Colima
The City of Colima, capital of the
State of Colima, is located only 140 miles south of Guadalajara, about a
two-and-a-half-hour drive; from Colima on to Manzanillo on the Pacific Coast is
another two and a half hours, all on mostly four-lane highways that are part of
the extensive new toll way system being built in Mexico.
 Colima
is a medium-sized city with a population of approximately 160,000 people, and
with an altitude of about 1,500 feet above sea level (substantially less than
that of Guadalajara at 5,000 feet plus), it’s high enough for summer
temperatures to remain much more moderate than in the nearby coastal towns. With
its pleasant tree-lined streets and many comfortable residential areas, it’s
quite lovely, yet has not become a haven for retirees as the Guadalajara/Lake
Chapala areas have, although some foreigners do reside here. The city has a full
range of tourist services with many pleasant hotels and several excellent
restaurants. The University of Colima has a very good folkloric ballet that is
definitely worth catching.
 About
half-way to Colima from Guadalajara, one spots two large mountains in the
distance, the first of which is Volcan Nevado de Colima (the Snow peak
Colima Volcano). At well over 14,000 feet high and Mexico’s seventh highest
peak, it has long been extinct. However, as you approach it and skirt it to the
east, another mountain comes into view from behind it, and you’ll notice a wisp
of smoke or steam arising from its peak. This is the Volcan de Fuego de
Colima (the Fiery Colima Volcano), a still-active volcano which reaches to
more than 13,000 feet. It began erupting millions of years ago, and continues
its periodical eruptions today. Since the arrival of the Spaniards, there have
been about 30 eruptions from this peak, making it one of the most active
volcanoes in the world, continuously observed by vulcanologists. The word
colima means “god of fire who rules,” after which the volcanoes, the city
and the state are all named.
Surrounded by coconut groves,
especially on its Pacific side, means that “You don’t take coconuts to Colima,”
as the natives will jokingly tell you, but you can purchase every coconut
product imaginable in these parts. With its towering volcanoes and slower pace
of life, Colima is both an exciting and laid-back place to visit.
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