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About Colima
Colima sits on Mexico's central Pacific coast, wedged between Jalisco and Michoacán, and is the country's second-smallest state by area after Tlaxcala. Its skyline is dominated by two volcanoes: Volcán de Fuego de Colima, one of the most active stratovolcanoes in North America, and its dormant twin Nevado de Colima, protected within Nevado de Colima National Park. Inland, the Pueblo Mágico of Comala is known for its whitewashed colonial architecture, bougainvillea-draped plazas, and open-air "Ana" bars serving free botanas with drinks. On the coast, Manzanillo combines a major commercial cargo port with a resort strip that includes the Las Hadas complex and deep-sea sailfish grounds that give the city its nickname, the Sailfish Capital of the World. Nearby beaches range from the calm bay sands of Playa Miramar and Playa Audiencia to the volcanic black sand of Playa Cuyutlán, famous for the seasonal "ola verde" (green wave) swell. The southern lowlands around Tecomán, self-titled the World Capital of the Lime, produce a large share of Mexico's Persian limes and host the annual Feria del Limón. The state capital, Colima City, retains a compact colonial center with a temperate climate distinct from the humid coast.
- Capital
- Colima (Colima City)
- Largest city
- Manzanillo
- Population
- ~731,000 (2020 census; one of Mexico's least-populous states)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Mexican Peso
- Time zone
- CST/CDT (UTC-6/-5)
Explore Colima by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Colima
The 25 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Nevado de Colima National Park
Jardín de la Amapa, Comala
Playa Miramar, Manzanillo
Playa Audiencia, Manzanillo
Cuyutlán Black-Sand Beach
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Colima Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Colima, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Colima
- Days 1-2Colima city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Colima
- Days 1-3Colima comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Colima, departure
Where to stay in Colima
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget MXN 1,000 (~$59)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range MXN 2,500 (~$148)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury MXN 7,000+ (~$413)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel America
Check rates on Booking.comBest Western Plus Hotel Ceballos
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Boutique Hacienda del Gobernador
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Boutique Casa Degollado
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Colima
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Cenaduría Julia
Pozole Colima
Ah Que Nanishe
La Fonda del Tatemado
El Trébol Cocina de Autor
Café Colima Centro
Getting around Colima
Colima is one of Mexico's smallest and most compact states, so most destinations sit within a one- to two-hour drive of the capital, Colima City. Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (ZLO), also known as Playa de Oro International Airport, is the state's only commercial gateway and sits directly on the coast near Manzanillo, making it the natural entry point for beach-focused visits. Colima City has a small regional airfield but no scheduled commercial passenger service, so travelers heading inland to the capital, Comala, or the Nevado de Colima foothills typically fly into ZLO or Guadalajara and continue by road. Within both Colima City and Manzanillo, colectivos, city buses, and taxis cover daily needs, while first-class intercity buses link the two urban centers and connect onward to Tecomán, Guadalajara, and beyond.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in MXN, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | MXN 450 (~$27) | MXN 1,300 (~$77) | MXN 4,200 (~$248) |
| Food (per day) | MXN 280 (~$17) | MXN 550 (~$33) | MXN 1,400 (~$83) |
| Transportation | MXN 150 (~$9) | MXN 300 (~$18) | MXN 700 (~$41) |
| Activities | MXN 120 (~$7) | MXN 350 (~$21) | MXN 700 (~$41) |
| Daily total | MXN 1,000 (~$59) | MXN 2,500 (~$148) | MXN 7,000+ (~$413) |
Best time to visit Colima
Colima's coast has a tropical wet-dry climate: the dry season from November through April brings sunny days, comfortable humidity, and the calmest seas for beach visits and sailfishing. The rainy season from June through October brings afternoon downpours, higher humidity, and occasional tropical storms or hurricanes affecting the Manzanillo coastline, though inland Colima City and Comala, at higher elevation, stay somewhat cooler and less humid year-round.
