Colima is the capital of Colima state in Mexico. This city is not very touristy but richly rewards the intrepid traveler who comes looking to experience a small state capitol with colonial architecture, an excellent state museum and 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 that conducts a lot of international exchange.
Due to its great culture that has five visible centuries of folklore, customs, gastronomy and traditions, it was named American Capital of Culture in 2014. It has a bullring where visitors can experience a traditional Spanish bullfight. It is also the third oldest city in Mexico (and on the American continental shelf), having been founded in 1523. Colima has a tropical savanna climate, with consistently high temperatures and extremely dry conditions from November to May followed by heavy rainfall from June to October. The city is sometimes affected by hurricanes, which can bring up to 140 millimetres (5.5 in) of rain per day and lengthy periods of heavy rain.
A complete network of buses will allow you to circulate in the city. There is no map of the lines: you will have to stop the first bus that passes by with a wave of your hand, and ask the driver how to get to your destination. Another bus station (Terminal Nuevo Horizonte) will allow you to go to the small towns around Colima. Taxis are common in the city. Prices tend to go up at the sight of a foreigner.
1 Jardín Libertad (Liberty Garden), Reforma s/n, Centro. The historic center of the city revolves around life in this square which fills with the sounds of music and is surrounded by bars and restaurants. It has a kiosk in the center, brought from Belgium in 1891, surrounded by palms and leafy trees and bushes. It is a pleasant place to sit and people-watch. It often hosts live music on weekends. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Jardín Hidalgo (Parque Hidalgo), Cristobal Colon. Dedicated to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. This square contains an equatorial sundial which is exact. It was designed by Julio Mendoza and contains explanations in several languages.
1 Parque Regional Griselda Álvarez, C. Santos Degollado SN, Centro. Daily 10:00 - 18:00. Recreational park with zoo, lake with pedal boats, zipline, picnic areas, walking trails. Needs better maintenance. (updated Apr 2026) 2 La Petatera de Villa de Alvarez (Bullring), Agustín Martell Valencia, Villa de Álvarez. A unique, handcrafted bullring, unique in the world with non-standard dimensions, constructed entirely of rustic materials including poles, logs, wood, rope, and woven mats, it is taken down each year and re-constructed the next in time for the Feria de Villa de Alvarez in early February. Events include bullfights, charreria, and nightly banda music concerts. (updated Apr 2026)
In restaurants in the city, you can try popular dishes such as atole with milk, white pozole, white menudo, tatamado, pipián mole, birria and sopes. 1 Colimita Sabe, C. José G. Alcaraz 1665, Jardines Vista Hermosa III, ☏ +52 312 118 5018. W-M 08:00 - 15:00, closed Tu. Relaxing small grab-and-go type place that specializes in breakfast. Several egg dishes, chilaquiles, hot cakes, and fresh fruit. M$200. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Cafe La Buena Vida, C. 27 de Septiembre 1402, Jardines Vista Hermosa III, ☏ +52 312 323 4018. Daily 08:00 - 14:00. Popular brunch spot serving American-Mexican dishes including chilaquiles, huevos con machacado, french toast, excellent coffee and fresh fruit smoothies.
The Plaza Principal has a few places where you can try the big pints of micheladas, a mix of beer, spices, lemon and salt. Stands in the city sell a local drink called the "bate" which is thick and somewhat gray in color, made from a toasted seed called chan or chía along with honey or piloncillo. Another traditional drink sold on streets and parks is called "tuba." It is made from the flower of a type of palm tree, with apple, cucumber and peanut bits added. Beer drinkers will find some good options in Colima. There are two regional microbreweries whose beers are available in various bars and retailers and there are a couple of beer bars and brewpubs in town.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Colima typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 23 rainy days.
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