Angangueo Full Guide: Things to Visit, Learn, & See

Everything about Angangueo

If you are in Central Mexico in winter, you need to 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.

Origin

The origin of the name “Angangueo” is still unknown and there are several theories about it. One of them says that 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 all of them 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 are the rent of ATVs, the visit to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, and some other activities for the little kids such as horse riding, fishing area, and bouncy castles among other activities. Also, here are some other attractions:

• Visiting the San Simon Tourist Tunnel
• Visit El Rosario Sanctuary
• Go to the Parker House

Besides this, you can go to the wonderful and colorful patron saint festivities (May 3, October 28, and December 8) and to the Monarch Butterfly Festival (between February and March).

Location

It is in the state of Michoacan and it’s nearby Sierra Chincua. The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary lets you enjoy a real spectacle of trees loaded with orange, white, and black colors.

Moreover, Angangueo boasts beautiful buildings, impressive churches, houses with red-tiled roofs, and evergreen mountains. Being one of the main 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 a place 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.

As if that were not enough, the monarch butterflies chose this great place as a sanctuary. 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. In this natural reserve, there is a variety of animals and endemic species that make nature a sacred home for Mexicans.

Mother Nature chose this place to show her wonders surrounded by culture, tradition, and natural beauty 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 Porfitiato, some with tile roofs that speak of the hospitality of its people and 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 the mural by the artist Jorge Tellez, with which you will 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.  

Mural by the artist Jorge Tellez in Angangueo

Jorge Tellez’s Mural is divided into six parts and tells the history of Angangueo. It is located 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.

For visits to the surroundings and nature areas, open shoes, sandals, or huaraches are preferred.

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 form of pure cane sugar that is 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 offer of accommodation is not very extensive, it is sufficient in all categories. There are hotels with essential services, as well as small ecotourism centers with cabins and bungalows.

However, there are not too many, so it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, 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 one of the many captivating Magical Towns in Mexico. Angangueo is an endearing town, with an unquestionable Michoacan flavor and enchanting atmosphere.

Informative Video about Monarch Butterflies