Huandacareo (or Guandacareo), is a name that derives from the word Tarasco (Purepecha) Uandakua, which has different meanings, including: "Place of judgments", "Place of speakers" and "Tribunal". Known locally as the site "La Nopalera", as it is situated within the colony of that name. Cultural Importance The site Nopalera, is located northwest of Lake Cuitzeo on a hill. For their construction, it was necessary to condition the soil retaining walls and by the movement of a significant amount of filler. From the archaeological work it has been established that the site shows evidence of two periods of occupation that represent very different from each other socio-political moments. During the first period, La Nopalera, represents a typical settlement of the area of Lake Cuitzeo, ie small sites that were not tied to an empire or site to concentrate power in the region. The archaeological record of the Nopalera, reflects the adoption of ideas from the Bajio as the Sunken Patio or similar to those found in Teotihuacan ceramic features.Other highlights include the existence of a dotted cross, interpreted as a solar calendar. This can be interpreted as the region was a melting pot where different cultural traditions coexisted, while maintaining its own identity. Well into the second millennium, La Nopalera serves as an administrative site Tarascan State. The new settlers, not only made adjustments to the site, but left testimony of an elaborate system of beliefs displayed in a large number of burials with rich offerings. To this, we must mention a change in the conformation of the site through the construction of the West Plaza, a space that no doubt involved the convening of a major conglomerate of people.

Services available in the area: The archaeological site of Huandacareo has a service unit.

Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 pm

Contact: Michoacan INAH Center 01 (443) 3 12 88 38 and March 13, 26 50.

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes and water for hydration.

From the city of Morelia is necessary to take Highway No . 43 (Morelia-Cuitzeo), to deviate further to the west, on Highway No. 27 (Cuitzeo-Puruándiro).Arriving at kilometer 16.5, you should turn north to take the path that leads to the town of Huandacareo and the colony La Nopalera. Visitors can reach the site by public transport.