Essential travel tips
- Check current activity levels for Volcán de Fuego before planning any hike near Nevado de Colima National Park, since the neighboring volcano is frequently active
- Visit Comala's Ana bars in the late afternoon or early evening, when the free botanas and live music draw the biggest crowds
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and light rain gear if visiting during the June-October wet season
- Carry cash in small peso denominations for markets, Ana bars, and smaller coastal eateries that may not accept cards
- Try ponche de granada, tuba (a fermented palm drink), and lime-based dishes such as ceviche while in Colima
Safety information
The US State Department rates Colima state at Level 4: Do Not Travel (as of the 2026 Mexico Travel Advisory), citing crime, kidnapping, and violence tied to criminal groups contesting the state's commercial port and drug-trafficking routes; this is the advisory's highest risk category, applied to only a handful of Mexican states
Risk is heavily concentrated around the port of Manzanillo's cargo operations and rural areas rather than evenly spread across the state; the State Department carves out a narrow exception allowing government personnel into Manzanillo's central tourist and port areas (historic center, Malecon, hotel zone, Peninsula de Santiago/Las Hadas area, Club Santiago), reached only via specific highways
US government employees may not travel to any other area of Colima state outside that designated Manzanillo tourist corridor and the approved highway connections to Guadalajara (via 54D/110/200D) and to Jalisco/the airport (via Highway 200); travelers should treat this restricted-zone map as a strong proxy for areas to avoid
Stick to Manzanillo's established tourist zones (hotel zone, Malecon, Las Hadas/Santiago Peninsula) and organized day tours to Comala, Colima City, or the coast rather than independent driving into rural Colima or unfamiliar coastal roads
Avoid driving after dark on rural highways outside the Manzanillo-Colima City-Comala tourist corridor; armed robbery and cartel activity linked to port and trafficking routes have been reported on isolated stretches
Register with the US Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before visiting so the embassy/consulate can reach travelers in an emergency or evacuation scenario
Kidnapping and violent crime tied to criminal group turf conflicts over the Manzanillo port are the advisory's specific named risks; avoid displaying wealth, use hotel safes, and take only official taxis or app-based rides booked from inside a business
Colima City and the pueblo magico of Comala, while inland and away from the port conflict zone, still fall within a Level 4 state; check current local conditions and avoid areas with recent reported incidents before visiting
The Colima Volcano (Volcán de Fuego) is an active stratovolcano with a closed exclusion zone; do not attempt to approach or climb it independently, and check current activity status before any planned viewpoint visit
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Colima?
Most visitors from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and many other countries do not need a visa for tourism and receive a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) tourist permit for stays of up to 180 days on arrival in Mexico. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with the nearest Mexican consulate or the National Immigration Institute before traveling.
Is it safe to travel to Colima?
The US State Department rates Colima state a Level 4 advisory (Do Not Travel) due to crime linked to organized groups competing over the Manzanillo cargo port, though an exception is noted for the central tourist and hotel zones of Manzanillo. Travelers who choose to visit should stay within well-traveled tourist areas of Manzanillo, Colima City, and Comala, avoid the port area, travel by day, and check current official advisories before finalizing plans.
Can visitors see the Volcán de Fuego up close?
Volcán de Fuego de Colima is one of North America's most active volcanoes and is generally not open for summit hikes due to ongoing activity. Visitors typically view it from a safe distance at overlooks near Comala or from trails in the adjoining Nevado de Colima National Park, and should check current activity bulletins before planning any approach.
What is Comala known for?
Comala is a Pueblo Mágico known for its whitewashed colonial architecture, bougainvillea-covered plazas, and open-air Ana bars, where a drink order comes with a rotating series of free botanas (small plates). It sits near the base of the volcanoes and is a common base for day trips into the surrounding countryside.
What food is Colima famous for?
Colima's cuisine leans heavily on Pacific seafood, especially around Manzanillo, alongside dishes built around the state's namesake Persian limes grown near Tecomán. Local specialties include ceviche, ponche de granada (a spiced pomegranate drink), and tuba, a lightly fermented palm sap drink sold from carts in Colima City and Comala.
Explore Colima by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.
Cerro de Ortega
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Ciudad de Armería
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Ciudad de Villa de Álvarez
Explore Ciudad de Villa de Álvarez with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Ciudad de Villa de Álvarez.
Cofradía
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Cofradía de Juárez
Explore Cofradía de Juárez with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Cofradía de Juárez.
Colima
Explore Colima with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Colima.
Comala
Explore Comala with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Comala.
Coquimatlán
Explore Coquimatlán with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Coquimatlán.
Cuauhtémoc
Explore Cuauhtémoc with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Cuauhtémoc.
El Colomo
Explore El Colomo with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in El Colomo.
Manzanillo
Explore Manzanillo with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Manzanillo.
Quesería
Explore Quesería with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Quesería.
Tecomán
Explore Tecomán with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Tecomán.