Paracutin Volcano, which is currently active, last erupted in 1943.  That eruption lasted for eight years, and caused enormous damage.  For example, it consumed the entire village of San Juan.  The only remaining proof that the town existed is the top of the Church Steeple which protrudes from the otherwise black volcanic landscape.

Paracutin Volcano

The Volcanoe's crater

Steam generated by the active volcano

After climbing around the rim of the volcano the only way down is to run down the edge of the volcano.  This is great fun.  Above is the view from the top of the volcano

The Church Steeple of San Juan.

A view of the church steeple from taken from the Volcano

We journeyed to the volcano by horse.  The round trip took 7 hours.  Normally I would love to go horse riding for 7 hours.  However, on that day a combination of circumstances made the trip less enjoyable. 

Mexicans use wooden saddles, which can  cause discomfort after a while. The black volcanic sand in the area is kicked up by the horses.  The dust is so thick that it's recommended that you wear a hanky tied around your face to filter the air.  (I had black dust coming out  of my nose for 2 days).  Finally, I had the worst case of Montazuma's revenge of the trip.  Put it this way, diarrhea and horses don't mix. 

Other than that the trip was great. 

Volcanoes are fascinating creatures.  I would recommend a visit