Antigua Iglesia de San Juan Parangaricutiro
Antigua Iglesia de San Juan Parangaricutiro
Antigua Iglesia de San Juan Parangaricutiro
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Aaron G
Los Angeles, CA345 contributions
Feb 2023
San Juan Parangaricutiro is probably the most unique thing we saw on our trip, which is saying a lot, considering how awesome everything else was. The first thing you should know is that the volcano that wrecked it, Paricutin, is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world (somehow I didn't know that until we were there). The second thing you should know is that, if you are driving, the road to it is borderline impassible. There's unpaved, and then there's... whatever the hell that road is. Keep in mind that you're driving through a lava field, so you are driving at serious risk to your car. Just stop at Angahuan and rent a horse with a guide. They'll take you to the volcano as well, which I wasn't aware we could do and sadly didn't plan enough time for. So learn from my mistakes and don't just set a few hours aside - set the entire day aside to see both the volcano and the church, as it truly is a wonder of the world.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naomti
Oxford, UK16 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
I'm so glad I made the effort to come here from Uruapan! It's such a unique experience and was actually really easy once I'd dragged myself out of bed.
I'd advise going early if you don't want there to be people crawling all over the volcanic rock. I got the bus from Uruapan for only 25 pesos. As soon as I got off the bus people started to persuade me to ride a horse but I felt that it wasn't necessary. I walked through the town of Angahaun (stop and look at the church here, it dates back to the 1500's and has an odd mix of catholic and Mexican decoration- the cross in the courtyard is covered in skulls.)
From here I went to the centro turistico, which had beautiful view over the valley with both the San Juan Parangaricutiro church and the volcano in view.
I was still being harassed about the horses at this point but decided against it- this was definitely the right decision. It's perhaps a 40 minute walk from here to the buried church. It's pretty obvious which way to go (so there's no need for a guide). And even if you do get a horse you have to clamber over rock for the last bit anyway.
The view of the volcano from the church is pretty good and the half submerged church is very interesting. The contrast between the rough volcanic rock and decorated church is just incredible.
I'd advise going early if you don't want there to be people crawling all over the volcanic rock. I got the bus from Uruapan for only 25 pesos. As soon as I got off the bus people started to persuade me to ride a horse but I felt that it wasn't necessary. I walked through the town of Angahaun (stop and look at the church here, it dates back to the 1500's and has an odd mix of catholic and Mexican decoration- the cross in the courtyard is covered in skulls.)
From here I went to the centro turistico, which had beautiful view over the valley with both the San Juan Parangaricutiro church and the volcano in view.
I was still being harassed about the horses at this point but decided against it- this was definitely the right decision. It's perhaps a 40 minute walk from here to the buried church. It's pretty obvious which way to go (so there's no need for a guide). And even if you do get a horse you have to clamber over rock for the last bit anyway.
The view of the volcano from the church is pretty good and the half submerged church is very interesting. The contrast between the rough volcanic rock and decorated church is just incredible.
Written July 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NVJoe
Reno, NV208 contributions
Apr 2017
For an outstanding half-day trip out of Uruapan, I rose before the sun to explore the town of Angahuan, and the ruins of an abandoned church completely surrounded in volcanic lava. Starting at 5:15 am, passenger vans leave Uruapan’s Central de Autobuses every 30 minutes and cost M$23 (US$1.25) each way.
After about an hour, the driver let me off by the side of the road outside the sleepy town of Angahuan. I was greeted by prospective local guides offering to take me on foot to the church and volcano for M$500 (US$27).
Deciding to go it alone, I walked into the quiet village. I passed the central plaza and a series of small saw mills, until the cobblestone street gave way to a gravel road descending through a bushy pine and oak forest. About 30 minutes later, I reached an austere black basaltic landscape.
There, engulfed in a lava flow from the 1943 eruption of the nearby Paricutín volcano, stood the isolated ruins of San Juan Parangaricutiro Church. Reflecting the first rays of the morning light, the towering belfry endures as a pilgrimage site and home for nesting swallows. All alone, I paid my respect at an elaborate religious shrine, and clambered around on the sharp hardened lava to view this marvel from every conceivable angle.
