In Colima you will find a great variety of ecosystems and interesting sites to a very short distance.You will be able to make expeditions to the volcanoes, guided communitarian visits in the Manantlán Mountain Range, to diving and kayak in the coast.


ACTIVITIES THAT CAN BE DONE IN COLIMA STATE

ECOTURISM TOURISM OF ADVENTURE RURAL TOURISM

Interpretative Hiking Tours
Bird Observations
Mangrove Swap Boat Tours
Environmental Education Workshops
Lagoon Tours
Fossil Observations

Mountain Biking
Paragliding Flights
Grotto and Cave Expeditions
Expeditions to El Volcan de Fuego
Divign
Camping
Surf
Kayak
Mountain Hiking

INTERPRETATIVE HIKING TOURS

Interpretative hiking is practised in Cerro Grande mountain that belongs to the Biosphere Reserve of Manantlán Mountain Range. Campo Cuatro and El Terrero communities are in charge of hosting and guiding this nice tour by foot through the paths and trails, where a big variety of natural beuty can be observed.

Interpretative hiking tours are a way to make possible the enviromental education in wild areas, which allow the visitor to get involve with the place. The purpose of this type of tours is for the visitors to know and appreciate directly the physical and biological conditions of the place, its natural and cultural value, its ecological process, as well as the enviromental problems and necessities of its conservation.

 

 

BIRD OBSERVATIONS

For those who love nature, birds, bird singing and vivid colors, we will give you the opportunity to enjoy pleasent trails and to observe an endless number of beautiful birds in the Cooperative Reserve El Terrero, where there is also a Biosphere Reserve. This Cooperative is is part of the mesofilo mountain forest that is also known as Forest Always Green or Forest of Fog. Come to learn and to visit the birds of this diverse habitat, to enjoy the rich climate of this exuberant vegetation and to taste a typical food of the region. You will have the opportunity to see closely the bird “Flag”, which is the representative bird of the reserve, hummingbirds, gold inches and blackbirds. These are only some of 318 species that it is possible to see in the region.

 

 

 

MANGROVE SWAP BOAT TOURS

We invite you to see and know closely the development of the mangrove forest, which is the only aquatic forest in the world. At the same time, you will enjoy beautiful views and we will chat on several aspect of the life and local culture!


We, the families of the cooperative, have been part of this place for many years and it is like a home to us. We are trying to protect many natural treasures; together we will do our best to preserve this place. Throughout this tour, you will realize of the benefits the swaps bring to this community, and how Palo Verde swaps specially help our people to generate jobs, water, food and it is also a recreational place for them. You will be able to see the swaps’ wild life or to enjoy a beautiful view or just chat on several aspect of the life and local culture. It will be an unforgettable experience!

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WORKSHOPS

Participate in the conservation of the marine turtles. Cuyutlan Ecological Center ”El Tortugario” can be found in Armería beaches. In this place, the magic is lived on marine life with fantastic experiences that help to preserve endangered species. From November to February, visitors will have the opportunity to release from their own hands baby turtles ready to return to the sea, and at the same time, to visit the “Cocodrilario” and “Iguanario” (a center where crocodiles and iguanas are preserved) in the same place.

 



LAGOON TOURS

Colima has endless lovely natural resources all over the State and has a great variety of regions and microclimates. Some of these natural attractions are La María and Carrizalillo lagoons, both located to short distance of the Capital. There, the change of climate and vegetation can be felt, and an expectacular view of the two volcanoes can be seen. These places have camping areas, barbecues, lodging (only in “La María” Lagoon), boat and horse renting services, restaurant service and security patrol to have wonderful time in this places.

 

 

FOSSIL OBSERVATIONS

Campo Cuatro is a privileged zone because, in this place, it is possible to see innumerable petrified forms of flora and crustaceans. The presence of these fossils could refer to the transformations that Cerro Grande mountain has undergone throughout the years, because it is in the marine bottoms where frequently we found formation of fosiles, then these marine bottoms are brought out to the surface to show to us the wonders that they contain.

