This post is part of the #TeamChallenge proposed by @ermest , the first post by #TeamMexico
Somewhere along Mexico’s Pacific coast lies Colima, the country’s fourth-smallest state. Do not sleep on it, because despite its limited territory, Colima is quite a paradise for nature lovers. With only 711 thousand inhabitants (according to the 2015 census), there’s plenty of countrysides to explore. Colima has two giant guardians in the north: El Volcán de Fuego and El Nevado de Colima, which roughly translates to the fire volcano and Colima’s snowy volcano. The fire volcano its the fourth most active in all of Mexico, while El Nevado used to be active but nowadays we can mesmerize it without fear.
It is curious that both gigantic formations actually are part of the state of Jalisco, but their official name gives the benefit to Colima. There has been a dispute for years between the two Mexican states, but no one really knows the exact answer to the dilemma. In my opinion, Colima is the rightful and proud home of both volcanoes.
If you happen to be interested in trekking and hiking, then this is the place for you. Elevating 4270 meters above sea level, El Nevado is quite the climb. With beautiful views all the way from the top; in a clear day, you can actually see the ocean which is approximately 155 kilometers away.
A friend of mine who kindly share this amazing photos with all of us is an experienced hiker, and she told me that beginners can climb all the way to the top in about four hours if you have some experience then maybe two and a half hours. Now you know, get in shape if you want to see amazing views from the fourth highest mountain in Mexico. There are shelters where you can camp without a problem, just remember to be prepared and dress in layers because the temperature drops a lot at night. Always pick up your trash after you leave. You can find more information about Nevado de Colima National park here.
For those of you who aren’t quite the explorers, there’re some activities to do in Colima. The state is divided into ten municipios or counties: Colima, Villa de Álvarez, Coquimatlán, Ixtlahuacán, Minatitlán, Comala, Cuauhtémoc, Manzanillo, Tecomán and Armería. All of them have its fair share of interesting activities but I want to focus on Comala in the northern part of the state.
According to Mexican Tourism Secretary, Comala is known as a Pueblo Mágico or magic town. A location with symbolic attributes, legends, history, transcendent facts and magic that can be seen in its cultural practices. Well, that’s the definition that the government gives you if you Google “Pueblo Mágico”. Kind of lame actually, in better words, Pueblos Mágicos refer to historical towns across the country that have meaningful history and traditions. One of Mexico’s most important authors from the 20th Century was Juan Rulfo and in one of his most beloved works “Pedro Páramo”, he talked a lot about Comala.
The small town is known for its ceramic tile roofs, the beautiful main square, cantinas (Mexican bars) with live folk music and impressive views of both volcanoes. It is only a 15-minute drive from the capital city of Colima. A few kilometers north of Comala, Hacienda de San Antonio is located, a luxury hotel in the middle of the forest with one of the most astonishing views of the volcanoes you’ll ever see. If you spare 800 USD a night, then it can be all yours.
Heading south we encounter another of Mother Nature favorite sons: the ocean. In the municipality of Armería, you’ll find Cuyutlán beach, an international hub for surf lovers. Only a 45-minute drive from Colima with impressive palm tree views along the road is this small but powerful destination. It is quite famous for the mythic ola verde or green wave, a monstrous eight-meter wave that destroyed the coastal town some decades ago, or that’s what they say. Nowadays you can still encounter tremendous waves and meet surfers from all over the world.
If Cuyutlán isn’t enough, it’s neighbor Tecomán also has a world-class surf spot in Boca de Pascuales beach, just a few kilometers down the road from Armería. If surfing is not really your thing or you got tired of waves rolling you all over the sand, do not worry because some of the most delicious Colima seafood call Tecomán home. Try some ceviches, aguachiles, shrimps in many varieties under beachside palapas with a cold beer in hand.
There is much more than Colima has to offer, most Mexicans rarely know anything about this beautiful little state that is ofter overshadowed by Jalisco and Michoacán. If you happen to be nearby, now you know there are plenty of activities suitable for everyone in this small part of paradise.
And thank you for sharing this amazing post about Colima. Without any doubts, I can say that it is a piece of haven. I would love one day to visit Colima. To do some trekkings and to try to surf in the ocean. 
