Things To Do
in Comala

Comala is a small, whitewashed colonial town in the state of Colima, Mexico, celebrated for its Pueblo Mágico designation, relaxed pace and mountain views. Narrow cobblestone streets, a tranquil central plaza and an old parish church give the town a timeless, photographic charm. Surrounding Comala are coffee plantations, sugarcane fields and sweeping vistas of the nearby active Volcán de Colima and the quieter slopes of the region.

The town is a hub for simple regional gastronomy, artisanal sweets and easy access to outdoor activities in the surrounding highlands.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Comala
morning
:

Arrive at the airport and take a scenic drive to Comala, enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Check into your charming hotel and unpack before heading out to explore the village. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets adorned with beautiful colonial architecture.

afternoon
:

Savor a traditional Mexican lunch at a local restaurant, where you can indulge in the famous regional dish, pozole. Afterward, visit the stunning Church of San Miguel, a beautiful example of colonial architecture that showcases the town's rich history. Spend some time in the nearby Zocalo, where you can mingle with locals and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine at a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Comala. Sample regional delicacies while listening to live mariachi music, adding a festive feel to your evening. Conclude your day by taking a peaceful walk through the lit-up town square, soaking in the charm of this magical village.

day 2
Exploring Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a quaint café, enjoying freshly made tortillas and local coffee. Then, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Comala Cultural Center, where you can learn about the town's artistic heritage. Admire local artworks and perhaps even catch a workshop in progress.

afternoon
:

Take a guided tour to one of the nearby coffee plantations, where you can witness the coffee-making process from bean to cup. Enjoy a delightful coffee tasting session and appreciate the rich flavors that the region has to offer. Afterward, return to Comala and explore its charming artisan shops for handmade crafts.

evening
:

Head to a local taqueria for a casual dinner, sampling delicious tacos filled with local meats and fresh toppings. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you interact with locals and fellow travelers. Wrap up your evening with a visit to the local market, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and sweet treats.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5-10
Cup of coffee (local café)$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride$2-6
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-80
🚌Bus to Colima city (one-way)$1.50-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Picturesque colonial town with photogenic whitewashed buildings and a calm atmosphere
  • Close to coffee plantations and natural viewpoints with volcano vistas
  • Authentic regional food and artisanal sweets in a small-town setting
  • Easy day trips to Colima city and coastal destinations like Manzanillo
  • Limited nightlife and few late-night services in town
  • Basic medical and emergency facilities — major care requires travel to Colima city
  • Rainy season can make rural roads muddy and some outdoor activities difficult
  • Volcanic activity in the region may restrict access to certain trails or viewpoints
  • "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
  • "Disculpe, ¿puede ayudarme?" - Excuse me, can you help me?
  • "¿Me recomienda algo típico?" - Can you recommend something typical?

Places to Visit in Comala

Visit one of these nice places.

Plaza Principal and parish church

Classic photos of whitewashed buildings, the central fountain and the town church framed by cobblestone streets.

Street views and Calle Real

Picturesque narrow lanes, colorful doors and flower-decorated facades — best in early morning or late afternoon light.

Viewpoints overlooking the valley and Volcán de Colima

Panoramic vistas that capture the town in the foreground with volcanic peaks in the distance; check visibility on clear days.

Coffee plantations and farm gates

Rural scenes of shade-grown coffee, drying patios and farmworkers provide intimate agricultural portraits.

Sunset and golden hour from the hills

Warm light casts long shadows across sugarcane fields and rooftops — a favorite time for landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Comala

Comala’s culinary scene blends simple mountain and western Mexico flavors with strong local coffee culture and sweets made from sugar cane. Expect home-style cooking in family-run fondas, artisanal bakeries and a few quaint restaurants catering to visitors. Fresh ingredients, seasonal vegetables and coffee from nearby plantations are the highlights.

Comala Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Local coffee

Highland Arabica coffee grown on small farms around Comala — try it at cafés in town or tour a plantation to taste freshly roasted brews.

Must-Try!

Sweets and desserts (dulces de piloncillo)

Artisanal sugar-cane sweets, panela-based treats and preserves sold in markets and specialty shops around town.

Traditional Mexican homestyle dishes

Fondas and family restaurants serve staples like tamales, stews and regional versions of pozole and enchiladas made from local ingredients.

Tuba and regional beverages

Tuba (fermented palm sap) and other local refreshments can be found at markets and small vendors in the area.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Town market and plaza stalls

Small market stalls and plaza vendors offer fresh produce, sweets, tortillas and occasional street snacks — ideal for sampling local flavors and buying artisanal goods.

Weekend artisan stands

On weekends you’ll find extra stalls selling homemade sweets, breads and regional specialties around the main square; arrive early for the best selection.

Climate Guide

Weather

Comala has a subtropical highland-influenced climate: warm days and cooler mornings in the highlands, with a pronounced rainy season from June to October and a dry season from November to May. Temperatures typically range from about 10–30°C (50–86°F) depending on elevation and season; afternoons are warm, mornings can be chilly in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet people with a polite 'hola' or 'buenos días/tardes'; a handshake is common in initial meetings.

Church and cultural respect

Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites and be quiet and respectful during services or ceremonies.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors and elders; many will appreciate being asked first.

Punctuality and friendliness

While rural areas can be relaxed about time, be punctual for arranged tours or restaurant reservations; show friendliness and patience in interactions.

