Happy TravellerWelcome to Huetamo, a municipality located in the southeastern corner of the Mexican state of Michoacán, in a region known as Tierra Caliente. The name Huetamo comes from the indigenous Purepecha Indian language and means four chiefs or four came. The municipal seat is the city of San Juan Huetamo de Núñez, which is a vibrant and bustling city with a population of 41,973 as of 2015.
Huetamo has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century when the region was independent. During this period, Andalusians, African slaves, and indigenous people populated the region, and over time, the people in the region became people of mixed race. The French invaded Mexico in 1862, taking control of many large and wealthy haciendas in the Tierra Caliente region, such as Zirandaro and Comburindio. However, they were defeated by the Andalusian-styled Terracalentanos. About 400 French soldiers were imprisoned in Zirandaro, but many later escaped or were released by the people. Most of the French soldiers that were freed married women in the same region. Zirandaro is known to have the greatest French heritage in the region.
In 2014, the central Mexican government began a plan to construct an irrigation dam in Chigüero, a few miles north of Huetamo. As a result, archaeologists began a salvage project in 2015 and 2016 to preserve the area affected by the dam’s construction, as well as the surrounding irrigation zone. The Middle Balsas region had not been extensively studied prior to this, and as a result, the pre-Hispanic history of Huetamo was largely unknown. Based on radiocarbon dating of excavated materials from 10 of the sites around the dam construction project, Englehardt et al. (2020) has proposed four distinct phases of the region.
Huetamo is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history by visiting the many museums and historical sites, such as the Zirandaro Museum, which showcases the region’s French heritage. The city is also home to many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Feria de San Juan Huetamo de Núñez, which celebrates the city’s patron saint.
For nature lovers, Huetamo offers breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. The region is known for its hot springs, such as the Aguas Termales de Huetamo, which are said to have healing properties. Visitors can also explore the nearby Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatitzio, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including orchids, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
In December 2021, Huetamo was hit by a 4.0 earthquake, but the city has since recovered and is ready to welcome visitors once again. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Huetamo has something for everyone. Come and discover this hidden gem for yourself!
