Things to do in Contepec, Michoacan Mexico

Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for its well preserved colonial buildings and historic center layout, Morelia is a popular stop for most tourists visiting this central part of Mexico. Visitors can experience the House of Crafts, the breathtaking Sanctuary of Guadalupe, the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) and Conservatorio de las Rosas, which holds numerous free concerts and performances throughout the year.

Only 30 mins from Hacienda Cantalagua, Maravatio is a municipality in the Mexico state of Michoacán that offers tourists much to see and do. Visit the Baroque Parish Church of San Juan Bautista for its stunning architecture, stop by the Morelos Theater (El Teatro Morelos) for a show and sit for a moment in the Chapel of Immaculate Conception that is designed with mudéjar-style touches. 

Located in the Mexican state of Michoacán de Ocampo is a charming colonial village, situated at an altitude of 2500 meters. Tourists can enjoy attractions such as Parroquia de Santiago Apostol and see breathtaking views of Lago de Tepetongo as well as historic homes and streets.

As a World Heritage Site, the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is located in Sierra Chincua. It’s a popular tourist attraction because it contains most of the over-wintering sites of the beautiful and unique monarch butterfly. Visitors can enjoy this rewarding experience from November to March every year. 1h 56min away from Hacienda Cantalagua to El Rosario Sanctuary. More Info: http://ow.ly/X0tyQ

Tlalpujahua enchants with the secrets held in its streets and mines. A mountain town where the air is fresh and pure, its cobbled streets are lined by businesses selling all kinds of crafts: from Christmas balls, holiday items, and decorations to feather art, pottery, and stone fountains.

Bring enough money so that you can buy all kinds of handicrafts in the one and only Casa de Santa Claus, a place that has a huge number of locally produced decorations. You will also find handcrafted ceramic, the most extensive selection of bobbles in all shapes, sizes and colours imaginable. Visit La Casa de las Conservas (The House of Preserves) or enjoy a delicious coffee at La Terraza. Visit the Presa Brockman and climb onto a horse or quad bike; jump on a boat and go fishing for bass or appreciate the jeep-driving skills of the more intrepid among us.

The name of this Magical Town means 'places of jars' and has to do with the huge lake of the same name. Its location has allowed a degree of isolation over the years and so the former Santa Maria Magdalena (Saint Mary Magdalene) Convent has not been significantly altered. The preservation of many of the town's traditions makes the trip a wonderful journey through time.

Cuitzeo, Michoacan, is a quiet village situated on the banks of the second largest lake in the country, Lago de Cuitzeo (Lake Cuitzeo). In the village square, where you can taste delicious ice cream and admire the basketwork displayed by the local artisans, stands the Ex-Convento de Santa Maria Magdalena, built in the 16th century. The restaurants offer traditional “mole de guajolote” with tortillas, several varieties of “tamal” and fresh silversides. Find time to take a walk by the lake, which is home to a wide biodiversity, or visit the Tres Cerritos archaeological zone.

Hidden away amidst the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range in Michoacan is the town of Angangueo, a small, traditional village with a rich mining history. This place is ideal for spending a few quiet days entrenched in the culture of Michoacan. You can wander its steep, cobbled streets, visit its gothic church, admire its mountainous landscape and enjoy “artisan” ice cream in the town square, to name just a few of the things you can do. If that wasn't enough, the village receives millions of Monarch butterflies from Canada every year. A visit to the nature reserve, where pine and fir trees abound, is a once in a lifetime experience that no visitor will regret. A trip to Angangueo is not complete without trying the local delicacies. The best option by far is the typical markets and restaurants that surround the main square.

An old and important mining town, El Oro ('Gold') has conserved a natural charm that continues attracting visitors. With its French neoclassical Juarez Theater and the art nouveau-influenced mural at the Government Palace capturing the attention of those who venture here, there's always more history and past to discover hidden among the town's cobbled streets.

To fully discover the warmth and happiness of the inhabitants of El Oro, you must take part in the “Carnaval de Cuaresma” (Lent Carnival). Among costumes, processions and fireworks, kings are crowned and the “quema del mal humor” (burning of the bad mood) is performed. Don’t miss the chance to eat at “El Vagon”, a restaurant fitted out in the back of a station wagon. You can also visit Teatro Juarez, where the great tenor Enrico Caruso used to sing, and the Museo de Mineria (Museum of Mining) to look into the depths of the mine tunnels.

For those who have a passion for historic churches and 18th-century architecture, Templo del Carmen is the perfect attraction to visit while on vacation in Toluca (Contepec), Mexico. As the Parish Church of Tlalpujahua, this history-rich attraction features a Baroque portal of two levels, significant religious statues, twisted columns, a Neoclassical construction of a famous altarpiece and 18th-century art.

Take the family for a fun-filled day at the World Farmer and Zoo, where they can enjoy a visit with animals such as ponies, goats, bulls, exotic birds and bunnies. Visitors may also experience a rock climbing wall, swings, go-karts, beautiful greenhouses and educational workshops, where they can learn how to make pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread).

Located along the lake, the Tepetongo Waterpark is perfect for families and friends looking for a wet n' wild day in Toluca (Contepec), Mexico. Cool off in the wave pool, challenge yourself to great heights on the Velociraptor, let the kids splash around in the Children Aquadomo or participate in a fun family game of volleyball. Other services include a restaurant, camping areas, lockers, taco bar, souvenir shops and more.