Volcanic Legacy

Stephen captures Paricutin volcano—iconic symbol of Mexico's Ring of Fire landscape where craters steam, lava fields bake, and eerie remains rise from molten destruction.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 1 of 4

A lone church tower remains the only visible evidence of the village sleeping below lava spewed from Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 2 of 4

Bathed in color and silhouetted by sunset, Pedro Perucho stands on the steaming rim of Paricutin volcano, Mexico. While technically extinct, the volcano continues to emit clouds of steam above rocky ground still hot to the touch.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 3 of 4

Treading hot rocks on the crater rim of Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 4 of 4

The archway of San Juan Parangaricutiro church appears to be a door, but is in fact a window near the roof. Some 30 feet of church structure lie buried below lava that flowed from Mexico's Paricutin volcano in the 1940s.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details in a land of volcanic fire and ice.

Volcanic Voyage

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez uses his Lumia to capture a landscape and culture shaped by explosive geological forces on a journey to Mexico's iconic Paricutin volcano.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!

Volcanic Legacy

Photo 1 of 4

A lone church tower remains the only visible evidence of the village sleeping below lava spewed from Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Photo 2 of 4

Bathed in color and silhouetted by sunset, Pedro Perucho stands on the steaming rim of Paricutin volcano, Mexico. While technically extinct, the volcano continues to emit clouds of steam above rocky ground still hot to the touch.

Photo 3 of 4

Treading hot rocks on the crater rim of Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Photo 4 of 4

The archway of San Juan Parangaricutiro church appears to be a door, but is in fact a window near the roof. Some 30 feet of church structure lie buried below lava that flowed from Mexico's Paricutin volcano in the 1940s.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details in a land of volcanic fire and ice.

Volcanic Voyage

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez uses his Lumia to capture a landscape and culture shaped by explosive geological forces on a journey to Mexico's iconic Paricutin volcano.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!

Follow National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez on his incredible assignment to explore and capture the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Tips from the Pros

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez shares insights that can help you hone your own photo skills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Volcanic Legacy

Photo 1 of 4

A lone church tower remains the only visible evidence of the village sleeping below lava spewed from Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Photo 2 of 4

Bathed in color and silhouetted by sunset, Pedro Perucho stands on the steaming rim of Paricutin volcano, Mexico. While technically extinct, the volcano continues to emit clouds of steam above rocky ground still hot to the touch.

Photo 3 of 4

Treading hot rocks on the crater rim of Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Photo 4 of 4

The archway of San Juan Parangaricutiro church appears to be a door, but is in fact a window near the roof. Some 30 feet of church structure lie buried below lava that flowed from Mexico's Paricutin volcano in the 1940s.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details in a land of volcanic fire and ice.

Volcanic Voyage

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez uses his Lumia to capture a landscape and culture shaped by explosive geological forces on a journey to Mexico's iconic Paricutin volcano.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,Explore Them All!

Follow National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez on his incredible assignment to explore and capture the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Tips from the Pros

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez shares insights that can help you hone your own photo skills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!