Old San Juan Church of Paragaracutiro - Angahuan - Things To Do Reviews

Paricutin, named after a small Tarascan indian village, erupted near the village of Angahuan between 1943 and 1952. Consequently it engulfed over 20 square miles of land surrounding it and claimed over 1,000 souls. Volcanologist claim that it grew out of a cornfield from a single vent (stombolian eruption and monogetic cone) to an astonishing height of 1,345 feet above ground level and 9,210 feet above sea level. It is now part of the Transaxal, a 700 mile line of volcanoes that run in an east-west direction in southern Mexico.

The church of old San Juan Paragaricutiro remains covered in volcanic lava. You can take tours by foot and by horseback for a few pesos. I recommend the horseback ride because it is a pretty lengthy venture from parking to the church. From the church you can see astonishing views of the volcano and walk around its premises that is engulfed by lava. I was told you could venture to the volcano, but the price and availability is unknown to me. Not too far from the church are vendors that sell refreshmnts, food, hats, and t-shirts. So bringing bottled water and food is not necessary. Be sure to bring a camera and sun block!