Comala

Comala is one of 10 municipalities in the northern part of the state of Colima, located 6 kilometers (4 mi) from Colima City. Its name means Lugar de Comales or Place of Griddles. It is a territory with pre-Hispanic origins that was reached by the Spanish during the time of occupation by the year 1527, when it was placed in the hands of Spaniard Bartolome Lopez. Today, the town of Comala has become established as a municipality with unique characteristics that make it very different from anywhere else.

One of the main features and perhaps the more important is the natural beauty. The area is famous for its landscape and climate conditions that allow for adventure sports like rock climbing and mountaineering to be done in all seasons. It has 5 protected areas: the national park Volcan de Colima , the forest protection area and wildlife refuge El Jabali , the biosphere reserve of the Manatlan sierra, and the natural resources protection area " Comala Las Huertas." Thanks to the ecological consciousness deeply rooted in most of its inhabitants, activities such as hiking or bird watching allow contact with the endemic ecosystem and the flora and fauna of the area. One can enjoy and observe: forests with walnut trees, mohogany, parota, fig, clavellina, spring, mimosa tenuiflora, acacia, guásima, cypress, ash, and pine trees; mammals such as deer, fox, coyote, badger, raccoon, opossum, wild boar, squirrel and gophers; and birds like dove, quail, magpie, chachalaca, woodpeckers, curio, sparrows, buzzards, owls, hawks, caracara, parakeet, tapacamino, and calandria. Furthermore, a tour of the regional food of Comala is another important reason why many visitors come regularly. Have you heard about the Botaneros?" These are places where you can eat all the appetizers you want and can, such as cured pork rinds, taquitos, ceviche, tostadas and guacamole, flautas with green and red sauce, soups, roasted ribs in red sauce, bean tacos, tongue tacos, barbecued goat tacos, red enchiladas, burritos, marinated pigs feet, and pork loin with cucumber.

These can all be enjoyed with only paying for the price of your drink, and are eaten in a fun atmosphere with live music to the rhythms of banda, ranchero, mariachi, bolero, and trova. Another very famous dish from the area is the famous Tatemado (pork loin seasoned with cumin, bay leaves, pepper, garlic, vinegar and pasilla chilies)

Savor also the delicious taste of the local Comala style sweet bread. And don’t forget about drinks. Try the delicious Ponche , punch made with mezcal and regional fruits such as pomegranate, tamarind and blackberry, and also the aromatic coffee with the unique quality of the highlands. Another feature which makes the region a highlight is the ethnic richness that is found in places like Zacualpan Suchitlán where the Nahuatl-speaking indigenous groups still prevail and retain almost intact their customs and traditions in an effort to keep alive their roots.

Noteworthy also are the historical monuments that stand out in the historic downtown of Comala, among which are: the Zocalo that dates back from the 19th century, the Iglesia de Nogueras from the 18th century, the Ex Hacienda de Nogueras from the 19th century, the Ex Hacienda de San Antonio and its Aqueduct from the 19th century, The Iglesia Parroquia, and the Town Hall.

And although Comala is still a small town, it is by no means a rustic site difficult to access since it has all the necessary services of electricity, water, telephone, cell phone signal, internet and a modern boulevard that connects the city in just minutes. Also, since its appointment as a Pueblo Magico de Mexico (Magical Town of Mexico), this has prompted the opening of new services so that visitors can find worthy places to sleep, to eat and have fun in this town full of harmony. For all those who seek a true quiet get-a-way, don’t miss Comala!