National Park in Uruapan (Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatizio)

This retreat for nature lovers is a favorite destination for our guests at Hotel Mansión Iturbe – an outing not far from Patzcuaro.  The National Park Eduardo Ruiz (Barranca de Cupatitzio en Uruapan) is a mere 45 minutes west of Pátzcuaro by Century 21 Highway (Autopista Siglo XXI).

            The Uruapan National Park is an oasis of impressive vegetation through which meanders the first waters of the Cupatitzio River (Río Cupatitzio).  The National Park is one of the loveliest sites in the State of Michoacán.

            About a century ago, Don Toribio Ruiz, father of Eduardo Ruiz, bequeathed the large property, which is surrounded by the large city of Uruapan, to his daughter Josefina.  Even then, the estate was a paradise of exuberant vegetation, including coffee bushes, ash, banana trees, and other fruit-bearing varieties.  Much of the water from the Cupatitzio River was used on the property, and also as a fresh-water source for the city of Uruapan.

            In 1938, General Lazaro Cardenas and the property owners reached a sales agreement, and the property was declared a National Park.  Later, in the ‘50s and ‘60s, many improvements were made and the property was enlarged to its current 471 hectáreas.  Improvements included artificial waterfalls, bridges, fountains, and other water diversions to make the park ever more attractive to visitors.

Cupatitzio River itself actually had its origins within the park itself; the “birthplace” is named “Knee of the Devil.”  Legend has it that Saint Peter was pursuing Satan, and when he ran into him, Satan fell to one knee, breaking the surface of the ground with such force that water began flowing, creating the famous river.

            The National Park is a delight to the senses – the sound of the rushing waters of the pristine river, the feel of cobblestone beneath your feet while strolling the picturesque pathways, the sights of the waterfalls and fountains – always surrounded by the aroma of vibrant vegetation that changes with each visit.

         The National Park is a site uniquely designed to showcase the tasteful marriage of nature and manmade structures, such as the ten fountains, which are “powered” entirely by the natural flow of the river and gravity, without the use of any mechanisms whatsoever.

             Returning to Pátzcuaro, it’s time to relax at Hotel Mansión Iturbe with a delicious frozen Margarita, created in the Uruapan tradition.  Close your eyes and relive again the murmur of the famous “River that Sings.”

Photos and Text property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.

 

HOTEL MANSION ITURBE

Portal Morelos 59

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

61600 Pátzcuaro, Mich.

México.

Online Reservations: http://www.mansioniturbe.com/

Tels: +52 (434) 342 0368 y 342 3628

Fax: +52 (434) 342 3627

Toll Free fax number  from USA & CANADA: 1-866 678 6102

Amadeus:        ON MLMMAN

Sabre:             ON 16297

Galileo:          ON 24977

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