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🌎  Mexico 🇲🇽

⭐  

4.8
(1763)

📍  Antigua iglesia de San Juan Parangaricutiro

✈️  Uruapan - Licenciado y General Ignacio Lopez Rayon International Airport (UPN)

🚗  57.6 KM

⏱️  1 hour, 56 minutes

The Antigua Iglesia de San Juan Parangaricutiro, partially buried by the Parícutin volcano, is a unique and poignant historical site near Angahuán. Accessibility involves reaching Angahuán by road, then a challenging 2-3 hour trek (hiking or horseback riding, which is highly recommended for the experience) over volcanic terrain to the ruins; thus, it's not ideal for those with significant mobility issues. While solo visits are possible by arranging local transport and guides from Angahuán, joining a guided tour from Uruapan or Pátzcuaro is often preferred for convenience and historical context. The site is open year-round, though the dry season (November-April) offers easier trail conditions than the muddy rainy season. Costs are moderate, primarily covering horse rental/local guides (approx. 200-400 MXN) or organized tours, plus a small community entrance fee. A typical visit from Angahuán, including travel to the church and exploration, takes 3-5 hours, or a full day if traveling from a larger city. Visitors should bring sturdy shoes, water, and cash to support the local Purépecha community, whose guides offer invaluable insights into this extraordinary landmark.