Paricutin Volcano Crater Special Tour

A 12-hour adventure in Michoacán, Mexico, the Paricutin Volcano Crater Special Tour offers a unique chance to explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Priced at $239 per person, this tour combines scenic drives, long walks, and a challenging climb up an active volcano — perfect for those with a good level of fitness and a taste for outdoor adventure. The tour departs from Morelia, including round-trip transportation, and is led by an English-speaking guide, ensuring you get detailed insights along the way.

What truly sets this experience apart is the opportunity to actually climb the volcano and visit the remains of the local church buried by lava flows. However, it’s important to note that the climb requires good physical condition, as it involves long walks, horseback riding, or riding in a 4X4. This tour is best suited for active travelers eager to tackle a natural marvel, and it’s not recommended for children under 15 or those with certain health issues. This experience balances thrill, education, and breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable day.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $239 per person for a 12-hour tour from Morelia.
• Climb the Volcano: The highlight is climbing to the crater of Paricutin, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
• Transportation Included: Round-trip transport in a jeep or SUV with local guided support.
• Physical Requirements: The climb involves long walks, horse riding, or 4X4 shortcuts; good fitness is recommended.
• Stops and Sightseeing: Includes visits to scenic viewpoints and the remains of a church buried by lava.
• Small Group: Limited to 3 participants, offering a more personalized experience.

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The Paricutin Volcano: A Natural Wonder in Michoacán

The Paricutin Volcano is a highlight of this tour, being one of the seven natural wonders of the world according to CNN’s 1997 list. The volcano is active, and the tour provides a rare opportunity to climb to its crater, offering spectacular views and a tangible connection to geological forces. The tour emphasizes that the climb requires excellent physical shape, with options to ride horses or take a shortcut in a 4X4 for parts of the ascent.

The experience starts with a pickup at Burger King, followed by a 2-hour drive in a jeep or SUV to the viewing points. From there, you will enjoy scenic walks and hiking along volcanic rocks and ash as they approach the crater. The guide leads the ascent, carefully stepping on large rocks, making the climb both challenging and rewarding. The return route includes a stop at the remains of a church buried by lava, offering a poignant reminder of the volcano’s power.

From the Pickup at Burger King to the Scenic Viewpoints

The tour begins at the designated pickup point at Burger King, where Alfredo, the tour guide, greets participants. The round-trip transportation in a jeep or SUV takes about 2 hours to reach the first viewpoints. Along the way, travelers get to enjoy scenic vistas and learn about the volcano’s history from the guide. The initial stops are designed to set the scene and prepare for the more physically demanding parts of the day.

These viewpoints serve as a preview of the landscape, with panoramic views of the volcanic area. The ride also provides a chance to appreciate the wide-open spaces and rugged terrain characteristic of this volcanic region. The transportation arrangements are flexible enough to allow shortcuts via 4X4 or horseback riding, making the ascent manageable for those willing to put in effort.

Exploring the Volcano’s Craters and Lava Flows

The core of this tour is the climb to the Paricutin crater, a process that takes approximately 6 hours including long walks, hiking, and the ascent. The local Indian guide leads the way, navigating the big rocks and volcanic ash with expertise. Participants will step carefully on uneven terrain, with the option of horseback riding for parts of the journey or taking shortcuts in a 4X4 truck.

The scenic views on the way up are stunning, with volcanic formations and ash fields providing an otherworldly landscape. The guide’s explanations enhance the experience, offering insights into the volcano’s eruption history and geological significance. After reaching the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the crater, a truly memorable highlight of the day.

Visiting the Church Remains and Lava-Covered Structures

On the way back, the tour includes a visiting stop at the remains of a church that was destroyed and buried by lava flows. This site offers a powerful visual of the volcano’s destructive force, with ruins partially visible amidst volcanic ash. It’s a poignant reminder of the eruption’s impact on local communities.

This stop is brief but meaningful, giving a glimpse of the devastation and resilience of the area’s history. It also provides excellent photo opportunities. The visit to the church remains is optional but highly recommended for those interested in the human stories intertwined with volcanic activity.

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Practical Details: Transportation, Group Size, and Guide

The entire tour includes round-trip transportation from Morelia in a jeep or SUV, making logistics straightforward. The tour is limited to just 3 participants, ensuring a small-group experience with more personalized attention. Alfredo’s bilingual (English and Spanish) guiding style helps clarify every step of the journey, making it accessible whether or not travelers are fluent in Spanish.

The pickup point is at Burger King, with the driver holding a sign with the participant’s name. The tour duration is 12 hours, with live guides providing commentary throughout the day. The tour is designed to be active, with long walks, scenic drives, and some physical exertion required.

What to Bring and Precautions

Participants should come prepared with sunglasses, sun hats, comfortable hiking shoes, and sunscreen. It’s also advisable to carry water, snacks, and personal medication. Since the terrain can get dirty and dusty, outdoor clothing, long pants, and trekking gear are recommended. Casual attire that can get dirty is acceptable, but high heels, open-toed shoes, pets, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

The tour is not suitable for children under 15, pregnant women, or individuals with specific health issues such as back, heart, or kidney problems. Also, those with vertigo or altitude sickness should consider this when booking.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Climbing the volcano involves long walks, hiking, and some strenuous activity. The tour emphasizes the need for good physical fitness since the ascent is physically demanding. Options include horseback riding and shortcuts in a 4X4, but overall, participants should be prepared for challenging terrain and elevation.

The tour does not accommodate wheelchair users or individuals with limited mobility. Plus, the excursion is not suitable for people over 75 or those with recent surgeries or low fitness levels.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Bookings are flexible, allowing full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, providing extra flexibility in planning. For a private tour, participants need to indicate they will cover the total capacity of 3 people in the vehicle.

The tour offers bilingual guides in English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication. The small group size enhances the experience, making it more intimate and tailored.

Comparing Similar Experiences and Final Recommendations

This tour is similar to other Michoacán excursions like visits to Patzcuaro, Janitzio, and Santa Clara del Cobre, but the climb to Paricutin offers a more adventurous, hands-on experience. The $239 price reflects the all-inclusive transportation, entry fees, and guided support.

For those with a good level of fitness and a love of outdoor activities, this tour promises a day full of scenic views, geological marvels, and physical challenge. It’s an excellent choice for travelers eager to see a UNESCO-recognized natural wonder and stand on the edge of active volcanic activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How physically demanding is the climb?
The climb involves long walks and hiking, requiring good fitness. Options like horse riding or 4X4 shortcuts are available to reduce physical effort.

What is included in the tour price?
The $239 fee includes round-trip transportation from Morelia, an English-speaking guide, and admission to the protected areas. Meals, extra rides, and other services are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from and returns to the Burger King in Morelia. The pickup and drop-off are included in the package.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it is not suitable for children under 15 years old due to the physical nature of the climb and terrain.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring hiking shoes, sun protection, water, camera, and clothes suitable for dirt and outdoor conditions.

Can I customize this tour into a private experience?
Yes, private tours are available for the entire capacity of 3 people, with arrangements to be made accordingly.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in uncertain plans.

What if I have altitude sickness or vertigo?
This tour is not recommended for individuals with altitude sickness or vertigo due to the elevation and physical demands.

Are there any restrictions on weight or health?
Yes, the tour cannot accommodate people over 209 lbs (95 kg) or those with certain health issues such as recent surgeries or kidney conditions.

Can I book as a group of more than 3?
The standard experience is limited to 3 participants, but you can arrange a private tour for larger groups by indicating you will cover the entire vehicle’s capacity.

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