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The Paracutin Volcano had a modest begining as a small affair in a farmer's field. Within a decade it had grown to nearly a 1000 m above the country side and its lava had rained far and wide, covering most of the old village of San Juan. Only the high church tower and a bit of the walls remained above the deeping ash and lava fields.

Old San Juan church tower and Paracutin Volcano

Remains of San Juan church in lava field

On our visit we were quickly approached by an indian villager who said he would be our guide and take us on horses to the burier church and then the volcano itself. After we had agreed on a price and were mountings our horses he introduced us to our real guide -- a twelve year old boy who didn't speak much Spanish and in whom we had no confidence that he would rescue us from any pending misfortunes. So we dismounted and walked to the Church and a mile beyond, only getting views of Paracutin.

Village street in ?? Indian Village at approach to Paracutin