Colima is the capital of Colima state in Mexico. This city is not very touristy but richly rewards the intrepid traveler who comes looking to experience a small state capitol with colonial architecture, an excellent state museum and a portrait gallery, fun quirky attractions like a slide down a volcanic rock, and nearby natural attractions including Pacific coast beaches and two towering twin volcanoes. It has a respected university that conducts a lot of international exchange.
Understand
[edit]Due to its great culture that has five visible centuries of folklore, customs, gastronomy and traditions, it was named American Capital of Culture in 2014. It has a bullring where visitors can experience a traditional Spanish bullfight. It is also the third oldest city in Mexico (and on the American continental shelf), having been founded in 1523.
Climate
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Colima has a tropical savanna climate, with consistently high temperatures and extremely dry conditions from November to May followed by heavy rainfall from June to October. The city is sometimes affected by hurricanes, which can bring up to 140 millimetres (5.5 in) of rain per day and lengthy periods of heavy rain.
Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]Colima is linked to Guadalajara by a four-lane toll highway (Highway 54D).
By bus
[edit]There are two main bus terminals. Better, safer buses go to Central de Autobuses Colima (see Bus travel in Mexico).
- 1 Central de Autobuses Colima, Infraestructura Urbana, ☏ +52 312 314 5433. 24 hours. This is the main bus station where all first-class and executive-class buses arrive and depart. It serves buses to and from major cities throughout Mexico, but does not handle local or regional buses (which use a different bus terminal).
- 2 Terminal Nuevo Horizonte, C. Rodolfo Chávez Carrillo s/n, Burocratas, ☏ +52 312 307 0922. Bus terminal for local and regional bus routes within the state of Colima. These are mostly second-class buses that stop frequently and everywhere. They are used by locals but not generally recommended for tourists. The main bus line here is Nuevo Horizonte, but it is also used by regional routes by Autovías y La Línea, Sur de Jalisco, and Viva Bus Sur.
A third terminal is Central de los Rojos, also known as El Manchón. It serves local peseros only, including those going to Comala, though tourists will be safer using taxis or Uber for the short 10-15 minute ride.
- 3 Central de los Rojos (El Manchón), Bosque de Cedros 499, Villas del Bosque. Dirty, rundown terminal used by local buses, mostly routes within a few miles of Colima.
By plane
[edit]- 4 Colima Airport (CLQ IATA) (15 km north, outside the city). From Tijuana with Volaris. To get to the downtown your only option is a taxi, which will cost US$20.
You could also fly to Guadalajara (GDL IATA), which is Mexico's second largest city, and where there are more flight options. From there you could take a bus (US$25), which will take 3 hours to get to Colima bus station and from there to the down town a cab will charge you US$2-3.
Get around
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By bus
[edit]A complete network of buses will allow you to circulate in the city. There is no map of the lines: you will have to stop the first bus that passes by with a wave of your hand, and ask the driver how to get to your destination.
Another bus station (Terminal Nuevo Horizonte) will allow you to go to the small towns around Colima.
By taxi
[edit]Taxis are common in the city. Prices tend to go up at the sight of a foreigner.
See
[edit]Parks
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- 1 Jardín Libertad (Liberty Garden), Reforma s/n, Centro. The historic center of the city revolves around life in this square which fills with the sounds of music and is surrounded by bars and restaurants. It has a kiosk in the center, brought from Belgium in 1891, surrounded by palms and leafy trees and bushes. It is a pleasant place to sit and people-watch. It often hosts live music on weekends.
- 2 Jardín Hidalgo (Parque Hidalgo), Cristobal Colon. Dedicated to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. This square contains an equatorial sundial which is exact. It was designed by Julio Mendoza and contains explanations in several languages.
- 3 Jardín Núñez, Calle Francisco Madero, Centro. Large and lively park with manicured gardens, wide paved walking paths, fountains and monuments. Lots of benches to sit and people watch. Many food and drink vendors, particularly on weekends when families come out.
