Table of contents:
- Everything about Angangueo
- Importance of Angangueo in Michoacan
- Monarch Butterfly Reserve Importance
- Tips for Your Visit
- Informative Video about Monarch Butterflies
Everything about Angangueo
If you are in Central Mexico in winter, you must visit Angangueo. It is a community of mining origin that combines a small colonial town with one of the greatest natural wonders of Mexico: the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
The origin of the name “Angangueo” is still unknown, and several theories exist. One of them says it can refer to a cave, the other two – to a high point or an entrance to the forest. Any of the three meanings may be correct as they all identify this “Magic Town” (Pueblo Magico) located in Michoacan. The entrance to the cave refers to its mining essence, and the other two to its surrounding landscapes.
🦋 Check out our tours of Angangueo, Monarch Butterfly, and Michoacan:
- Monarch Butterfly Tour Mexico: Visit Amazing Sierra Chincua and Angangueo (12 h)
- Michoacan Tour: Magic Towns, the Youngest Volcano, and More (8 Days)
- Mexico Monarch Butterfly: Visit Sierra Chincua Sanctuary and a Magic Town (14h)
Activities
Some activities include renting ATVs, visiting the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, and other activities for the little kids, such as horse riding, fishing, and bouncy castles. Besides this, you can go to the superb and colorful patron saint festivities (May 3, October 28, and December 8) and the Monarch Butterfly Festival (between February and March). Here are some other attractions:
Location
It is in Michoacan, near Sierra Chincua. The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary lets you enjoy an absolute spectacle of trees loaded with orange, white, and black colors. Moreover, Angangueo has beautiful buildings, impressive churches, houses with red-tiled roofs, and evergreen mountains. Being one of the leading mining towns in the region gave it a unique architectural style that you will definitely enjoy during your visit there.
Weather
Although it frequently rains in Angangueo during summer, the weather there is still pleasant. Its climate is classified as semi-warm and humid, with a temperature of 18° C. It’s sunny most of the year, with fresh, foggy mornings that give character and charm to its population. Moreover, this climate is affected to a large extent by the atmospheric events that occur in the surrounding hills of Guadalupe, Leon, and the Bell Tower.
How to get there?
The best way to get to Angangueo is by bus or car. It is 3:00 hours away from Mexico City, and the main highway to get there is the Toluca highway. At the bus stations in Mexico City, several trucks can drop you off directly in Angangueo, Michoacan, Tlalpuhajua, or El Oro. From there, you can ask for the prices of cabs or buses that will take you directly to the magical town of Angangueo.
Importance of Angangueo in Michoacan
This place is full of history and mining traditions. In addition, its geographic location is one of the most treasured in all of Mexico because it is surrounded by impressive mountains and forests. The monarch butterflies chose this great place as a sanctuary as if that were not enough.
Visit Angangueo will always be an experience that will fly straight to your heart, such as a monarch butterfly would do! Every year, between October and March, thousands of butterflies paint the sky of Angangueo orange as if it were a beautiful sunset dancing around people. A natural spectacle that you have to experience at least once in your life.
Monarch Butterfly Reserve Importance
In 2008, UNESCO declared the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve a World Heritage Site. Various animals and endemic species make nature a sacred home for Mexicans in this natural reserve. Mother Nature chose this place to show her wonders, surrounded by culture, tradition, and natural beauty that are unique in the world. It is a privilege that the monarch butterflies choose Angangueo as a sanctuary since their presence fills with color, magic, and life in every part of the forest and the magical town.
Tips for Your Visit
Places to see and visit in Angangueo
Start your tour on foot, walking the streets that go up and down between houses of the Porfiriato, some with tile roofs that speak of the hospitality of its people and are full of mining stories to tell. Keep walking and visit the 19th-century neo-Gothic Temple of the Immaculate Conception. Then, visit the Parish of San Simon Celador, built in a Negothic and Neoclassical style just in front. Buy a delicious ice cream from a street vendor in the central square and walk uphill.
Soon, you will come across a mural by the artist Jorge Tellez, which will help you discover the history of Angangueo. You will want to see this historic church when you visit Angangueo. This sanctuary was built at the end of the 19th century and was financed by the owners of the mines in the region.
Additionally, you should visit and take a picture of the mural by the artist Jorge Tellez in Angangueo. This mural is divided into six parts and tells the history of Angangueo. It is in an alley next to the Temple of the Immaculate Conception.
Gears to wear
Footwear should always be comfortable because the routes are long and the streets are cobbled. Moreover, in the case of a tour into the urban area, it is preferable to wear closed shoes such as sneakers or boots. Open shoes, sandals, or huaraches are preferred when visiting the surroundings and nature areas.
Gastronomy and Arts
Among the gastronomy of this place, the mole, the lamb barbecue, and the baked beef head stand out. If you want to sweeten your tooth, try the handcrafted preserves based on piloncillo (a raw, pure cane sugar commonly used in Mexican cooking).
As far as popular art is concerned, much of it is allusive to the monarch butterfly. Furthermore, you will find pieces of metalwork, silverware, and blacksmithing, among others. Check out our post: Traditional food of Mexico top 20 dishes.
Accommodations
Angangueo has a clear tourist vocation. Although the accommodation offer is not extensive, it is sufficient in all categories. There are hotels with essential services and small ecotourism centers with cabins and bungalows.
However, there are not too many, so booking your accommodation in advance is advisable, especially if you want to visit Angangueo during the holiday season (especially Christmas and Semana Santa (Holy Week) or on long weekends. Due to its nature, culture, and traditions, Angangueo is among Mexico’s many captivating Magical Towns. Angangueo is an endearing town with an unquestionable Michoacan flavor and enchanting atmosphere.
