digs for insects and grubs in the park’s soft soils. They are mostly nocturnal and rarely seen during the day.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
Thriving in the park’s clear rivers and waterfalls, this playful and elusive otter is an expert swimmer that feeds on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. It plays an important role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem health.

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
A large and fast-moving lizard, the black spiny-tailed iguana prefers rocky and forested habitats within the park. It is an omnivore, feeding on fruits, flowers, and small animals.

Morelet’s Tree Frog (Agalychnis moreletii)
This vibrant green tree frog is an indicator of the park’s pristine waters. With its striking red eyes and sticky toe pads, it is an agile climber found in the park’s humid forests.

Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei)
A non-venomous constrictor, this snake is important for controlling rodent populations. It is often found in forested and rocky areas, where it preys on small mammals and birds.

Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum)
One of the few venomous lizards in the world, the beaded lizard is a slow-moving but powerful predator. It is covered in bumpy, bead-like scales and plays a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insect and small vertebrate populations.

Birds

The lush forests and rippling waterways of Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park provide an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, from colorful songbirds to majestic raptors.

Elegant Trogon (Trogon elegans)
One of the most striking birds in the park, the elegant trogon has brilliant green plumage with a red belly. It prefers dense forests, where it feeds on fruits and insects.

Russet-crowned Motmot (Momotus mexicanus)
Easily recognized by its vibrant turquoise feathers and long, racket-tipped tail, this beautiful bird is often found in wooded areas near water. It uses its strong bill to catch insects and small reptiles.

Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
A dazzling sight, the male vermilion flycatcher sports bright red plumage contrasted with dark wings. It perches on low branches, darting out to snatch flying insects.

Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys)
This colorful woodpecker, with its striking golden cheeks and black-and-white barred back, is a common sight in the park’s forests. It drills into tree bark in search of insects and nests in tree cavities.

Gray Silky-flycatcher (Ptiliogonys cinereus)
A sleek, soft gray bird with a distinctive crest, the gray silky-flycatcher is often seen in groups flitting through the canopy, feeding on berries and insects.

Mexican Jay (Aphelocoma wollweberi)
A highly social and intelligent bird, the Mexican jay is known for its bright blue plumage and raucous calls. It travels in family groups, foraging for nuts, seeds, and insects.

Black-vented Oriole (Icterus wagleri)
This striking black-and-yellow oriole is commonly found in the park’s forests, where it weaves intricate hanging nests and feeds on nectar, insects, and fruit.

Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus)
A powerful raptor often seen soaring above rivers, the common black hawk hunts fish, amphibians, and small mammals. Its broad wings and slow, deliberate flight make it easy to identify.

White-eared Hummingbird (Basilinna leucotis)
A small but striking hummingbird with a green body and a bold white stripe behind the eye, this species flits among the park’s flowering plants, feeding on nectar.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
A migratory raptor that passes through the park, the broad-winged hawk is a skilled hunter, preying on small birds, reptiles, and mammals. It is often seen soaring in groups during migration.

Popular

Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park, located in Michoacán, Mexico, is a lush, forested area famous for its crystal-clear waters, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The park’s rich ecosystem supports a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its cool, humid environment.

Mexican Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
This small, agile fox is a nocturnal predator that roams the park’s dense forests. With its distinctive grizzled gray fur and bushy tail, the Mexican gray fox is a skilled climber and opportunistic feeder.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
Often mistaken for wild boars, collared peccaries are small, pig-like mammals with dark bristly fur and a distinctive white collar. They roam in groups and play an important role in seed dispersal within the park’s ecosystem.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
One of the most commonly seen mammals in the park, white-tailed deer are graceful herbivores that feed on leaves, fruits, and grasses. They are an essential prey species for local predators.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
This small, raccoon-like mammal is known for its long, striped tail and exceptional agility. Nocturnal and elusive, the ring-tailed cat prefers rocky outcroppings and dense vegetation, where it hunts for insects and small vertebrates.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
Recognized by its armored shell and burrowing habits, the nine-banded armadillo is a fascinating species that digs for insects and grubs in the park’s soft soils. They are mostly nocturnal and rarely seen during the day.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
Thriving in the park’s clear rivers and waterfalls, this playful and elusive otter is an expert swimmer that feeds on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. It plays an important role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem health.

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
A large and fast-moving lizard, the black spiny-tailed iguana prefers rocky and forested habitats within the park. It is an omnivore, feeding on fruits, flowers, and small animals.

Morelet’s Tree Frog (Agalychnis moreletii)
This vibrant green tree frog is an indicator of the park’s pristine waters. With its striking red eyes and sticky toe pads, it is an agile climber found in the park’s humid forests.

Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei)
A non-venomous constrictor, this snake is important for controlling rodent populations. It is often found in forested and rocky areas, where it preys on small mammals and birds.

Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum)
One of the few venomous lizards in the world, the beaded lizard is a slow-moving but powerful predator. It is covered in bumpy, bead-like scales and plays a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insect and small vertebrate populations.

Birds

The lush forests and rippling waterways of Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park provide an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, from colorful songbirds to majestic raptors.

Elegant Trogon (Trogon elegans)
One of the most striking birds in the park, the elegant trogon has brilliant green plumage with a red belly. It prefers dense forests, where it feeds on fruits and insects.

Russet-crowned Motmot (Momotus mexicanus)
Easily recognized by its vibrant turquoise feathers and long, racket-tipped tail, this beautiful bird is often found in wooded areas near water. It uses its strong bill to catch insects and small reptiles.

Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
A dazzling sight, the male vermilion flycatcher sports bright red plumage contrasted with dark wings. It perches on low branches, darting out to snatch flying insects.

Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys)
This colorful woodpecker, with its striking golden cheeks and black-and-white barred back, is a common sight in the park’s forests. It drills into tree bark in search of insects and nests in tree cavities.

Gray Silky-flycatcher (Ptiliogonys cinereus)
A sleek, soft gray bird with a distinctive crest, the gray silky-flycatcher is often seen in groups flitting through the canopy, feeding on berries and insects.

Mexican Jay (Aphelocoma wollweberi)
A highly social and intelligent bird, the Mexican jay is known for its bright blue plumage and raucous calls. It travels in family groups, foraging for nuts, seeds, and insects.

Black-vented Oriole (Icterus wagleri)
This striking black-and-yellow oriole is commonly found in the park’s forests, where it weaves intricate hanging nests and feeds on nectar, insects, and fruit.

Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus)
A powerful raptor often seen soaring above rivers, the common black hawk hunts fish, amphibians, and small mammals. Its broad wings and slow, deliberate flight make it easy to identify.

White-eared Hummingbird (Basilinna leucotis)
A small but striking hummingbird with a green body and a bold white stripe behind the eye, this species flits among the park’s flowering plants, feeding on nectar.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
A migratory raptor that passes through the park, the broad-winged hawk is a skilled hunter, preying on small birds, reptiles, and mammals. It is often seen soaring in groups during migration.

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