Colima: Archaeology, Salt Tradition and Nature

Discover Colima through a variety of experiences: archaeological sites, a museum devoted to regional history, salt production, nature and cultural events. When planning your trip, you can organize your visits by theme. El Chanal and La Campana showcase different archaeological features, while La Ruta de la Sal brings the salt-production process to life.

Archaeological Sites: El Chanal and La Campana

In the publicly accessible area of El Chanal, you can see ceremonial temples, palaces, altars and a ball court. At the La Campana archaeological site, the focus is on roads, buildings and numerous petroglyphs, which can be seen in plazas and courtyards. La Campana is located in the Municipality of Villa de Álvarez in the state of Colima. The different features on view can help you choose between the two sites based on your archaeological interests.

The usual route to El Chanal begins at the main square in the city of Colima. It follows El Chanal road or the extension of Calle Venustiano Carranza to the Tercer Anillo Periférico, which leads to the place of the same name. As road conditions can change, it is advisable to check the route before driving.

Museums and Cultural Events

The Museo Regional de Historia de Colima presents the region’s history from pre-Hispanic times through the first half of the 20th century. The building itself is also part of the visit: it was built in the early 19th century as a residence in the Porfirian style and is located at Portal Morelos. The museum opened in 1988. Here, you can explore regional history alongside a building with a history of its own.

Since 1879, the Teatro Hidalgo has hosted theater, opera, dance, international festivals, performances and exhibitions. If you would like to plan your trip around a specific performance or event, check the current program and dates.

The Fiestas Charrotaurinas of Villa de Álvarez last 15 days. The program may vary from year to year, so plan your trip around the specific event dates.

Forest Landscape and Getting Around

The Área de Protección de Recursos Naturales Las Huertas is located east of the municipal seat of Comala in the state of Colima. Tropical dry forests and gallery forests predominate there. The area can be reached by public transport on the Colima–Comala road; travel by private car is also an option. As transport details can change, check current connections before setting out.

Salt Tradition Around Cuyutlán

La Ruta de la Sal takes you through the salt-production process, from harvesting to packaging, using solar energy exclusively. Participants can collect salt themselves using tools provided by the saltworks team. An unusual truck with a palm-thatched roof takes visitors to Laguna de Cuyutlán, the center of salt production in the region. As transport arrangements can change, it is advisable to check them before making plans.

Cuyutlán salt is unprocessed, free of additives and produced through evaporation in the sun. Interactive exhibits at the Museo de la Sal explore the history of the saltworks, the importance of salt to the region and its impact on the local community. This gives you the opportunity to learn about salt production and its regional significance from different perspectives.

At the Tortugario de Cuyutlán, you can learn about the life cycle of sea turtles and conservation measures, and take part in releases. Dates and release schedules may change. If a release is especially important to you, check the current schedule before your visit.

Regional Cuisine

The local cuisine also offers ideas for your trip: cenadurías in the Municipality of Colima serve Sopitos colimotes, enchiladas and Pozole seco. If you would like to try regional dishes, these specialties can add a culinary touch to your visit to Colima.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Colima, Manzanillo, El Puertecito, Tecomán, Nuevo Caxitlán, Comala, El Limoncito, Cuyutlán

For the main travel overview: Mexico.