Since the day was still young, I decided to try to find the trail to the volcano. I investigated a network of gravel roads, but found no sign of a trailhead nor anyone around to ask directions. Thwarted, I traced my steps back through Angahuan, where I caught a return bus to Uruapan.
This is an incomparable and extraordinary place, named by CNN as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! The walk to the ruins of San Juan is easily accomplished alone, but if you want to complete the full-day hike to the volcano, I recommend that you hire a guide and rise before the sun.
After about an hour, the driver let me off by the side of the road outside the sleepy town of Angahuan. I was greeted by prospective local guides offering to take me on foot to the church and volcano for M$500 (US$27).
Deciding to go it alone, I walked into the quiet village. I passed the central plaza and a series of small saw mills, until the cobblestone street gave way to a gravel road descending through a bushy pine and oak forest. About 30 minutes later, I reached an austere black basaltic landscape.
There, engulfed in a lava flow from the 1943 eruption of the nearby Paricutín volcano, stood the isolated ruins of San Juan Parangaricutiro Church. Reflecting the first rays of the morning light, the towering belfry endures as a pilgrimage site and home for nesting swallows. All alone, I paid my respect at an elaborate religious shrine, and clambered around on the sharp hardened lava to view this marvel from every conceivable angle.
Since the day was still young, I decided to try to find the trail to the volcano. I investigated a network of gravel roads, but found no sign of a trailhead nor anyone around to ask directions. Thwarted, I traced my steps back through Angahuan, where I caught a return bus to Uruapan.
This is an incomparable and extraordinary place, named by CNN as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! The walk to the ruins of San Juan is easily accomplished alone, but if you want to complete the full-day hike to the volcano, I recommend that you hire a guide and rise before the sun.
Written April 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jojoishere
Mazatlan, Mexico625 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
it is so cool that you can just climb around and wander about such an incredible site. To see the force of Mother Nature and a great old church rising from the destruction is a site to behold.
A few things to know:
You don't need to take a horse or a guide. You do need to be able bodied to climb around on the lava rock. Some people may be satisfied to hike in to the site and not climb the rocks. If you are looking for the religious experience of being near the church, this might work. If you are looking for photo-ops, this will not work.
The hike in is about 30 minutes long. It is all dirt with loose gravel and large rocks, but it is very easy. It is marked by concrete curbs on both sides. Stay on the path and it will lead you right to the church. If you arrive by car, drive through town ignoring all of the offers for assistance. There are two places near the end where you can park for 20 pesos and use a bathroom. The second to the last is The Mirador and as the name implies, has a great view of the site from the parking lot. I don't remember the next one even though it is just a little bit closer. We chose to arrive at sunrise and only the Mirador was opened.
If it is busy, you might be bothered by the dust on the trail from the horses. My advice is to see which way the wind is blowing and adjust your path accordingly. Going early as we did gave us the unique experience of being the only ones at the site for about an hour. That means no strangers in your photos and silence to take in the beauty.
Just outside the site are numerous restaurants with simple food and beverages. Clean modern bathroom are five pesos.
There were two cars parked at the site. I have read that you cannot get there by car. You can. The cars were owned by some of the restaurant owners. They told us that it is a very long and out of the way route to get there by car. And as I said earlier, if you cannot manage the hike in, there is little point to arriving by car as the lava rocks prevent you from going to the church.
People are allowed to camp at the site near the restaurants. Don't know what is involved to do this, but it looks like a great way to experience dusk to dawn enjoyment. If camping is not your thing, sunrise and sunset are probably the best and both are very doable with planning and cooperative weather.
We have seen volcanoes before, so chose to limit our visit to the church.
This is a long review as we were frustrated by the lack of clear information about this wonderful experience.
