Colima

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Colima

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Description

The capital of the state with the same name, Colima, is a charming little city framed by two majestic guardians: the Colima Volcano and the Fuego Volcano that are part of the South Coast mountain range (Cordillera Costera del Sur). Surrounded by a modern infrastructure, Colima is well qualified to meet the tourist demand offering first-class hotels, restaurants, and other services.

State: Colima

Coordinates:
Latitude: 19°31'- 18°41'

Longitude: 103°29'-104°41'

Altitude: 500 meters above sea level

Area:
km²

Time Zone: Central Standard Time UTC-6

Population: 146,904 inhabitants (INEGI, 2010)

Area Code: 312

Colima is a highly recommended destination for ecotourism due to the number of ecosystems that it has as well as its pleasant climate. It is also a city sought after for holding conventions. 

Some of its attractions include museums, parks, murals and art galleries. Its highlights include the University Institute of Fine Arts, city hall, the government palace, the University of Colima, and the Regional Museum of History, and its architectural gems. Connected by a highway linking it to Guadalajara and Manzanillo, Colima also has an airport of great architectural design like the large Hacienda Colimota.

Besides its architectural and natural beauty, Colima possesses a rich folklore that brings together their traditions, handicrafts, traditional music, and tasty cuisine.

Outside of the city there are three natural sites to visit: La María and Carrizalillo Lakes; the latter being an ideal place for relaxation that has cabins and green space which offers an exceptional view of the volcanoes and the Caves of San Gabriel.

How to get there?

The city of Colima is bordered by Cuauhtémoc in the north, by Ixtlahuacán to the south, Tecomán in the southeast, by the state of Michoacan in the southwest, to the east the state of Jalisco, and by Comimatlán to the west.

You can take Highway Guadalajara - Colima-Manzanillo and Colima Highway 110-Jiquilpan-Michoacán.

The city also has two airports nearby: the Playa de Oro International Airport is located in the city of Manzanillo an hour and a half away, and Miguel de la Madrid National Airport located in Buena Vista Cuauhtémoc just 22 kilometers from the city of Colima.  

Distances from Colima to other cities in Mexico

Manzanillo, Colima: 85 km.
Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco: 95 km.
Guadalajara, Jalisco: 220 km.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco: 360 km.
Morelia, Michoacán: 423 km.
Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes: 430 km.
Guanajuato, Guanajuato: 510 km.
Monterrey, Nuevo León: 1,050 km.
Veracruz, Veracruz: 1,130 km.
Mexico City, Federal District: 690 km.
Mérida, Yucatán: 2,020 km.

Climate

The climate of Colima is considered sub-humid and warm with a rainy season during the summer months from June to September.

The average annual temperature is 24°C to 26°C.  

What to pack?  

For tours of the city on foot, sneakers or comfortable shoes and sunblock are recommended.

During the winter months it is necessary to wear a jacket, boots or closed shoes, and long pants.

If you plan a visit to the volcano Nevado de Colima you need heavy clothing, a scarf, gloves, thermal underwear, and snow boots.

The rainy season is from June to September so it is recommended to bring an umbrella, light sweaters, pants, and light shirts.

In the spring you can wear sandals, flip flops, shorts, and short-sleeved shirts.

Cultural and Tourist Attractions of Colima

Architecture: Andador Constitución, Los Portales, Benito Juarez House,  Cathedral of Colima, Guadalupe Sanctuary, Temple and Garden of San José, Teatro Hidalgo, El Beateario Temple, La Merced Temple, La Salud Temple, Old Convent of San Fernando de Almoloyan, Federal Palace of Colima, Government Palace in Colima. Hidalgo Plazoleta, Rey de Colimán (Monument sculpture), Perritos Colimotes (Monument sculpture).

Gardens: Nuñez Garden, Libertad Garden, Gregorio Torres Quintero Garden, Piedra Lisa Park.

Museums: Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo University Museum, Regional Museum of Western Cultures, Regional Museum of the History of Colima, Maria Teresa Pomar University Museum of Popular Arts, Nogueras Cultural Center, Alfonso Michel University Art Gallery, University Institute of Fine Arts.  

Wild: Volcanoes: Volcán de Fuego, Nevado de Colima.  Carrizalillo Lake, Santa María Lake. Caves of San Gabriel (1 hour from Colima). Nogueras (village located 25 km. from Colima).

Archaeology: La Campana archeological site, El Chanal Archaeological site.

 Malls, restaurants, bars, nightclubs.