Safety Guide

Safety

Comala is generally considered safe for travelers compared with larger Mexican cities, but basic precautions apply: watch for petty theft, don’t leave valuables visible in cars, avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night, and verify road conditions during the rainy season. Be aware of volcanic activity alerts for Volcán de Colima and follow guidance from authorities and park officials before hiking near the volcano. Emergency services and hospitals are limited in town; for serious medical care, travel to Colima city.

Tipping in Comala

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants: 10–15% if service is not included; Cafés and street vendors: no obligation, but round up small bills; Hotel staff: small tips of 20–50 MXN for bellhops/housekeeping are appreciated; Tour guides/drivers: 50–100 MXN depending on the service and length.

Payment Methods

Cash (Mexican pesos) is preferred in Comala, especially at markets, small eateries and rural services. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants, but bring cash for most purchases. ATMs are available in nearby Colima city; carry sufficient cash when exploring rural areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

June–September brings the rainy season with warm, humid days and frequent afternoon thunderstorms; mornings can be clear, but expect muddy trails and occasional road disruptions.

Autumn

October–November offers drier weather and pleasant temperatures; harvest activity in coffee areas increases and skies are often clear for volcano views.

Winter

December–February are cooler and dry, with chilly mornings (sometimes below 10°C/50°F) and comfortable daytime conditions — ideal for hiking and exploring.

Spring

March–May warms up, with dry, sunny days that can become hot by late spring; this is a good time for outdoor activities before the rains begin.

Nightlife Guide

Comala at Night

Comala’s nightlife is low-key and centered on relaxed evenings in cafés, cantinas and small bars with live or recorded regional music. Weekends bring a livelier crowd and sometimes community events, but for a wider range of bars, clubs and late-night options you’ll need to travel to Colima city (about 20–30 minutes by car).

Hiking in Comala

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Footpaths around the town and foothills

Short, accessible trails that loop from the town into nearby hills and coffee farms — ideal for gentle hikes and birdwatching.

Volcán de Colima viewpoints (foothill routes)

Trails and viewpoints at safe distances from the active volcano offer dramatic scenery; always check current volcanic activity and go with guides or official rangers.

Coffee farm trails

Network of paths across plantations where visitors can hike, learn about cultivation and enjoy shaded, cool routes.

Sierra foothill routes leading toward Colima city

Longer day hikes and routes into the surrounding sierra provide more challenging terrain and varied landscapes; bring water and inform someone of your plans.

Sierra de Manantlán access points (regional)

For more ambitious hikers, portions of the Manantlán Biosphere Reserve (on the Colima–Jalisco border) are reachable as day trips or overnight treks — organized trips recommended for logistics and permits.

Airports

How to reach Comala by plane.

Colima Airport (CLQ)

The nearest airport serving Colima state with regional flights; about a 20–40 minute drive to Comala depending on traffic — convenient for domestic connections.

Manzanillo / Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO)

Coastal airport serving international and domestic flights to the Pacific coast (Manzanillo area); roughly 1.5–2 hours by road from Comala, useful if visiting beaches and combining trips.

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)

Major international hub with many flight options; around 3.5–4.5 hours by car from Comala, often used by international travelers who then take a domestic connection or drive.

Getting Around

Walkability

Comala’s compact historic center is highly walkable; most attractions, restaurants and shops are within short walking distance of the plaza. Streets are often cobblestone and can be uneven, so wear comfortable shoes. Hilly terrain around the town means some uphill walking is required for viewpoints.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo population

The majority of Comala’s residents are mestizo, with blended indigenous and Spanish heritage; families often work in agriculture, small commerce and tourism.

Rural agricultural communities

People working on coffee farms, sugarcane and other crops populate the nearby countryside and maintain traditional livelihoods.

Small indigenous presence

There are small indigenous communities in Colima state; while not large in Comala itself, regional indigenous culture influences local traditions and crafts.

Visiting tourists and weekenders

A noticeable seasonal population of domestic tourists and weekend visitors from nearby cities enriches the town’s cultural mix, especially on holidays and weekends.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fútbol (soccer)

The most popular sport across Mexico — local and regional matches are followed enthusiastically and played in community fields.

Charreada and equestrian activities

Traditional horsemanship and rodeo-style events are part of local culture in rural Colima and surrounding areas.

Hiking and mountain biking

Outdoor pursuits are popular in the highlands around Comala, with trails suitable for both hiking and cycling.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Comala is light compared with urban centers; streets are narrow and parking near the plaza can be limited during peak times. For regional travel, roads are generally well-maintained but can be winding and affected by weather during the rainy season. Public transportation consists of local colectivos or small buses to Colima city and nearby communities; renting a car is useful for flexibility when exploring surrounding areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Comala.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are usually available in fondas and cafes (eggs, beans, rice, vegetables, salads). Ask for vegetable-based dishes or for modifications; small kitchens may have limited vegan choices.

Vegan

Vegan meals are less common — bring snacks and be prepared to explain restrictions (e.g., no lard, no cheese). Larger towns nearby will offer more vegan-friendly restaurants.

Gluten-free

Corn-based staples like tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur. Communicate needs clearly and prefer dishes based on corn, beans and grilled meats/vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Comala has basic clinics and first-aid services for minor illnesses and injuries. For urgent or specialized care, the main hospitals are in Colima city (about a 20–40 minute drive depending on route). Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is recommended for travelers planning vigorous outdoor activities or those with serious health concerns.

Discover Mexico

Read more in our Mexico 2025 Travel Guide.

Mexico Travel Guide