The Eastern part of Michoacán is characterized by its forests, with a variety of flora due to its range of climates.

Zitácuaro, lying 146 km . from the city of Morelia and 165 km . from México City, is starting point for visiting the highlights of the area such as the Hill of Independence, the Municipal Palace an the Gardens of the Constitution. This area is important because this is where the Monarch Butterfly stays from late November to late March.

Michoacán offers this little lepidopteron, which travels more than 4,000 km . to breed, optimum conditions regarding vegetation and temperature for its hibernation and reproduction.

You can arrive from Morelia , Guadalajara and Mexico City by the Supercarretera Occidente, turning off at Maravatío, to follow the road to Aporo as far as the Angangueo – Ocampo junction, and continue on to the Sanctuaries. The “El Rosario” an “Sierra Chincua” Sanctuaries are the only ones open to tourism, from 9 am to 5 pm. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes for the visit, as the weather is very changeable.

You should also get there first thing in the morning to take advantage of full sunlight in order to be able to watch the butterflies in flight. At the end of the route, we suggest you visit some of the nearby towns such as Angangueo, a mining town 34 km from Zitácuaro and only 10 minutes from the sanctuaries. Tlalpujahua, located 27 km from Angangueo, is a 16 th century mining town, offering a variety of crafts, such as the famous Christmas balls, popotillo, and artistic ceramics.

Hotels Zitácuaro