Los Chorros del Varal

Updated July 4, 2025

Description

Los Chorros del Varal is one of those places that’s probably going to linger in your mind long after you’ve dusted the last bit of dirt from your hiking boots. Seriously, if waterfalls and wild woods ever had a greatest hits album, this nature preserve would be on the cover. Images don’t do it justice—the sound of the cascading water, the dappled sunlight playing through the tall trees, the sudden hush when you step off the busier paths… it’s nature showing off, unapologetically.

You find Los Chorros del Varal tucked away in the hills, away from big city chaos. The preserve is known for its striking series of waterfalls—dozens of streams of water rushing down sheer rock walls, forming deep clear pools at the bottom. Some folks come expecting a quick photo op, but honestly, the best experiences come from wandering off on the trails, finding your own little patch of magic. There’s something almost hypnotic about the sound of water, and if you manage to visit at a quieter time, it can feel like the place belongs to you.

While the preserve welcomes families and even allows you to bring your favorite four-legged friends (yep, dogs are allowed, so don’t leave Fido at home), it isn’t decked out in all those modern conveniences—there’s public restrooms but don’t look for theme park-level amenities. The trails aren’t always perfectly smooth, and accessibility for wheelchairs or strollers is, to be honest, pretty limited. So, if mobility’s a concern, this might not be your top pick. But for hikers and nature lovers who prefer wildness over well-manicured lawns, Los Chorros del Varal is gold.

I always tell people there’s something a bit raw and real about this spot. Kids love splashing around by the falls, hikers love the challenge, and even dogs seem to get that extra pep in their step. Of course, it’s not Disneyland—it’s more rugged and can get a bit crowded during weekends. Oh, and watch your step after rains; it gets slippery and unpredictable, which I found out the hard way. For those who crave a genuine slice of Michoacán’s wild side, this place might become a favorite fast.

Key Features

• Spectacular Waterfalls: The main event—streams of water cascading over volcanic rock, creating awe-inspiring vistas. You’ll want to bring a camera, but honestly, no photo does justice to the sound and spray up close.
• Hiking Trails: Miles of semi-marked trails wind through forest and rocky outcrops. Some are easy, others a bit more ambitious—just the way hiking should be. Expect both short strolls and sweat-worthy climbs.
• Dog-Friendly: Scatterings of pet owners dot the place, so your pupper is welcome for all the sniffing adventures. Just remember a leash and a stash of waste bags.
• Public Restrooms: The basics are covered, though don’t expect fancy. It does the job—come prepared with your own tissues and sanitizer just in case.
• Family-Friendly: Lots of open space for kids to roam around, shallow pools for safe splashing, and just enough challenge for little explorers without being overwhelming.
• Picnic Spots: Several spots to drop your backpack and enjoy lunch with the sound of waterfalls in the background. Pack your own food since options are limited—think rustic, not resort.
• Natural Pools: Some visitors brave the cool, clear waters at the foot of the falls. It’s refreshing, especially after a hike, though on cool days it’ll wake you up in a hurry!
• Lush Vegetation: The preserve is dripping with rich green foliage—think ferns, bromeliads, and wildflowers—especially after the rains. It’s a botanist’s, or at least a curious walker’s, daydream.
• Wildlife Spotting: Bring your binoculars! With a bit of luck and quiet, you’ll spy colorful birds and maybe even the occasional shy mammal hiding in the brush.
• Peaceful Vibes: On calm weekdays, there’s an atmosphere of total relaxation—heaps of shade and the soothing backdrop of steady water and rustling leaves.

Best Time to Visit

If you want honest advice, avoid the peak of the dry season. The waterfalls shrink a bit, and the landscape isn’t as lush. Instead, go in the late spring (April–June) or soon after the rainy season begins (late June–September). That’s when the falls are full and startlingly beautiful, and the forest just erupts in greens you didn’t know existed outside a painter’s palette. The mornings are often quieter, perfect for introspective wanderers or shutterbugs hunting for that perfect early light.

Weekends, especially long ones, draw the locals and out-of-towners alike. If crowds get on your nerves (I definitely have those days!), try mid-week visits. It’s not empty, exactly—places this good rarely are—but the peace and space are worth the early alarm clock.

One bonus? During school vacations, you’ll spot more families and playful kids. Off-season, you might stumble across mist curling around the trees—a whole different, more mysterious vibe. Just a heads up: right after heavy rain, trails can be muddy chicken traps, so bring old trainers and watch your step!

How to Get There

Finding Los Chorros del Varal is honestly part of the adventure. If you’re driving, figure on dusty backroads and a few bumps, but nothing a decent car can’t handle. From Lázaro Cárdenas, look for signage as you head toward the hills—not always clear, so keep your eyes peeled, or ask a friendly local (they’re pretty used to helping lost-looking hikers).

Don’t have wheels? There are often local buses or shared taxis from nearby towns. They’ll drop you a short stretch from the main entrance—then it’s a walk along a rural lane, the air getting cooler and cleaner as you get closer to the water. If you’re a hardcore hiker, some brave souls trek in from further afield just for the challenge and the build-up (and a good story to tell).

As a quick reminder, there’s no wheelchair access or smooth ramps, so keep that in mind if mobility is a concern. Parking can fill up fast on weekends—street-side or at nearby lots—which adds a nice element of real-world Tetris when it’s busy.

Tips for Visiting

Alright, here’s the kind of practical advice I wish someone had drilled into me before my first trip out to Los Chorros del Varal:

• Footwear is king: Seriously, pack decent hiking shoes with grip. Trails can be slick, rocky, or muddy depending on the weather.
• Come prepared: There aren’t food vendors on every corner, so pack your own snacks and plenty of water. If you need to caffeinate, hit a local café before you head in.
• Pack out what you pack in: Trash cans aren’t everywhere, and nothing kills the mood like litter. Take your waste with you, including dog waste.
• Bring a towel and change of clothes: If you’re the plunge-into-the-water type, you’ll thank me later. The water is brisk, even on hot days.
• Mornings or evenings are golden: Cooler, quieter, and the light for photos is ridiculous.
• Expect rustic restrooms: They’re fine, but bring your own toilet paper and sanitizer—old-school style.
• Watch your step with kids and pets: Rails aren’t always sturdy, and those pools, though inviting, have some slippery stones.
• Respect local customs and wildlife: This is more than just scenery—it’s someone’s home, and it’s full of creatures doing their thing.
• Weather changes fast: Pack a poncho or light rain jacket if the season’s right. Been caught in a downpour once—looked like a walking mop.
• Cash is king: Entry may require a fee in local currency, and card readers can be unreliable at best.
• Leave no trace, take only memories: Trust me, the experience is richer when you leave it pristine for the next lucky traveler.

At the end of the day, Los Chorros del Varal isn’t about luxury

Key Highlights

• Key Features
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get There
• Tips for Visiting

Location

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