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Colima is one of those destinations almost nobody has on their radar, yet it wins you over on day one. It’s one of Mexico’s calmest and cleanest state capitals, ringed by volcanoes, with a picture-perfect historic center and, less than two hours away, the beaches of Manzanillo. It’s a small state that’s easy to tour and rewards travelers looking for something authentic, without the crowds. Here’s what not to miss.
The capital is compact and orderly; from there you head out to the volcanoes, to Comala and to the coast on short trips.
The historic center and the Cathedral
The heart of the city is the Jardín Libertad main square, with its arcades, bandstand and the imposing yellow-faced Cathedral Basilica. Around it stand the Government Palace, with its historical murals, and museums like the Regional History Museum, famous for the ceramic dogs (Xoloitzcuintles) of western Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures. It’s a center made for unhurried walking.
Comala, the White Town of the Americas
Fifteen minutes from the capital sits Comala, a Magic Town of white houses with red-tiled roofs and adobe details, immortalized by Juan Rulfo in “Pedro Páramo”. Its plaza, ringed by arcades serving botana with the famous fruit punches, is the perfect plan for an afternoon. On clear days, the view of the volcano from here is spectacular.
The volcanoes: Volcán de Fuego and the Nevado
Colima is dominated by two giants: the Colima Volcano (Volcán de Fuego), one of Mexico’s most active, admired from a safe distance, and the Nevado de Colima, a national park of forest and trails where snow sometimes falls. The Laguna La María area, at the foot of the volcanoes, is ideal for camping, paddling and disconnecting.
Manzanillo and the coast
Just over an hour and a half away by road is Manzanillo, the great Pacific port and self-styled sailfish capital of the world. Its beaches, Miramar, La Audiencia, Santiago, are the perfect complement to cap a Colima trip with a few days of sea, seafood and sunsets.
What to eat in Colima
Colima’s cuisine is tasty and little known: the sopitos, the tatemas, the Colima-style dry pozole, tuba (a coconut-palm drink) and, in Comala, the endless free botana of the arcades. On the coast, fish and seafood whenever you want it.
Getting around Colima
The state is small but its attractions are scattered: the capital, Comala, the volcano zone and the Manzanillo beaches. Public transport between them is limited, so your own car makes the difference, letting you chain historic center, magic town, lagoon and beach at your own pace.
Ready to discover Colima without the rush? Rent a car in Colima with Veico
How many days do you need?
Two days are enough for the capital and Comala; add one or two more for the volcanoes, Laguna La María or the Manzanillo beaches. Colima is ideal for a laid-back getaway, and with a car you enjoy all of it.
Planning a route through western Mexico? See our guides to things to do in Guadalajara, things to do in Puerto Vallarta and things to do in Monterrey.
