Angangueo
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◈ This town has the best location for visiting the monarch butterfly sanctuaries, and it is also a classic example of a Mexican mining town with grand churches, houses with red tile roofs, and perennially green mountains. Having been one of the region’s main mining towns left it with an impressive mix of architectural styles.
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◆ Silently admire the sanctuary of El Rosario.
◆ Take pictures of the town from the lookouts.
◆ Rock climb or hike in nearby mountains.
Visit the Sierra Chincua and El Rosario sanctuaries between November and March to see monarch butterflies.
❖ Casa Parker
Glimpse the town’s mining past through the documents and objects on display in this French-style mansion.
Once the property of English miner Bill Parker, who came here to work for the American Smelting company as a superintendent, this house is now a museum. It holds a collection of photographs showing how miners and the people of Angangueo lived during their glory years.
❖ Parroquia de
San Simón Apóstol
y el Templo de
la Inmaculada Concepción
The town’s churches were built in a range of contrasting architectural styles. Learn about their history and their patronal festivals.
This 19th-century church blends neoclassical and neo-Gothic elements. Its facade is marked by the pointed arches on the main door and the windows. A few steps away is Templo de la Inmaculada Concepción, erected in 1882 as a symbol of gratitude by the Sotomayor family. This church is one of the best examples of neo-Gothic architecture.
This neo-Gothic style church, built of pink and gray limestone, stands out against the backdrop of houses with red tile roofs. Built in the 18th century in the heart of town, it has an altar brought from Italy and beautiful images of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Joseph from Paris.
Foto: Pablo Leautaud Valenzuela
❖ Monumento al Minero
Angangueo’s mining past is memorialized with this monument, set high above town. Those who climb up to get a closer look will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of Parroquia de San Simón Apóstol. On July 11th, it becomes the setting for the celebration of miners.
❖ Observe Monarch Butterflies in the Sanctuaries
Visit the sanctuaries between November and March to see the monarchs.
Butterfly sightings and hiking are allowed in both sanctuaries where monarch butterflies make their homes after migrating each fall from the Great Lakes region in the United States and Canada. The most astonishing part of their journey is that they have never taken the trip before, they only know where to go because of a mysterious form of collective memory.
The Sierra Chincua and El Rosario are part of the Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca, which covers 216 square miles. They are considered one of the four natural beauties and are recognized as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
❖ San Simón Tourist Tunnel
Another must-see spot, this tunnel was once a lode struck in 1792. It is 31 feet deep and about 328 feet long. In this impressive space that recreates Angangueo’s old mines, you can see the tools and clothing used in the mining industry. The tunnel starts in Casa Parker and ends in Templo de la Inmaculada Concepción.
❖ Head Up to the Lookout Points
Take in from high on the beautiful views offered by these lookout spots.
Venture up to one of the town’s lookout points to fill your lungs with clean mountain air. From the Monumento al Minero, Capilla de la Misericordia, and Cruz de Hierro landmarks, you can enjoy sweeping views of the town in the hollow below.
Or, you could try riding a bike through the town’s streets or watching the Festival de Globos de Cantoya in September when paper sky lanterns lit with flames are released into the air.
❖ Festival de la Mariposa Monarca
This festival celebrating monarch butterflies takes place between February and March because this is the best time to observe the species. During the event you can learn more about monarch butterflies, listen to music, see handicrafts, and soak up tradition. It aims to promote environmental protection.
❖ Festival de Globos de Cantoya
The sky over Angangueo and its surroundings lights up with a multicolored show as hundreds of families and visitors gather to release lighted sky lanterns into the air during September. Angangueo’s annual bike riding event, Paseo Ciclista, departs from the town during these days, and goes through Aporo on its way to Senguio.
Magical Towns in
Michoacán
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