Angangueo

About Angangueo

Angangueo is a former mining town tucked into the forested mountains of eastern Michoacán. Steep streets climb a narrow valley, and wooden balconies, tiled roofs and two prominent churches give it the look of an old mountain settlement. Silver and other mining once drove its economy; today the town is best known as a base for visiting the overwintering monarch butterflies.

The central Plaza de la Constitución is flanked by the neo-Gothic Inmaculada Concepción church and the older San Simón parish, a pairing that makes for a pleasant first walk. Casa Parker and El Molino recall the foreign-run mining era, and the Monument to the Miner looks down over the rooftops. Most visitors, however, rise early and head up to the El Rosario or Sierra Chincua sanctuaries, where trails and horse paths lead through oyamel fir forest to clusters of butterflies hanging from the branches.

The town suits travelers willing to trade comfort for proximity: mornings are cold, altitude is noticeable and lodging is simple. Butterfly season runs through the winter months, and trips should be planned around it. Neighboring Ocampo serves as another access point, and Tlalpujahua, known for handmade Christmas ornaments and its old mine, combines well with a stay here.