Colima

The capital, founded in 1523

The state capital blends history, culture, and modernity. Founded in 1523, it preserves a historic center with its cathedral, colonial arcades, and murals that tell the region’s story. Its cheerful people and lively festivals reflect Colima’s identity. Surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, Colima offers both cultural and natural experiences, making it the perfect starting point to explore the state.

Events5

Banda el Recodo

Friday, November 13

Carrera Nacional Familiar

Sunday, November 22

JAZZ Arte en Libertad

Nov 24 – Nov 27

10k Ternium

Sunday, November 29

Recorrido del Recuerdo

Sunday, January 31 · 9:00 PM

Attractions25

Mountains

Cerro de la Cumbre

Viewpoint hill of about 770 meters above sea level, south of the city of Colima, along the Colima–Tepames road. A cobblestone road reaches the summit by car and several trails allow hiking up. At the top there is a chapel and a lookout with views of the city and the valley, as well as a paragliding take-off point. The best season is the dry one, from November to May.

Archaeology

Museo de las Culturas de Occidente «María Ahumada de Gómez»

Inside the Colima Casa de la Cultura, this museum holds a broad collection of pre-Hispanic pieces from Colima, largely donated by researcher María Ahumada, including the famous clay dancing dogs. Its 11 permanent rooms cover themes such as Mesoamerica and the West, lithics, architecture, religion, music, fauna and flora, work and technology.

Archaeology

Zona Arqueológica El Chanal

El Chanal was one of the largest Postclassic settlements in the Colima valley, flourishing between the 12th and 14th centuries. The tour covers the Plaza of the Altars, the Ball Court, the Plaza of Day and Night, the Plaza of Time and the Plaza of Water, with petroglyph blocks. The site has an administration office and a site museum.

Parks

Feria de Colima

Home of the Feria de Todos los Santos in Colima, the state's biggest fair: in 2026 it celebrates its 87th edition, from October 30 to November 16. It has several stages and zones, each with its own program: the Main Stage and the Palenque with the headliners, the Teatro del Pueblo, Plaza Bohemia, the Teatro del Caballo, the Lienzo Charro Camino Real, and the Zona Arbolada and Zona Picnic for dancing with DJs. There are also carnival rides, with the new El Blizzard, and on November 10 and 12 children enjoy free rides. Stage performances are free. In Colima Go you will find the full program, by day and by place.

Parks

Jardín Gregorio Torres Quintero

Tree-filled garden behind Colima's Cathedral, with mango trees, tabachines and palms and a central fountain. Stalls around it sell handicrafts, snacks and local drinks such as bate. It is named after Colima-born educator Gregorio Torres Quintero and is a nice place to rest after exploring the historic center.

Parks

Jardín Hidalgo

Quiet square in Colima's historic center, a couple of blocks from Jardín Libertad and dedicated to Miguel Hidalgo. It is known for its equatorial sundial, designed by architect Julio Mendoza, with explanations in several languages. Next to it are the Sagrario of San Felipe de Jesús, the Del Carmen Chapel and the Alfonso Michel University Art Gallery.

Parks

Jardín Libertad

Main square and heart of Colima's historic center. Its central bandstand, which Wikipedia says was brought from Belgium in 1891, is surrounded by palms, trees, flower beds and a fountain. Around it are the Cathedral Basilica, the Government Palace, the Regional History Museum and arcades with cafés and restaurants. Live music is often played on weekends.

Parks

Jardín Núñez

Public garden in Colima's historic center, a few blocks from Jardín Libertad. It is a compact, quiet space with palm trees, shade trees, benches, walkways and a fountain, ideal for sitting a while and watching everyday city life. It is on Francisco I. Madero street.

Parks

Parque de la Piedra Lisa

Family park in Colima city, famous for the Piedra Lisa: a volcanic rock just over two meters tall, polished by use, that kids and adults slide down. Legend says whoever slides on it will return to Colima or stay for good. The park has playgrounds, a skating track, an open-air theater and the Xoloescuintle interactive museum.

Parks

Parque Regional Griselda Álvarez

Large urban park in Colima, a few blocks from the historic center. It has an artificial lake with boat rides, walking paths, picnic and play areas, a zipline, hanging bridges, an open-air amphitheater and swimming pools. The Griselda Álvarez Museum is inside the park. It is run by the state government and usually offers different recreational activities each day.

Heritage

Catedral Basílica Menor de Colima

On a corner of Jardín Libertad, the cathedral dates back to the 16th century and has been rebuilt several times after earthquakes. Its current neoclassical structure has twin towers and a large dome, among the tallest buildings in the city. Inside, cedar wood carvings and the old statue of San Felipe de Jesús, patron saint of Colima, stand out. It has been a minor basilica since 1998.