- 4 Parque la Piedra Lisa. Daily 09:00 - 21:00. Popular park known for a huge slab of volcanic rock that people can slide down. Playgrounds with slides and other equipment, but much of it is in poor repair so exercise parental supervision and inspect it before letting kids loose to play on their own. The park has a rather grim monument and memorial to "disappeared" people and is bedecked with posters seeking information about lost loved ones. Free.
Landmarks
[edit]- 5 Regional History Museum of Colima (Museo Regional de Historia de Colima), Portal Morelos 1 (at the Plaza Principal). The ground floor has a number of archeological pieces along with a replica of a shaft tomb, which is characteristic of the region. It recreates the burial of several peoples along with their belongings and Mexican hairless dogs (Xolos), which were thought to be guides to the next world. The upper floor contains documents and other objects which narrates the history of the state from the Conquest to the Mexican Revolution.
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- 6 Palacio del Gobierno (State Capitol), Reforma 37, Centro (Next to the Cathedral). It is a two-story buildings in French Neoclassical design. It was built between 1877 and 1906 and designed by Lucio Urbe. It features three facades on three sides of a block. One façade contains a bell, which is a replica of the one Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang in Dolores Hidalgo and a clock brought over from Germany. Inside, the building has two courtyards and wide corridors. The main staircase showcases three fresco murals painted in 1953 by muralist Jorge Chávez Carrillo that features events from Mexican history with a strong tribute to Miguel Hidalgo, the father of Mexican independence.
- 7 Pinacoteca Universitaria Alfonso Michel (Portrait Gallery), Vicente Guerrero 35, Centro. Tu-Sa 10:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 20:00, closed Su-M. A museum dedicated to the history of art in Colima. It is dedicated to Colima artist Alfonso Michel who is considered the best of the state from the 20th century, and who focused on cubist and impressionist painting. The building is traditional for the city with its corridors lined by arches. Along with its permanent collection, the museum hosts exhibitions by local artists. A small outdoor cafe operates in the courtyard. M$2.
- 8 Museo Universitario de Artes Populares María Teresa Pomar, Manuel Gallardo, Centro, ☏ +52 312 316 1126. This museum is not only dedicated to the region's handicrafts and folk art, it also has exhibitions related to the area's popular festivals and traditions. The collection includes festival costumes, toys, masks, cooking utensils, metal miniatures, wood objects, pottery and fiber crafts. M$2.
- 9 Palacio Legislativa y de Justicia, Calz. Pedro A. Galván Nte. s/n, Centro. The Palacio Legislativa y de Justicia (Legislative and Justice Palace) is the work of architects Xavier Yarto and Alberto Yarza. It is a modern design. Its interior contains a mural entitled "La Universialidad de la Justicia" by Gabriel Portillo del Toro.
Historic churches
[edit]- 10 Catedral Basilica Menor de Colima (Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), Reforma 21, Centro. This is the oldest cathedral in North America, established in 1525 and completed in 1540, but since then it has been renovated various times, often due to earthquake damage. The style is Neoclassical with two towers at the front and a dome. The interior is sparse. The church was consecrated as a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1998.
- 11 Templo de San Felipe de Jesús (El Beaterio or El Sagrario), Av. Constitución 70, Centro (next to Jardin Hidalgo). Beautiful colonial-era church where Father Miguel Hdalgo was once a parish priest. The church is small with a long single nave and a high bell tower, surrounded by iron gates. The main altar of this church contains six niches, with a crucifix at the top. The Del Carmen Chapel is next to it, which is a simple building that contains the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with the Infant Jesus in her arms. The church contains numerous small oil paintings and Sculptures of saints.
Archaeological sites
[edit]- La Campana. It is an archeological site about fifteen minutes outside of the city and is distinguished by a mound in the shape of a bell, which gives it the name. The site covers an area of about fifty hectares with only one percent explored. The site is also known for a construction style which uses rounded river stones and numerous burials.
