Colima: Mexico’s Best-Kept Secret for Adventurous Travelers
Explore Colima, an underrated Mexican region offering volcanoes, vibrant culture, epic surf, and unspoiled countryside all within easy reach.
Colima: The Overlooked Treasure of Mexico
Sandwiched between Jalisco and Michoacán on Mexico’s sun-drenched Pacific coast, Colima remains one of the country’s most overlooked gems. Compact yet incredibly diverse, this semicircle-shaped region spans just about the size of Delaware and presents everything from sweeping beaches and lush jungles to volcano-punctuated villages and vibrant cultural scenes. Whether you seek adrenaline-fueled surf, moments in ghost towns, indigenous artistry, or tranquil countryside, Colima demands a spot on your travel radar.
Where is Colima?
Colima is located on Mexico’s west coast, bordered by the bustling state of Jalisco to the north and Michoacán to the south. Despite its enviable position along the Pacific, the state is more famous among Mexicans for its landscapes than among international travelers. Manzanillo is its main seaside outpost, but it is the rural interior and highlands—less touched by tourism—that truly define Colima’s character.
Why Colima Stands Out
- Size and Accessibility: Everything is within an hour’s drive—mountains, city, beach, and villages feel remarkably close together.
- Volcanic Drama: The region is shaped by the twin guardians of Volcán de Colima and Nevado de Colima, providing fertile soil, dramatic scenery, and thrilling adventure opportunities.
- Authentic Culture: Lively yet unpretentious, Colima’s capital city and villages pulse with creativity, crafts, and rich traditions untarnished by mass tourism.
- Epic Surf and Coastline: 100 miles of Pacific coastline, including secret coves and world-class waves, rival Mexico’s better-known coastal playgrounds.
All these highlights fit within a destination easy to explore by car and refreshingly devoid of the resort sprawl found elsewhere in the country.
An Untouched Landscape Waiting To Be Discovered
The capital, Colima City, is a small urban speck centrally located within the state’s lush countryside. Drive in any direction and you encounter vistas marked by sugarcane and coffee fields, volcanic silhouettes, and historic farming villages. From the city’s compact core, it’s only a short journey to:
- Agricultural fields alive with tropical fruit and timeless rhythms.
- Mountain hamlets perched beneath looming cones of ancient volcanoes.
- Wild, undeveloped stretches of Pacific coastline.
Whether you seek active adventure or cultural immersion, Colima’s blend of accessibility and diversity means you can surf in the morning, hike a volcano by midday, and wander a market at sunset—all without ever feeling rushed.
Getting There
Colima’s airport is tiny and under-the-radar, with only up to five domestic flights a day. This limited access helps preserve the region’s authentic vibe and our sense of discovery.
Colima’s Star Attractions
1. The Twin Volcanoes: Colima and Nevado de Colima
To understand Colima, you must meet its volcanoes—two titans dominating the horizon and local imagination.
- Volcán de Colima: Nicknamed the “Volcano of Fire,” this active conical peak soars nearly 13,000 feet. Its slopes nurture sugarcane and coffee fields in the fertile plains below, and its occasional rumbles add drama to the landscape.
- Nevado de Colima: Slightly taller and capped with snow in winter, this ‘Sleeping Sister’ sits just behind its fiery counterpart, offering rich forests and cooler temperatures for hikers and nature lovers.
Outdoors enthusiasts can trek the forests and volcanic ridges of El Parque Nacional Nevado de Colima, where guides can point out pumas, jaguars, and exotic birds. For a memorable perspective, local operators such as Elevate offer hot-air balloon rides over the region, yielding panoramic views at sunrise.
2. The Ghost Town of La Yerbabuena
This gray-stone settlement sits eerily intact a few miles from Volcán de Colima’s crater. Once further up the volcano, La Yerbabuena was evacuated and relocated following eruptions in 2005 and again in 2016. Although lava never reached it, most townsfolk never returned, leaving a picturesque ghost town that is safe, haunting, and absolutely cinematic for visitors.
3. Manzanillo: The Laid-Back Surf Coast
Though Manzanillo, the best-known beach town, has slowly grown with new resorts and cruise ship arrivals, it moves at a languid pace compared to the buzz of Puerto Vallarta to the north. Locals and savvy travelers come to Manzanillo for:
- World-class surf breaks such as Ola Escondida, where warm water, steady swells, and uncrowded waves draw surfers from around the globe.
- Reliable whale watching and game fishing (especially sailfish) during winter months.
- Quiet, palm-fringed beaches perfect for relaxed exploration, beachcombing, and picnics.
4. Inland Villages and Artistic Traditions
Colima’s heart is in its villages and artisan enclaves, where centuries-old customs still reign. Hand-painted masks, pottery, and brightly colored woven textiles appear at modest tianguis (markets) and family-run workshops. In the city, murals and sculpture parks highlight the region’s enduring creativity.