A few things to know:
You don't need to take a horse or a guide. You do need to be able bodied to climb around on the lava rock. Some people may be satisfied to hike in to the site and not climb the rocks. If you are looking for the religious experience of being near the church, this might work. If you are looking for photo-ops, this will not work.
The hike in is about 30 minutes long. It is all dirt with loose gravel and large rocks, but it is very easy. It is marked by concrete curbs on both sides. Stay on the path and it will lead you right to the church. If you arrive by car, drive through town ignoring all of the offers for assistance. There are two places near the end where you can park for 20 pesos and use a bathroom. The second to the last is The Mirador and as the name implies, has a great view of the site from the parking lot. I don't remember the next one even though it is just a little bit closer. We chose to arrive at sunrise and only the Mirador was opened.
If it is busy, you might be bothered by the dust on the trail from the horses. My advice is to see which way the wind is blowing and adjust your path accordingly. Going early as we did gave us the unique experience of being the only ones at the site for about an hour. That means no strangers in your photos and silence to take in the beauty.
Just outside the site are numerous restaurants with simple food and beverages. Clean modern bathroom are five pesos.
There were two cars parked at the site. I have read that you cannot get there by car. You can. The cars were owned by some of the restaurant owners. They told us that it is a very long and out of the way route to get there by car. And as I said earlier, if you cannot manage the hike in, there is little point to arriving by car as the lava rocks prevent you from going to the church.
People are allowed to camp at the site near the restaurants. Don't know what is involved to do this, but it looks like a great way to experience dusk to dawn enjoyment. If camping is not your thing, sunrise and sunset are probably the best and both are very doable with planning and cooperative weather.
We have seen volcanoes before, so chose to limit our visit to the church.
This is a long review as we were frustrated by the lack of clear information about this wonderful experience.
Written April 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alicia S
Mexico City, Mexico56 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Can you imagine a vulcano erupting long time ago and filling the surrounding towns with lava and volcanic rock? Yes? Well, multiply that by 10 and that is what you will find when you come to this place. Here you will be able to see the remains of an old church which was covered in some part by lava when the Paricutin volcano (the world´s youngest volcano) erupted in 1943.
First you will have to walk around 20 minutes from the entrance to the church site (and another 20 minutes back once you are done visiting the remains). You can also travel these paths by horse, the charge for going to the site and back to the entrance is around $300 pesos. My recommendation is to walk at your own pace, I think horses are not really necessary.
Once you get to the site you will have to get to the church by climbing some volcanic rock for around 15 minutes (speed depends on age and ability to climb). From there you can move climbing in several directions (towards the altar which was untouched by lava, towards the church main entrance, or simply around). The views and natural scenery are amazing.
Please keep in mind that this activity demands some physical effort since most parts are covered with volcanic rock (the floor is very uneven). I do not recommend it for elderly people or people who do not like climbing. Some people take very young children with them (babies or toddlers) but this is very risky. I´d say the appropriate age for a child to enjoy this attraction is around 10 years old or more.
Now, where to eat? There are two options for this: (1) the restaurant at the entrance where you will find a variety of typical dishes or (2) the food stalls you will find after walking your first 20 minutes to the site. I ate there, we ordered quesadillas and broiled meat with home made, green corn tortillas.
If you decide to come bring your sunscreen, hat, camera, comfortable clothes, appropriate shoes and your adventure spirit with you. You will not regret visiting here!!
First you will have to walk around 20 minutes from the entrance to the church site (and another 20 minutes back once you are done visiting the remains). You can also travel these paths by horse, the charge for going to the site and back to the entrance is around $300 pesos. My recommendation is to walk at your own pace, I think horses are not really necessary.
Once you get to the site you will have to get to the church by climbing some volcanic rock for around 15 minutes (speed depends on age and ability to climb). From there you can move climbing in several directions (towards the altar which was untouched by lava, towards the church main entrance, or simply around). The views and natural scenery are amazing.
