Angangueo

Anguaneo or Mineral de Angangueo is a rugged and beautiful little mining town just across the state line from Mexico State, but in the equally beautiful and inviting state of Michoacan. It's historically similar, and similar in character to the neighboring magical towns of Tlalpujahua and Oro de Hidalgo but likely unlike any place you've visited recently. 

The town is actually just to the north of the world famous butterfly sanctuaries in the mountains and it is often a surprise for those who were expecting to sleep in the cabins there. Area residents tend to agree that cultivating butterflies is a preferable pass time to the hard rock mining that so long dominated life in these valleys. People come today to stroll the Callejón de los Murales,  (Alley of Murals), and to visit the Santuario el Rosario. La Casa Parker and the Miner's Monument overlook mean that there is plenty to explore even without butterflies.

The surrounding forests mean that much of the crafts scene is dominated by wood and recycled wood. There is of course a competing embroidery and lace scene. Check the market in the very north of town for not just artisan works but for the best red turkey mole, mushrooms with pork, beef head, and preserved fruit.

The Monarch Butterfly Festival is held every February and March and events within the town celebrate every aspect of the insects. The Feast of Santa Cruz is celebrated every on May 3 and also highlights wood working and carpentry. But it is most famous for the sawdust carpets laid out on the main town streets. It's always a big deal. 

People get to the town from the other little towns mentioned above. From Valle de Bravo, the drive takes about 2.5 hours. Most visitors will likely arrive from Morelia, the state capital, and the trip from there will like take about 3.5 hours. You may only get as far as Tuxpan which is still about 40 minutes away. There is some combi service connecting the two towns.