A mountain village at 2,411m elevation with a 16th-century church known for golden baroque murals and four hiking trails leading to nearby peaks.
Tupátaro, a small village in Michoacán at 2,411 meters above sea level, draws visitors to the 16th-century Santiago de Tupátaro Church. Inside, you'll find golden baroque murals depicting biblical scenes and rare 17th-century coffered ceilings. The village sits near the mining towns of Tlalpujahua and El Oro, with mountain trails leading to four surrounding peaks.
The Santiago de Tupátaro Church
The Santiago de Tupátaro Church's interior walls and ceiling display intricate religious artwork from the 17th century. Local artists painted the story of Christ's Passion using rich colors and detailed compositions. Recent restoration work has brought out the original vibrancy of these baroque murals and their golden ornamentation.
Mountain Trails Around Tupátaro
You can hike to four peaks from the village center. The trail to Cerro El Tecomate (2,686 meters) takes about 66 minutes. Head northwest to reach La Cruz (2,436 meters) in a 70-minute walk. For a longer hike, follow the southeastern path to Cerro El Calvario (2,819 meters), which takes about 99 minutes to reach.
Nearby Towns
Within 40 kilometers of Tupátaro, you'll find three historic mining towns. Tlalpujahua lies 19 kilometers east, with its ornate Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen. El Oro de Hidalgo, 38 kilometers east, preserves its 19th-century train station. In Mineral de Angangueo, 31 kilometers south, you can visit the Temple of the Immaculate Conception.
Practical Information
Tupátaro has 2,303 residents. While the village has no hotels, you can stay in nearby towns like Casa Roja or Casa Alviga, both 13 kilometers away. The village has reliable mobile phone coverage.