Heritage

Centro Histórico de Colima (Jardín Libertad y portales)

The heart of the capital revolves around Jardín Libertad, with its 1891 Belgian kiosk, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the arcades with ice cream shops and cafés. A few steps away are the Regional History Museum, the University Pinacoteca, the Hidalgo Theater and the pedestrian Constitución walkway, with live music. It received the Barrio Mágico distinction in 2024.

Heritage

Museo Regional de Historia de Colima

Housed in a Porfirian-era building facing the main plaza, this INAH museum traces Colima's history from pre-Hispanic times to the 20th century. It displays Capacha, Ortice and Comala pottery, shaft tombs, evangelization, trade with the Philippines, Benito Juárez's passage and the Revolution. It opened in 1988 and INAH has managed it since 1989.

Heritage

Museo Universitario de Artes Populares María Teresa Pomar

University of Colima museum with a collection of Mexican folk art organized by craft: wood, textiles, plant fibers, leather, paper, ceramics, metalwork, toys, lacquer and more. It includes the Colima Room, with dance costumes, masks and instruments. Its building imitates traditional Colima houses, with a central courtyard and arcades. Guided tours in Spanish and English are offered.

Heritage

Museo Universitario Fernando del Paso

A 17th-century mansion remodeled by the University of Colima and dedicated to the writer Fernando del Paso. It holds more than two thousand works including poems, paintings, prints and drawings, plus videos and photographs about his life. It has five rooms, temporary exhibitions by young creators and round tables on his literary work.

Heritage

Palacio de Gobierno y Museo de Palacio

French-inspired neoclassical building, under construction from 1877 next to the Cathedral. Its main staircase has murals by Jorge Chávez Carrillo (1953) on Mexican history; the facade has a replica of the Dolores bell and a clock brought from Germany. On the ground floor, the Palace Museum has rooms on Alfonso Michel, numismatics, archaeology and weapons, with free admission.

Heritage

Pinacoteca Universitaria Alfonso Michel

Housed in old mansions in downtown Colima restored between 1994 and 1996, the Pinacoteca is the city's main art museum. It has eleven rooms around arched courtyards, a permanent exhibit dedicated to Colima painter Alfonso Michel, and temporary exhibitions of regional and national art. Its collection exceeds a thousand works of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography.

Heritage

Poliforum Cultural Adolfo Mexiac

Museum in a mansion in downtown Colima holding more than 1,200 graphic works by Adolfo Mexiac, a 20th-century artist and member of the Taller de Gráfica Popular from 1950 to 1960, known for socially driven work: prints, screenprints and murals. It has two permanent exhibition rooms and an audiovisual room.

Heritage

Templo de la Merced

Church in the La Merced neighborhood, south of downtown Colima, registered by INAH as a historic monument. Its dark stone facade with two towers sets it apart among the city's churches. The feast in honor of Our Lady of Mercy is celebrated here every September 24.

Heritage

Templo de Nuestra Señora del Refugio

Exposed-brick church on Matamoros street, east of downtown Colima, registered by INAH as a historic monument. Its brick facade, with a rose window and towers, contrasts with the neoclassical style of the cathedral. Festivities in honor of Our Lady of Refuge are held every July 4.

Heritage

Templo de San Felipe de Jesús (El Beaterio)

Known as El Beaterio or El Sagrario, this church in downtown Colima, next to Jardín Hidalgo, stands out for its tall bell tower, its single long nave and its stone portal with columns. It is dedicated to San Felipe de Jesús, patron saint of the city since 1668, whose feast is celebrated every February 5. The Carmen chapel stands next to it.

Pools & spas

Albercas del Parque Regional Metropolitano

Public pool complex inside the «Griselda Álvarez» Regional Metropolitan Park, in downtown Colima. It has pools, water slides, large dining areas and a play zone, plus ramps and amphibious chairs for people with disabilities. Open Wednesday to Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday for maintenance. There is a small recovery fee; free entry is only announced during school holidays.

Pools & spas

Balneario El Hervidero

Mild-temperature spring in the Estapilla area, municipality of Colima, that wells up strongly and forms a 'borbollón' that looks like boiling water. The water is clear and swimming is possible; there is shade, palapas with a restaurant, a camping area and spaces for barbecues and campfires. It is part of the Colima Water Route and charges an entrance fee.

Pools & spas

Parque Ecoturístico El Cahuite

Eco-tourism park in Acatitán, about 7 km from Colima city, with thermal-water pools (23 to 27 °C), water slides, children's areas, beach soccer and volleyball courts and a restaurant serving local dishes. There is a camping area and cabins by the river. It is one of the two balnearios listed by Colima's official tourism guide, and charges an entrance fee.

Pools & spas

Summerland Parque Acuático

Water park on the Colima-Manzanillo highway (km 10, Las Golondrinas) with a beach-style pool with gradual entry, three main water slides, more pools and a children's area. It has restrooms, changing rooms, parking, covered tables and food for sale; visitors may bring their own food. It mainly opens Thursday to Sunday and on holidays, and charges an entrance fee.