- El Chanal. tThe ruined city reached its height between 1000 and 1400 AD over an area of 120 hectares. The archeological has evidence of the extensive use of obsidian and metals such as copper and gold. Constructions at the site include a Mesoamerican ballcourt, the Plaza of the Altars, the Plaza of Day and Night and the Plaza of Time. Stairwells on pyramid bases often have glyphs similar to those found in central Mexico which may have a calendar function.
Do
[edit]- 1 Parque Regional Griselda Álvarez, C. Santos Degollado SN, Centro. Daily 10:00 - 18:00. Recreational park with zoo, lake with pedal boats, zipline, picnic areas, walking trails. Needs better maintenance.
- 2 La Petatera de Villa de Alvarez (Bullring), Agustín Martell Valencia, Villa de Álvarez. A unique, handcrafted bullring, unique in the world with non-standard dimensions, constructed entirely of rustic materials including poles, logs, wood, rope, and woven mats, it is taken down each year and re-constructed the next in time for the Feria de Villa de Alvarez in early February. Events include bullfights, charreria, and nightly banda music concerts.
Buy
[edit]The main pedestrian street, Andador Constitución, retains traditional businesses such as the Joven Don Manuelito ice cream shop, which has been there since 1944. On the street, you can see street musicians and artists offering to paint or draw landscapes and portraits. At the end of this street, there is a large handcrafts store funded by a government agency called DIF, which focuses on crafts from the state such as indigenous clothing and ceramic figures, especially those of the Mexican hairless dog also known as the Xoloizcuintle or Xolo.
- The park behind the cathedral is Jardin Gregorio Torres Quintero, which contains mango, tabachin (Caesalpinia mexicana) and palm trees along with stands selling handcrafts, novelties and food.
Eat
[edit]In restaurants in the city, you can try popular dishes such as atole with milk, white pozole, white menudo, tatamado, pipián mole, birria and sopes.
- 1 Colimita Sabe, C. José G. Alcaraz 1665, Jardines Vista Hermosa III, ☏ +52 312 118 5018. W-M 08:00 - 15:00, closed Tu. Relaxing small grab-and-go type place that specializes in breakfast. Several egg dishes, chilaquiles, hot cakes, and fresh fruit. M$200.
- 2 Cafe La Buena Vida, C. 27 de Septiembre 1402, Jardines Vista Hermosa III, ☏ +52 312 323 4018. Daily 08:00 - 14:00. Popular brunch spot serving American-Mexican dishes including chilaquiles, huevos con machacado, french toast, excellent coffee and fresh fruit smoothies. M$200.
- 3 Los Naranjos Campestre, Av. Constitución 750, Lomas de Circunvalación, ☏ +52 312 312 8390. Daily 08:00 - 22:00. Buffet breakfast available in the mornings. The pan dulce is made in house. Mexican cuisine, but few options for vegetarians. Live jazz Wednesday evening. M$200.
- 4 El Charco de la Higuera, C. Prol 5 de Mayo S/N, Centro, ☏ +52 312 313 0192. Tu-Su 07:30 - 23:30, closed M. Known for their artwork collection consisting of wood carvings and pottery, the food is really the reason to stay. Traditional Mexican cuisine with a few regional dishes. If you want a taste of Colima flavor, order the plato colimot. M$200.
Drink
[edit]The Plaza Principal has a few places where you can try the big pints of micheladas, a mix of beer, spices, lemon and salt.
Stands in the city sell a local drink called the "bate" which is thick and somewhat gray in color, made from a toasted seed called chan or chía along with honey or piloncillo. Another traditional drink sold on streets and parks is called "tuba." It is made from the flower of a type of palm tree, with apple, cucumber and peanut bits added.
Craft beer
[edit]Beer drinkers will find some good options in Colima. There are two regional microbreweries whose beers are available in various bars and retailers and there are a couple of beer bars and brewpubs in town.
