Michoacan, Mexico
Monarch butterflies
Yearly between about October and March, some hundred million monarch butterflies migrate from the northern climes – many over a distance of up to almost 3,000 kms., to winter in the mountains of Michoacan, Mexico. The trees favored by these creatures are hung with such quantities of fluttering orange and black butterflies that the branches themselves become invisible, at times hanging so heavy with their burden that they break beneath the weight, and the forest whispers with the flutter of millions of diaphanous wings.
El Rosario and Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries
The El Rosario and the Sierra Chincua monarch butterfly sanctuaries are two of the main sanctuaries where this incredible spectacle of nature can be witnessed by the public, and they are both accessible from the small town of Angangueo, Michoacan, slightly to the north of the city of Zitácuaro, close to the border of the State of Mexico.
It is estimated that every winter, some 100 million monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the U.S. to alight and often weigh down the branches of the pine and fir trees of the area, returning again and again to the same nesting spots.
The sanctuaries are open daily from November through March, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
To reach the sanctuaries by car from Zitácuaro, drive north to the town of Ocampo then carry on to Angangueo. From the Morelia or Patzcuaro side, take the Guadalajara-Mexico City highway to Maravatio, then follow the signs to Aporo and Angangueo. You can park your car in town or in designated parking areas near the sanctuaries, but access to the actual butterfly nesting areas is gained by foot or by horseback over some fairly rough trails. Guides are plentiful both n town and along the roadsides approaching the sanctuaries. The altitude here is above 8,500 ft and the climb can be arduous in the thin air, and the temperature can be close to freezing, and particularly crisp in the underbrush where little sun may penetrate. Take sturdy closed shoes or boots for walking in the sanctuary no matter how you plan to get there, and be prepared to bundle up.
Tours can be arranged through a number of travel agencies.
Regional Information
Angangueo
The quaint town of Angangueo, with its silver mine and Church of the Inmaculada Concepcion and San Simon, is located at an altitude of 8,000 feet in the mountains close to the eastern border of the State of Michoacan.
Lodging:
- Hotel Albergue Don Bruno***: Morelos 92. Tel. 52 (715) 156-0026
- Cabañas Margarita***: Morelos 83. Tel. 52 (715) 156-0149
- Hotel Parakata: Matamoros 7 – rooms with a private bath
- Casa de Huéspedes El Paso de la Monarca: Downtown Angangueo
- Casa de Huéspedes Juárez – on Angangueo’s main street
Zitácuaro
Places of Interest in and near town:
- Cerrito de la Independencia – Independence Hill – Historical site that provides a panoramic view of the town.
- Palacio Municipal – Town Hall – its murals depict the history of Zitácuaro
- Presa del Bosque – Dam located about 12 kms. from town. Camping and watersports and fishing.
- Salto de Enandio – Enadio Falls – 20 kms from the Del Bosque Dam, this waterfall is about 60 meters in height.
- San Felipe Los Alzati – Archaeological Site – two pyramids and petroglyphs of the Matlalzinca culture.
- Agua Blanca – mineral springs 12 miles from Zitácuaro
Lodging:
- Hotel Villa Monarca ****: Km 103.5, Toluca-Morelia highway. Phone 52 (715) 153-5346, 153-5371, 153-5362; Fax: 52 (715)153-5365, 153-5350
- Hotel Cacique Inn ****: Km 90+700, Toluca-Morelia highway. Phone 52 (715) 153-7400
- Hotel Rancho San Cayetano: Tel. 52 (715) 153-1926
- Hotel Rosales del Valle: Tel. 52 (715) 1533-1293
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Originally posted 2009-10-01 17:24:02.