 

 

 

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Audacity and anger characterize the mountain cyclists who ride in their bicycles, the steep biking roads of the Manantlán Mountain Range. On wheels, visitors put into test their nerve, skills and resistance as opposed to the multiple difficulties of the road, while they discover wonderful landscapes. We are sure that you will spend a day with unforgettable experiences, knowing one the most exuberantes areas of the Bisophere Reserve of Manantlán Mountain Range or riding one of the 80 routs that exist in the state of Colima.

 

 

PARAGLIDING FLIGHTS

We have prepared a challenge for those who have always dreamed to fly. You will have the opportunity to live the experience to fly like a true bird! while you enjoy an expectacular view, the air at full speed on your face, feeling the greatness to be alive. Come to practice the paragliding flights, we guaranteed that this will be an experience that you will never forget. Colima is one of the few places in México where you can practice this sport all year long. It has become famous because Colima counts with excellent winds to practice this activity. The most appropraite and known mountains in the State to practice takeoffs are: La Cumbre and Juripiche in the Campo Cuatro area.

 

 

GROTTO AND CAVE EXPEDITIONS

This activity consists mainly in visiting, exploring and to descend in caves or grottos that are located in lands of lime origin. Colima State possesses ideal places in Cerro Gandre (Biosphere Reserve of the Manantlán Mountain Range); in the Municipality of Ixtlahuacan, and in La Floreña, part of Manzanillo Municipality. If you would like to visit this exciting places, please contact an expert grotto guide or call the RBSM communities so that they show the beauties of the zone to you.

 

 

EXPEDITIONS TO EL VOLCAN DE FUEGO

If you want to know and visit the areas of one of few active volcanoes in Mexico, join us to explore the huge and impressive Volcán de Fuego, from where you will be able to see abundant flora and fauna or walk or listen to the deep intereing sounds of the beautiful Volcán de Fuego. This is a very varied expedition, it is initiated with a visit to the lowest part of the volcano where you will take a short walk so that you can get to nearest and safest part of the volcano. During the expedition, you will enjoy seeing a great variety of flora and fauna and some communities near to the volcano.

 

 

DIVING

Colima offers you the opportunity to practice free diving or diving with equipment in the beaches of the Mexican Tropical Pacific. There are more than18 recognized places, just 40 minutes away from Manzanillo, where experts and beginners can dive. And why not diving with the giant mantarrayas or the many multicolor fish through the magnific formation of corals and rocks?

The submarine characteristics of the Manzanillo coast include rocky formations with canyon, arc forms that can be passesed through, and diverse areas where four types of coral grow. The reef systems in our planet are characterized for havig in common the abundance of submarine life, being a varied explosion of forms and colors, product all of them of the adaptations that the different species have developed for their survival.

 

 

CAMPING

Camping is one of most legendary activities peoplo do. If you are an adventurous traveller, Colima gives you the opportunity to enjoy nature and to do several activities in the camping areas. These are areas without much infrastructure but safe, of easy access and near some communities. We can even organize some worshops or/and courses on basic camping, first aid and environmental education, among others.

 

 

SURFING

Colima beaches are excellent places as much for recreation and rest, as for the practice of acuatic sports. A beach of great fame for the surfing practice (some tournaments at world-wide level have taken place in here) is Boca de Pacuales beach in Tecomán. The beaches of this region are the only ones that exist in México. They are characterized by their black sand of volcanic origin and the sunshades made of palm tree where you will enjoy delicious fresh seafood. Contact the experts in Colima if you wish to know more of this activity closely, for an exhibition or just to give you a brief surfing class.

