Colima Travel Guide (Colima (state)/Pacific Coast/Mexico/North America)

Introduction to Colima

Located in the Pacific Coast region of Mexico, Colima is a state with an interesting blend of natural and cultural attractions. Its capital city, also named Colima, is home to a variety of museums, historical landmarks, and charming public spaces. The state’s location near the coast also means that visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches and tropical scenery. Whether you love outdoor adventures or are interested in exploring local history and culture, Colima has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Colima

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museo Universitario de Artes Populares Nativitas: This museum showcases traditional Mexican arts and crafts, including textiles, pottery, and furniture.
Palacio de Gobierno: Located in the heart of the city, this historic building has been the seat of the Colima state government since the 19th century.
Ex-Convento de San Francisco: Built by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century, this convent is now a museum that tells the story of the state’s colonial past.

Natural Attractions of Colima: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Parque Nacional Nevado de Colima: This national park has hiking trails that lead to the summit of Colima Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Mexico. On clear days, visitors can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean from the summit.
Jardín Botánico de Colima: This botanical garden is home to a wide variety of native plants and trees, as well as a butterfly house.
Cuyutlán Beach: Located on the Pacific Coast, this black sand beach is a popular spot for surfing and swimming.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Colima

El Salto Waterfall: This hike takes visitors through lush forests and past a beautiful waterfall.
La Campana: This hiking and biking trail winds its way up to a lookout point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
El Chanal: This trail is known for its well-preserved petroglyphs, as well as its scenic views of the Colima Valley.

Best Things to Do in Colima: Activities and Tours

Drinking Tequila: Colima is known for its high-quality tequila, and there are several distilleries in the region that offer tours and tastings.
Zip-Lining and Rappelling: Outdoor enthusiasts will love the chance to zip-line above the forest canopy or rappel down a waterfall.
Horseback Riding: Explore the countryside on horseback and take in the scenic views of the mountains and valleys.

Week-Long Itinerary for Colima

Day	Activity
1	Explore the city center of Colima
2	Visit the Museo Universitario de Artes Populares Nativitas and the Palacio de Gobierno
3	Hike to El Salto Waterfall or La Campana
4	Visit the Ex-Convento de San Francisco and the Jardín Botánico de Colima
5	Take a tequila tour and visit a distillery
6	Spend the day at Cuyutlán Beach
7	Zip-line through the forest or go horseback riding

Food and Drink Scene of Colima

Must-Try Dishes

Pescado Zarandeado: A grilled fish dish that is seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, served with rice and vegetables.
Tostadas: Fried tortillas topped with beans, meat, cheese, and salsa.
Chilate: A traditional drink made with cocoa, maize, and cinnamon.

Local Beverages

Tequila: Colima is known for its high-quality tequila, which is made from blue agave plants grown in the region.
Mezcal: Similar to tequila, but made from a different type of agave plant.
Cerveza: There are several local breweries in Colima that produce a variety of craft beers.

Where to Stay in Colima: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hacienda de San Antonio: A luxury hotel located in a historic 19th-century hacienda.
Hotel La Merced: A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the city.
Hostal Casa Blanca: A budget-friendly hostel with private and shared rooms.

What to Buy in Colima: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tequila and Mezcal: Bring home a bottle of Colima’s famous spirits.
Pottery: Colima is known for its beautiful handcrafted pottery, which makes a great souvenir or gift.
Textiles: Look for colorful woven textiles, embroidered blouses, and other traditional Mexican clothing items.

Local Culture and Customs of Colima

Religion: The majority of people in Colima are Catholic, and there are several beautiful churches throughout the region that are worth visiting.
Festivals: Colima celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Feria del Café y la Guayaba (Coffee and Guava Festival) in February and the Feria de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day Fair) in November.
Language: Spanish is the primary language spoken in Colima, although many people also speak English.

Best Time to Visit Colima

The best time to visit Colima is between December and April, when the weather is dry and sunny. The rainy season starts in May and lasts through October, with the heaviest rainfalls occurring in the summer months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Colima

Do:

Respect the local culture: Colima has a rich cultural heritage, so be sure to respect local customs and traditions.
Explore the outdoors: With its beautiful natural scenery, Colima is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures.
Try the local cuisine: Colima has a vibrant culinary scene, so be sure to try some of the local dishes and drinks.

Don’t:

Travel alone at night: Like any city, Colima has areas that are less safe at night. Avoid walking alone after dark.
Ignore the weather: During the rainy season, be sure to check the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly.
Be rude or disrespectful: Colima is known for its friendly and welcoming people, so be sure to show respect and kindness to everyone you meet.

Safety and Health

Safety in Colima

While Colima is generally a safe destination for travelers, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. If you are traveling by car, lock your doors and keep your valuables out of sight.

Health in Colima

Tap water in Colima is generally safe to drink, although bottled water is widely available and is a more convenient option for travelers. Be aware of the high altitude in some parts of the region, which can cause altitude sickness in some individuals.

Getting to Colima: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Colima

The closest airport to Colima is the Playa de Oro International Airport, which is located about 20 kilometers south of the city center. There are regular flights from major Mexican cities, including Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Bus Stations Near Colima

The main bus station in Colima is the Central de Autobuses de Colima, which offers connections to destinations throughout Mexico.

Other Options

Many people choose to rent a car and drive to Colima, as this allows for more flexibility and the ability to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. However, it is important to be aware of traffic laws and road conditions, as some roads in Colima can be narrow and winding.

How to Get Around in Colima

While it is possible to rent a car or hire a taxi, many visitors choose to explore Colima on foot. The city center is relatively small and easy to navigate, and there are also several bus routes that connect different parts of the city.

Where to Go Next from Colima: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Manzanillo: A popular beach resort town located about an hour south of Colima.
Cuauhtémoc: A small town known for its hot springs and scenic countryside.
Comala: A picturesque colonial town located about half an hour from Colima.

Conclusion

From its beautiful natural scenery to its rich cultural heritage, Colima offers travelers a unique and memorable destination. Whether you’re interested in exploring local history and landmarks or seeking out outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in Colima. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to plan an unforgettable trip to this beautiful part of Mexico.

Colima Image Gallery

Jardín Libertad

Palacio de Gobierno