The Spirit of Adventure: Outdoor Activities in Colima
With its unique volcanic geography and unspoiled countryside, Colima is a playground for the active traveler. Here are just a few of the best ways to see the region’s wild side:
- Hiking: Trek volcanic slopes, lush cloud forests, and the tranquil trails of Nevado de Colima National Park. Spot rare birds and perhaps even glimpses of jaguars or pumas.
- Hot-air Ballooning: Glide above the volcanoes at sunrise for breathtaking panoramic views, organized by local adventure outfitters.
- Surfing: Ride consistent breaks on Manzanillo’s coast, suitable for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. Avoid the crowds found in Mexico’s famous surf towns.
- Fishing and Wildlife Boats: Head out for sailfish, marlin, or whale-watching expeditions from local ports.
- Horseback Riding: Rural haciendas offer trails that pass through mango groves, fields, and mountain foothills.
Cultural Marvels: Festivals, Cuisine, and Community
Festivals
Colima is fiercely proud of its local identity, and this shines through in festivals and folk traditions. Visitors are warmly welcomed at community fiestas, where music, dancing, colorful parades, and delicious homemade fare blur the line between guests and locals.
Cuisine
Colima’s cuisine is an underappreciated highlight, influenced by its tropical bounty and volcanic soil:
- Tropical fruits such as guava, papaya, and coconut star in local sweets and snacks.
- Hearty tamales and spicy birria (stew) fill family tables on weekends.
- Fresh seafood, especially ceviche, is ubiquitous along the coast. Manzanillo is renowned for its catch-of-the-day specialties.
- Regional drinks: Try ponche de granada (pomegranate punch) or locally-made coffee from volcanic slopes.
Getting Off the Beaten Path: How to Explore Colima Like a Local
To make the most of Colima’s undiscovered charms, consider the following tips for authentic, crowd-free travel:
- Use local guides. They offer deep knowledge of volcanic terrain, rural craft traditions, and hidden beaches.
- Sample the mercado scene. Wander Colima City’s central market for guava treats, handmade ceramics, and fresh fruit, or try small village markets for unique souvenirs.
- Avoid major tourist festivals and visit during local holidays, when town squares come alive with community celebrations rarely seen by outsiders.
- Rent a car. Colima’s compactness makes a self-drive trip easy and rewarding for spontaneous exploration.
Colima vs. More Popular Mexican Destinations
| Feature | Colima | Touristic Regions (e.g., Cancun, Puerto Vallarta) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Density | Low | High |
| Scenery | Volcanoes, jungles, coast, countryside | Mostly beaches, resorts, and city vibes |
| Access to Nature | Immediate and diverse | Resort-centered, less variety nearby |
| Cultural Authenticity | Deeply local and immersive | Often diluted by international influences |
| Adventure Opportunities | High: hiking, surfing, ballooning, wildlife | Mostly water sports and excursions |
Tips for Planning Your Visit
- When to Go: November through early May offers the best weather, avoiding the summer heat and rains.
- Transportation: Few direct flights mean most visitors connect via Mexico City or Guadalajara. Rent a car for flexible exploration.
- Language: Basic Spanish is helpful, as English is less common in rural areas.
- Accommodation: Choose from boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and hospitable casas rurales instead of large resorts.
Colima’s Future: On the Rise, But Still Off the Radar
Though still blissfully under the radar, Colima is beginning to attract more attention. In 2017, the state welcomed approximately 1 million visitors. Increased cruise ship stops in Manzanillo and domestic tourism promise gradual growth, but for now, the region’s wild spirit and untamed landscapes remain intact for those hungry to wander where few travelers tread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Colima
Q: Is Colima safe for tourists?
A: Yes, Colima is generally considered safe for travelers who use common sense. Petty crime can occur, as anywhere, but violent incidents are rare in rural and touristic areas. Always check local advice before hiking or visiting volcano zones.
Q: What is the best way to get around Colima?
A: Renting a car is the most flexible way to see the countryside, volcanoes, and beaches. Local taxis and buses connect major towns and the capital, but a car allows access to more remote villages and natural attractions.
Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?
A: While you can get by with basic phrases in the city and beach towns, much of rural Colima is off the international tourist trail. Knowing some Spanish will greatly enhance your experience and help you connect with locals.
Q: Are the volcanoes safe to visit?
A: Yes, but activity levels vary. Always check current conditions and consider guided tours, especially near Volcán de Colima, which is active and monitored.
Q: What is unique about Colima’s food?
A: Colima celebrates tropical fruits, spicy stews, and beachside seafood specialties. Try local sweets made from guava and coconut, ceviche with the day’s catch, handmade masa-based snacks, and coffee or punch brewed from volcanic slopes.
Conclusion
For travelers who prize authenticity, dramatic scenery, and the thrill of discovery, Colima is a destination whose days of invisibility are surely numbered. But for now, its volcanoes, coastlines, and welcoming communities represent Mexico’s best-kept secret for the intrepid and the curious.