 

 

KAYAK

We invite you to visit the Marabasco river in El Centinela community area and to enjoy its spectacular views in a kayak tour. If you want to practice this peaceful activity while you observe some lovely landscapes, Carrizalillo lagoon is the perfect place. Kayak renting service is also offered in this place. For those who are looking for an exciting adventure near the crocodiles, Colima also has this type of destinations in Manzanillo and other Colima Municipalities. If you want to know more about this exciting experience, please contact the Colima State Tourist Ministry.

 

 

MOUNTAIN HIKING TO “EL NEVADO”

Do some mountain hiking accompanied by expert guides and dare to live the adventure to be on the top of “El Volcán Nevado de Colima” which has 4,220 meters of altitude. You will feel and live the nature and freshness of the pine trees and event feel that you can touch the neighboring “Volcán de Fuego”. Now you can say that you have reached the top of a majestic volcano.


Throughout the tour to “El Volcán Nevado de Colima”, you will be able to see beautiful landscapes and canyons. This volcano has an extension of 22,200 hectares and was declared National Park in 1936. The tour lasts 180 minutes in total. Once the tour is finished, you will enjoy a delicious brunch in one of the volcano areas, while you have fun watching the the beautiful view of “El Volcán de Fuego”, located just 7 km away from “El Nevado de Colima”.

 

 

AGROTOURISM

Colima is an orchard! Some rural areas of Colima, offer you the possibility to learn and to participate in the traditional production of organic fruits. You can watch or be part of the process, such as help the farmer and try the products ready to be eaten. These are some areas and activities where the agro-tourism can be practised: The coffee plantations in Suchitlán, the extraction process of Cuyutlán’s salt, culture of medicinal plants, beekeepers in “La Yerbabuena” cooperative, palms trees and coconuts, banana orchards, mangoes and lemons in Tecomán, to mention some.

 

 

HANDCRAFTS WORKSHOPS

Between abundant coffee plantations and fruit trees, the hidden houses of the craftsmen who laboriously work in their crafts can be seen. They are known for their hand-woven crafts made of otate and reed material. The main crafts they produce are baskets, wooden baskets and “equipales” (it is a type of chair made of animal skin or leather and wood). However, Suchitlán’s craftsmen are specially famous for the hand-made wooden masks. Come and participate with the craftsmen of “Platanarillo” community, where the skilful hands transform the otate material into lovely baskets or hats. We recommend you to visit the Craftsmen Cooperative of Pueblo Blanco in Comala. There, you will learn and appreciate the artisan process in the manufacture of fine wooden furniture and iron-works, as well as to see beautiful hand-painted paintings based on original designs created by Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo, a local artist.

 

 

 

RURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

If you are one of those persons who likes to visit rural areas, meet the locals, learn about the traditions of each place, its handcrafts and delicious gastronomy, you just need to come and visit the beautiful rural areas of Colima State. From the mountain to the sea and to a very short distance from the city, Colima has an endless amount of places you can visit, where the friendly inhabitants of each place will welcome you. Some of these recommended places are, Zaculpan, Campo Cuatro, El Terrero, El Remate, Cuahutémoc, El Rancho de Villa, Platanario, Suchitlán, Nogueras, Cuyutlán, among many others you will love!

 

 

ECOARCHEOLOGY

In Colima State, there are some archeological sites near the Capital City. One of them is El Chanal , which was the first archeological zone recognized in Colima. La Campana is another of the most important archeological sites, where its “Tumbas de Tiro” (a type of pre-Hispanic tomb) with its ceramic offerings, its avenues with systems of pluvial drainage with channels made of stone and its religious center stand out.

 


State Tourism Ministry , Complejo Admvo. del Gobierno del Estado de Colima.
Tercer Anillo Periférico esq. Libramiento Ejército Nacional, Zona Norte, Edificio B, Piso 1.
Colima, Col., México. C.P. 28010 Phone 52 (312) 316 20 21  Fax 52 (312) 316 20 27
E-mail turiscol@correo.col.gob.mx

Kolimote Xtreme