Colima, State capital in west-central Mexico
Colima is the capital of its state in west-central Mexico and sits in a valley at about 1,625 feet (495 meters) elevation. Volcanic landscape defines the geography and gives the city its natural setting.
The city was established in January 1527 after an earlier attempt a decade prior had collapsed due to disease outbreaks. Colonial authorities reorganized efforts and anchored the community more securely.
The name of the city comes from the Nahuatl language of the region's indigenous people. Neoclassical architecture shapes the center, where families and friends gather for religious ceremonies and weekend events.
Central areas are easy to walk through, as the terrain is mostly flat throughout. Weekends and early evenings are when the main squares see more foot traffic.
Sites like El Chanal and La Campana display techniques from times well before colonial arrival. Many visitors do not notice that certain structures were built using interlocking stone blocks without mortar.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
