A former mining town
Some 30 km north of Zitacuaro and 10 km north of Ocampo lies the sleepy mountain mining town of Angangueo. At an elevation of 2580 m, it is significantly cooler than Zitácuaro, but also more natural and interesting, and many international travellers stop here on their way to visit the butterflies. Pack a sweater if you intend to do the same. To reach El Rosario from Angangueo, backtrack to Ocampo and catch a combi. In high season, minibuses also sometimes run directly from Angangueo to the reserve.
It’s possible to hike to El Rosario from Angangueo through some lovely pine-forested landscapes. Ask locally for the path on the edge of town. It climbs very steeply for a kilometre or so before levelling out and winding through the mountains. You’ll pass a roadside shrine, lots of ramshackle farms and the occasional itinerant local with a mule. Allow up to two hours to reach the reserve, take it easy, and be aware that you’ll have another stiff climb once you actually reach El Rosario. For an easier ascent to the butterfly habitats, consider visiting the Sierra Chincua Reserve, 8 km from Angangueo. Catch a ‘Tlalpujahua’ bus, US$0.20 and ask for the ‘reserva de mariposas’.
more Angangueo photos