The microbreweries are:
- Cerveceria de Colima: Their flagship is a light pilsner called Colimita. It is widely available in cans and on tap at restaurants and bars. At 4.2% alcohol, it's lighter than a good German or Czech pils, but it's a good choice if you're heading to the beach. They also brew some (much) more interesting seasonal beers, which lately have been darker lager styles. The beer as of early 2026 is the winter seasonal, Cabanitas, which is described as a "dunkles bock". They've also done a Vienna style and a porter they call Ticus.
- Cerveceria de la Costa: Positions themselves as a "beach lifestyle beer" similar to big-beer factory brands like Pacifico. The brewery brews both ales and lagers. Their Costera is a light blonde ale. Caleta is an unremarkable IPA. Their most interesting beers are lagers, including Colima 500 (Vienna amber), and Lunada (Munich dunkel).
- 1 Dos Puntos Cerveceria, Calle Santos Degollado 34, Centro, ☏ +52 312 155 4093. F-Su 09:00 - 02:00, Th 17:00 - 02:00, closed M-W. Offers about 6 artisanal beers on tap with a couple unremarkable light beers and IPAs and a couple much more balanced and flavorful darker beers. They also have some fruity flavored waters and hard seltzer. Interesting cocktails with a peculiar local twist including mezcalindo and tubazcal. Rooftop terrace offers great views with tasty food and beer.
- 2 Terraza Trapiche, Portal Medellin 11, Centro, ☏ +52 312 244 8380. Daily 18:00 - 00:00. Rooftop terrace bar featuring beers from the Cerveceria de Colima and innovative food and mixed drinks. Above the Best Western Hotel.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hacienda del Gobernador, Gildardo Gómez 124, Centro (downtown), ☏ +52 312 312 7964. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. The 18th century house of the governor, Gildardo Gómez, is now restored and transformed into this boutique hotel with rustic period decor and just 6 rooms. Rooms are spacious and have modern amenities, including cold air conditioning. It has an excellent restaurant, a tranquil courtyard garden, and a large, varied wine cellar. M$1200.
- 2 Hotel San Cristobal, No. 98 Calle Reforma, ☏ +52 312 312 0515. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Basic budget hotel with no amenities. Rooms are clean but have dated furniture. M$510 per room with shared toilet and shower, M$560 with shower and toilet..
- 3 Hotel Concierge Plaza Colima, Medellín No. 12, Centro, ☏ +52 312 136 4849. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Downtown hotel with spacious, clean rooms, on-site restaurant with full bar, off-street parking available in a lot behind the hotel. Very walkable area with plaza across the street and next to government offices with shops and restaurants within a block. M$1100.
- 4 Hotel Maria Isabel, Blvrd Camino Real 351, Jardines Vista Hermosa III, ☏ +52 312 316 0750. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Modern hotel with an extensive swimming pool complex centered on three pools with slides, fountains and play areas for the kids. Rooms are spacious but could use an update. On-site restaurant serves a full buffet breakfast. Basic toiletries. M$1600.
- 5 Hotel Aldama de Colima, Aldama 134, Centro, ☏ +52 312 330 7306. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Traditional Mexican hotel with a plain exterior and rooms clustered around an attractive central courtyard. Rooms are spacious with only basic furnishings. Service is friendly but some guests report problems with reservations not being honored. Basic breakfast service is available, but if you want a full breakfast, there is a restaurant on the corner with more options. M$700.
- 6 La Casona de Don Jorge, ☏ +52 312 330 7289. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Traditional colonial style hotel with rooms situated around a central courtyard with seating areas and mature shade trees. Rooms are spacious, very clean, but furnishings are a bit dated and toiletries rather basic. Beds were comfortable and room had cold air conditioning. Service is very friendly. WiFi internet has good signal. On-site cafe serves a good breakfast. Quiet location next to Jardin Núñez. M$1000.
Go next
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