Parícutin Volcano and San Juan Parangaricutiro

Paricutin Volcano, Michoacan, Mexico © Edward Mack

Farmer Dionioso Pulido was working in his field in a small village in Michoacán, Mexico, when the earth splintered and rose in front of him. Pulido waswitnessing the birth of the world’s newest volcano, Parícutin.

The volcano remained active from 1943–1952, growing to a height of 424 meters. For miles around, ash and lava flow piled up, covering the towns of San Juan and Parícutin. It became famous for being the first volcano in which scientists were able to study its complete lifecycle, from birth to extinction. The eruption also became a favorite theme for Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera.

Paricutin Chapel, Michoacan, Mexico © Edward Mack

Today the volcano and the nearby ruined church are a tourist destination. The ruins are an easy hike from the village of Parícutin, but the volcano is a bit farther. A 12-mile hike from the village of Angahuan will take you to the summit of the volcano, which steams and hisses. Perhaps the best way to go, however, is on horseback. Travelers can rent a horse and guide from the town; watch out for gringo pricing (a horse and guide shouldn’t cost more than 450 pesos, about $30) and wear comfortable pants — the traditional Purepechan wooden saddles are hard on the rear. Be sure to bring a jacket and sturdy shoes as well, the summit is chilly and volcanic stones are sharp. From the top of the volcano, visitors can survey the countryside, and look down over the only remains of the ruined villages: the twin steeples of San Juan Parangaricutiro.

Parícutin is one of the unofficial Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is an easy day trip fromUruapan and Morelia is a bit farther. Other nearby attractions include the UN Historic World Treasure City Pátzcuaro, its surrounding lake and the Tzintzuntzan and Tingambato Pyramids.