Please keep in mind that this activity demands some physical effort since most parts are covered with volcanic rock (the floor is very uneven). I do not recommend it for elderly people or people who do not like climbing. Some people take very young children with them (babies or toddlers) but this is very risky. I´d say the appropriate age for a child to enjoy this attraction is around 10 years old or more.
Now, where to eat? There are two options for this: (1) the restaurant at the entrance where you will find a variety of typical dishes or (2) the food stalls you will find after walking your first 20 minutes to the site. I ate there, we ordered quesadillas and broiled meat with home made, green corn tortillas.
If you decide to come bring your sunscreen, hat, camera, comfortable clothes, appropriate shoes and your adventure spirit with you. You will not regret visiting here!!
Written March 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pmorillon
Mexico City, Mexico22 contributions
May 2018 • Family
It is quite a drive to arrive at the old church of San Juan Parangaricutiro, but once you are there, you can only be impressed by the beauty of the site and the realization of the power of a volcano.
On the way, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Michoacan, one of the most beautiful states of Mexico.
At the site of the old church, locals will offer a traditional dish to anyone willing to try wonderful and simple mexican cuisine.
On the way, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Michoacan, one of the most beautiful states of Mexico.
At the site of the old church, locals will offer a traditional dish to anyone willing to try wonderful and simple mexican cuisine.
Written May 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sergiorms
San Antonio, Texas283 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
We drove to the area and you are inundated by people taking you on horse back to the church and volcano, the church did not seem too far to walk, the horses was not in our plans I am sure many people would like it, on our way up we came across cars going our way we found out there is access to the area by truck you just have to get in the town of san juan, walking is not easy and it was farther that what we expected, the people that gave us a ride up and down,had a restaurant we ended up eating there we spend about $400 mxp well worth it a good meal ,cold beer , and amazing views the site itself requires some climbing not too dificult but not easy.
Written January 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ceciliasepulveda
Los Angeles, CA17 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
I loved the small hike down to this site. There are lots of men trying to get you to rent a horse for about $150mxn to take you. I think it is an easy hike to and back from the site. climbing in the actual ruins of the volcano is more difficult.
it was truly gorgeous to see.
it was truly gorgeous to see.
Written August 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy M
Lynwood, CA76 contributions
Mar 2017 • Family
The Mexican Pompeii!!! A church that was buried by volcanic ash and pumice and yet some parts remained intact. A must see!! It does take a 30 minute easy horse ride to get there but it is totally worth it!
Written March 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SpikerFamily
San Andres Cholula, Mexico34 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Very cool place with a great "abandoned" feel to it, if you like that, and I do! Took our 4, 10, and 11 year old kids. Rode horses up to Paracutin also. Awesome day for my bucket list :-)
Written November 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola, mas o menos cual es el tiempo de llegar hasta la iglesia del pueblo? seria muy tarde si empiezo a las 3 de la tarde? Gracias
Written October 21, 2020
Hola, sabes si sería recomendable para llevar una niña de dos años o es muy extremo o peligroso para alguién de esa edad?
Written September 24, 2019
Hola, en mi opinión no es muy recomendable. Aunque a la zona de las ruinas llegas perfectamente en auto, para llegar hasta la iglesia debes caminar aproximadamente 10 minutos por terreno dificil y con mucha roca volcánica, por lo que debes tener cuidado en la caminata. A menos que esten dispuestos a cargar a la niña de 2 años durante la visita a la iglesia y tener cuidado al caminar.
saludos!
Written September 25, 2019
hola en 2 semanas voy a Michoacan, que me recomiendas para llegar a las ruinas de la Iglesia.
Gracias
Written March 27, 2019
Hola, recomendable llegues por tu cuenta las ruinas. No es dificil y hay muchas indicaciones en el camino para llegar hasta la iglesia.
Written September 25, 2019
Saliendo de aghuapan hay tours hacia la iglesia ? Solo te llevan los tours? Hay caballos que no sean de tour ? Cuanto cuesta un tour ? Gracais
Written March 25, 2019
Saliendo de aghuapan hay caballos , hay tours? O como llegas ?
Written March 25, 2019
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