Colima
Getting in
By Plane
Reaching Colima is simple, with two airports serving the state. The first, in the capital, offers daily flights from Mexico City and Tijuana. The second, located in Manzanillo, provides daily connections to Mexico City and Los Angeles. These airports allow travelers from most parts of Mexico and the U.S. to reach Colima City with just one or two stopovers. Alternatively, Guadalajara International Airport offers a greater number of connections across Mexico and the U.S., often requiring just one stop. From Guadalajara, you can opt for ground transportation, rent a car, or take a bus to Colima. The journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours along a modern, safe highway.
By Car
The state of Colima is well connected by road. Its compact territory is linked to the north via Highway 54D, which leads to Guadalajara. The coastal Highway 200 connects Colima to the northwest, reaching Puerto Vallarta, where it meets Highway 15D, which extends all the way to Nogales on the U.S. border. To the southeast, Highway 200 continues along the coast, eventually reaching the border with Guatemala.
Most major roads in Colima are in good condition and safe to drive both day and night. However, due to the high volume of heavy cargo trucks transporting containers from the port of Manzanillo, it's advisable to drive during daylight hours for better visibility and safety. Currently, all roads in Colima are toll-free for private vehicles.
Security
Chances are that if you're planning a trip to Colima, you've come across news reports claiming that it’s one of Mexico’s most dangerous regions. Some countries, such as the U.S., even advise their citizens against traveling to this part of the country. While it’s true that violence has escalated in recent years, I can confidently tell you that it remains safe for travelers who aren’t seeking trouble.
Not too long ago, Colima was not only one of the safest cities in Mexico but also boasted a crime rate comparable to some of the most secure cities in Europe. Unfortunately, shifts in government strategies to combat drug trafficking, combined with conflicts between rival cartels, have affected the state, leading to a rise in violence and earning Colima the unfortunate distinction of having one of the highest murder rates per capita in the country.
However, it’s important to note that Colima has one of the smallest populations in Mexico, which skews the statistics. While the numbers may sound alarming, most of the violence is localized and linked to organized crime, typically not affecting tourists or everyday activities. Travelers who stick to well-traveled areas and remain cautious are unlikely to encounter any issues.
After reading the news, you might imagine Colima’s streets are deserted, with people too afraid to go out due to crime. In reality, it's quite the opposite. The streets, restaurants, shops, and malls are bustling with people going about their daily lives, minding their own business as usual.
What we recommend is to avoid questionable areas at night. If you do go out, try to blend in and avoid drawing attention to yourself or getting into confrontations, just as you would in any other part of the world.
Where to Stay
Choosing a hotel is influenced by several factors, such as the area where you want to stay, your budget, and the type of accommodation you prefer—whether it's an all-inclusive resort, boutique hotel, or an eco-friendly option, among others. Considering the factors mentioned, we’d like to recommend some of our favorite places to stay, offering a variety of options to accommodate different budgets and travel preferences.
What to See
What to Eat
Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable parts of a trip is the food. If that’s the case for you, we have great news: you can eat very well in Colima. Below, we present a selection of the most outstanding places in regional cuisine. These unique flavors combine fresh local ingredients with preparations and recipes passed down through generations. Please keep in mind that, being mostly traditional establishments, most of these places do not have policies in place for handling customer allergies. However, if you ask, they will answer your questions and will adjust their dishes to meet your needs whenever possible.
Get Around
Car Rental
Ridesharing APPs
Renting a car may not be an option for everyone. For those individuals, ridesharing apps like Uber are widely available and commonly used in Colima. Another affordable option for getting around.
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