Colima is Mexico's second-smallest state, a compact Pacific coast territory dominated by the twin volcanic peaks of Volcán de Fuego and Nevado de Colima. It pairs the whitewashed Pueblo Mágico of Comala with the resort and cargo port city of Manzanillo, self-styled the Sailfish Capital of the World, plus black-sand beaches, lime orchards around Tecomán, and a low-key colonial capital in Colima City.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Comala Plaza and Jardin de la Amapa
Best time: Golden hour, when low sun warms the white-and-red colonial facades around the plaza
Tip: Arrive before 5pm on weekdays to avoid mariachi-night crowds around the arcades · A standard zoom lens covers most plaza compositions without distortion · Use a polarizer to cut glare off the white stucco at midday · Nearest restrooms and water are at the cafes lining Jardin Torres Quintero
Volcan de Fuego Eruption Viewpoint
Best time: Early morning, before afternoon cloud and haze build over the crater
Tip: A 200mm-or-longer telephoto isolates the crater and plume from the highway distance · Use a tripod and mirror lock-up for sharp images at full zoom · Check Proteccion Civil's alert level before traveling, since access can close during high activity · Bring extra memory cards to burst-shoot sudden venting events
Cuyutlan Black-Sand Beach and Ola Verde
Best time: Midday during ola verde season for the wave's green color; sunset for warm light on the black sand
Tip: Midday sun brings out the ola verde's green color most clearly · A polarizer cuts glare off the wet black sand for richer color · Use a wide-based tripod or sandbag feet since soft sand causes legs to sink · Nearest restrooms and food stands are along the malecon near the main beach access
La Campana Archaeological Site at Sunset
Best time: Late afternoon and sunset, when low light rakes across the stepped platforms
Tip: Check the posted closing time in advance, since the site often closes before full sunset · A wide-angle lens captures the full platform complex from ground level · Use a tripod for the last low-light minutes before closing · Entry requires a modest INAH fee; bring small bills for the ticket booth
Las Hadas Moorish Architecture
Best time: Golden hour and sunset, when warm light highlights the white Moorish domes against Manzanillo Bay
Tip: Golden hour brings out the domes' texture without the glare of midday sun · A wide-angle lens suits courtyard and archway compositions · Confirm current public-access policy at the entrance before entering resort grounds · The marina walkway offers unrestricted public views if grounds access is limited
Laguna de Cuyutlan Salt Flats and Flamingos
Best time: Sunrise, when calm water and low light bring out the salt flats' pink and orange tones
Tip: A 300mm-or-longer telephoto keeps a respectful distance from wading birds · Use a tripod for stability with long lenses in low sunrise light · Wear neutral-colored clothing to avoid startling wildlife · A teleconverter adds reach without approaching the birds more closely
Nevado de Colima Summit Panorama
Best time: Sunrise, when the summit clears both the Pacific haze and Volcan de Fuego's smoke plume to the south
Tip: Begin the hike well before dawn to reach the summit for first light · A wide-angle lens captures the full crater and horizon sweep · Bring cold-weather gloves that still allow camera operation at altitude · Pack a headlamp for the pre-dawn approach over rocky terrain
Laguna La Maria Reflections
Best time: Sunrise, when still morning water mirrors the surrounding hills and volcano silhouette
Tip: Arrive at sunrise before wind or boats disturb the water's surface · A polarizer can be dialed back or removed to preserve the reflection's contrast · Use a tripod for long exposures that smooth any residual ripple · Weekday mornings offer the calmest water and fewest visitors
Suchitlan Forested Hills Viewpoint
Best time: Golden hour, when low side light brings out the layered forest ridgelines
Tip: Golden hour gives the strongest ridgeline separation through shadow and highlight · A telephoto lens compresses the layered ridges into a graphic composition · Visit in the November-to-April dry season for the clearest long-distance views · No facilities at the mirador itself; use those in Suchitlan village below
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Colima's strengths.
Overview photography
Colima ranges from the smoking cone of Volcan de Fuego and the near-4,260m Nevado de Colima to black-sand Pacific beaches, colonial plazas, and coastal wetlands, giving photographers subjects from volcanic drama to intimate small-town color.
Items photography
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Overview
- Comala and the volcanic foothills sit at moderate elevation with crisp morning light, while the coastal lowlands near Cuyutlan and Manzanillo stay warm and humid, favoring early or late golden hours over the midday sun.
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Carry a telephoto lens for both Volcan de Fuego's summit and the wading birds of Laguna de Cuyutlan, since both subjects require distance for safety or to avoid disturbing wildlife
Check official CENAPRED volcanic activity alerts before heading to any Volcan de Fuego viewpoint, since access and visibility can change with eruption status
Visit Cuyutlan in April-May for the rare ola verde green-wave phenomenon, best photographed at midday when the sun is directly overhead
Bring a polarizing filter for the coastal and lagoon shots, where glare off water and wet sand is constant
Pack layered clothing for the Nevado de Colima summit, where dawn temperatures can be near freezing even though the coast stays warm
Ask permission before photographing local fishing cooperatives' boats or work up close at Laguna de Cuyutlan and Alcuzahue