wendy17

Hello,

We are a family of 4 departing Guanajuato early afternoon on a Friday. Our flight departs Mexico City at 2pm the next Tuesday. I am trying to figure out the best way to spend those days. I think a visit to a butterfly sanctuary would be perfect with my boys. Do we go straight to Agangueo and spend all day Saturday and Sunday there? Do we overnight somewhere between Guanajuato and Agangueo? I know that our time is brief. I intend to depart for Mexico City on that Monday and overnight there in anticipation of a flight the next day.

I personally would love to get to Frieda Kahlo's Casa Azul, but anticipate that will be for another trip.

Thank you for any advice. I have never travelled in Mexico and it's been years since I navigated buses in Guatemala. I've done mostly rental cars in Europe the last 15 years, so this is a learning curve for me again.

wendy17

Oops, pre-coffee, I am aware that Angangueo has an "n" in it.

Stewbear

When are you going?

wendy17

Sorry, we are going mid-January next year. I know it's early to plan, but I'd rather err on the side of having lots of accommodations to choose from than too few.

baldone

It is a difficult decision. One thing to keep in mind is that Casa Azul is closed on Mondays like all other museums, so that may affect a potential itinerary. In between Guanajuato and Angangueo a stop in Morelia would likely be your best option; you dont say how old your kids are but the museo de dulces might entertain them for 40 minutes or so. I don't think you'll find Angangueo terribly interesting after Guanajuato, and surely not if you manage to fit in Morelia as well. Often the 'Pueblos Magicos' (of which Angangueo is one), have their attractions for serious Mexicophiles, but can be a letdown for people trying to do/see as much as is reasonably possible in a short time. So, I think I'd opt for a stop on the way or extra time in Mexico City rather than extra time in Angangueo proper. That said, this link might provide an additional option or resource:
http://jmbutterflybnb.com/

Stewbear

If your kids are Zoo people Leon next to GTO has a fine Human Zoo with both white Lions & tigers along with a wonderful African Veldt safari. The zoo is incredibly cheap as is most of the attractions, food & lodging in that area. I spend several months a year there.

wendy17

Thank you both. The boys are 8 and 10 and while my older one appreciates a bit more culture, that never lasts very long.

I hate to get rid of the butterfly sanctuary stop, but have never been one to race into a place, see something, and race out. I will check out Morelia.

Leon for a day trip from Guanajuato sounds worth the visit.

Stewbear

If you are into leather the huge leather market in Leon of over a 1,000 shops/stalls & stores directly across from the Leon bus station is well worth some time. In fact we stay at a hotel in the area so my wife czn shop it two days each year.

Stewbear

PS In January the State fair in Leon is on with many attractions including entertainment, rides, lots of shopping & food. Again very inexpensive with entrance but a couple of dollars.

baldone

In the link I attached, click on 'other activities', there may be some kid-worthy things that might make a couple days in the area (not Angangueo, however) worthwhile; that's why I posted it.
Another option on the way to CDMX if you end up skipping the butterflies/Morelia might be Bernal, near the Queretaro airport. It's a charming small town, and the kids can climb the Peña, one of the tallest monoliths in the world. It gets busy on weekends, but that's OK cuz then all the shops and restaurants are open. Known for pan de queso, among other treats.
If you do make a day trip to Leon, there is a tiny shop (D'ame) @ 103 Taxco that makes arguably the best Peliguey (hair sheep) jackets in Leon, and they make all their stuff right there, which is rare for Leon, as much these days is imported or mass produced elsewhere. Miguel over the years has custom made a jacket and a couple of bags for my wife and we hooked him up with our 'adopted' daughter who lives in Leon and she ships bags he custom makes of her design that she sells/ships back to the states. So, what I'm saying is that he's trustworthy if you have him custom measure/make you a jacket and then ship it. Some of his stuff sells for 3 times his Leon prices in shops here in San Miguel. Next to his shop is a small Lobo Solo store for nice shoes for both men and women. They aren't found everywhere like Flexi or Capa De Ozone.

wendy17

Excellent. State fairs are always a great way to see interesting thngs. La Pena de Bernal looks like a great experience. Thank you.