COUNTRY OF THE MONARCH

The Country of the Monarch is a mountainous region, with extensive fir and pine forests, mining towns, lakes and dams for recreation and hot springs for well-being. A world of extraordinary natural beauty and fascinating history.

The mountains of the Country of the Monarch region welcome each year the incredible migration of the monarch butterfly. The Sierra Chincua and El Rosario sanctuaries are located within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, declared a World Heritage Site.

Zitácuaro la Heroica saw the birth of the first government of Mexican independence. But already from pre-Hispanic times this region was of great importance as evidenced by the archaeological zone of Zirahuato in San Felipe de los Alzati.

The Route of Magical Mining Towns, which runs through Tlalpujahua, Angangueo and -in the State of Mexico- El Oro celebrates the mining past of these picturesque towns. The Magical Town of Tlalpujahua is the perfect place to delve into an old mine, and maintains a great tradition of making Christmas spheres. Also mining was the Magical Town of Angangueo, door to the sanctuaries of the monarch.

Those who seek adventure and enjoy the outdoors find options for fishing, mountain biking, hiking and all kinds of sports in the many dams in the region. If you are looking for health and well-being, go to Los Azufres, with its thermal water spas.

In the mountains, dishes such as lamb barbecue or traditional moles, head tacos, and fruit preserves are eaten.

The municipalities of: Angangueo, Hidalgo, Maravatío, Jungapeo, Tlalpujahua, Zitácuaro, Contepec, Tuxpan, Huetamo, Senguio and Ocampo belong to this region.