Colima
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Mexico
Did you know?
- The Regional History Museum includes a replica shaft tomb.
- Bate is made with chia seeds, while tuba comes from palm flowers.
- Piedra Lisa turns a smooth volcanic rock into a slide.
See also
Overview
Colima pairs colonial architecture and museums with an unusual volcanic-rock slide. Nearby beaches and volcanoes offer outings beyond the city.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
Colima is the capital of Colima state in Mexico. It is not very touristy but richly rewards the intrepid traveler with colonial architecture, an excellent state museum, 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 and was named American Capital of Culture in 2014.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Colima is served by long-distance buses at Central de Autobuses Colima, with first-class and executive buses from major Mexican cities. Regional buses use Terminal Nuevo Horizonte. The city's airport (IATA: CLQ) offers flights from Tijuana with Volaris. A taxi from the airport to downtown costs about US$20.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Local buses from Terminal Nuevo Horizonte and Central de los Rojos serve the city and nearby areas, but are not recommended for tourists. The city center is walkable.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Colima has a tropical savanna climate with dry conditions from November to May and heavy rainfall from June to October. Hurricanes can sometimes affect the city, bringing heavy rain.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation options range from budget hotels like Hotel San Cristobal (M$510) to boutique hotels like Hacienda del Gobernador (M$1200). Most hotels are clustered downtown near the main plaza.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Traditional dishes include atole, pozole, menudo, birria, sopes. Local drinks include micheladas (beer with spices), bate (chia seed drink), and tuba (palm flower drink). Restaurants like Colimita Sabe and Cafe La Buena Vida serve breakfast, while El Charco de la Higuera offers regional cuisine. For drinks, visit Dos Puntos Cerveceria for craft beer or Terraza Trapiche for rooftop cocktails.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit Jardín Libertad, the main square, or slide down volcanic rock at Parque la Piedra Lisa (free). Explore museums: Regional History Museum (shaft tomb replica), Pinacoteca Universitaria (M$2), Museo de Artes Populares (M$2). See the Cathedral Basilica, colonial churches, and archaeological sites La Campana and El Chanal. Relax at Parque Regional Griselda Álvarez with zoo and lake.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Nearby destinations include the Pacific coast at Costalegre, and the cities of Morelia, Uruapan, and Zihuatanejo. Also neighboring states Michoacan and Jalisco offer further exploration.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Colima, onward travel options include Costalegre, Morelia, Uruapan, Zihuatanejo, Michoacan, and Jalisco.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Hacienda del Gobernador
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.
Recorded price: M$1200
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Aldama de Colima
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.
Recorded price: M$700
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Concierge Plaza Colima
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.
Recorded price: M$1100
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Maria Isabel
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.
Recorded price: M$1600
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel San Cristobal
Basic budget hotel with no amenities. Rooms are clean but have dated furniture.
Recorded price: M$510 per room with shared toilet and shower, M$560 with shower and toilet.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
La Casona de Don Jorge
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.
Recorded price: M$1000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cafe La Buena Vida
Popular brunch spot serving American-Mexican dishes including chilaquiles, huevos con machacado, french toast, excellent coffee and fresh fruit smoothies.
Recorded price: M$200
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Colimita Sabe
Relaxing small grab-and-go type place that specializes in breakfast. Several egg dishes, chilaquiles, hot cakes, and fresh fruit.
Recorded price: M$200
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Culture
Colima was named American Capital of Culture in 2014 and has five centuries of folklore, customs, gastronomy, and traditions.
Transport
The main bus station for long-distance travel is Central de Autobuses Colima. Local buses are available but not recommended for tourists.