Comala is a town of 10,000 people (2020) in the southwestern state of Colima, Mexico. It is nicknamed the "White Village of America" as the façades of the buildings in town have all been painted white since the 1960s. The historic center of the town was declared a Historic Monument Zone and the town became one of Mexico's Pueblos Magicos in 2002.

Plaza Principal and St. Michael's Church, Comala

Get in

Comala is close to the state capital of Colima. A taxi co Comala will take 10-15 minutes and cost about M$50.

Get around

Walk or use taxis.

See

Mural in the town hall

• Plaza Principal - the town square is a place to relax and enjoy the fresh air, surrounded by the beautiful white houses and streets that recall a bygone era. Check out the statue of Mexican writer Juan Rulfo. Rulfo never lived in Comala, but the town identifies with his book Pedro Paramo.

• Parroquia de San Miguel - The church of St. Michael is dedicated to the town's patron saint. The neoclassical church was built in the late 19th century, having been completed in 1884.

• Jardín Escultórico Juan Soriano is a sprawling sculpture garden featuring 20 modern art sculptures, mostly by Mexican artists, but a few by notable foreign artists as well. It's a tranquil space where local are known to bring a book and take a siesta.

• Museo Universitario Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo is a collection of pre-hispanic pieces and works of artist Alejandro Rangel, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, and furniture that he designed. The museum features five salas (exhibition galleries). It is operated by the University of Colima.

• Nogueras Haciendais an old sugar plantation dating back to the time of the Spanish conquest. It was granted by Hernán Cortés to one of his generals. In the 19th century, it was purchased by the Rangel family who grew sugar and limes up until the revolution of the early 20th century. A chapel at the hacienda was built by Franciscan friars and it still used for religious ceremonies.

Do

• Hike the trails on two volcanoes. Volcan Nevado de Colima National Park is perilously close to town and the twin peaks dominate the local landscape (one is a very active volcano).

• Visit the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, a protected biosphere with more than 139,000 hectares of mountainous wilderness in the states of Colima and Jalisco.

Eat

There are a couple of very distinctive local dishes that you might want to keep a look out for. Conejo tatemado is a local rabbit dish and la pepena is a stew that's made from the kind of offal usually reserved for sausages. Try it if you're bold enough!

• 1 Don Comalón, Venustiano Carranza s/n, Centro, (on the main highway (COL 175)), ☏ +52 3123155104. M-Th 13:00 - 19:00, F-Su 13:00 - 20:30. Cavernous open-format restaurant that offers dinner with a show. Live music, dancers and other performers. (updated Apr 2023)
• 2 Cuaxiote, Degollado #81, Centro, ☏ +52 3121188931. 08:00 - 23:00. This is the restaurant of the Paranera Hotel and Spa; it's open to the public and is one of the most highly regarded restaurants in Colima. Reservations are essential. The food is traditional Mexican with a regional emphasis on local dishes and locally sourced ingredients. An adventurous gourmand will love the unusual dishes. Try one of the local ponches instead of your usual drink. (updated Apr 2023)
• 3 Tiroloco, Capitán Llerenas 22, Centro, ☏ +52 3123155980. 19:00 - 00:00 (closed Tuesday). Down home funky eatery with local character to spare. La Torta Chuz or the Tacos Locos will go great with any of the specialty milkshakes. M$150. (updated Apr 2023)

Drink

In the days of the Spanish empire, the trade routes between Mexico and the Philippines were busy and lucrative. During that time, Filipinos brought over an alcoholic drink called tuba that's made by fermenting palm tree sap. You can still find it in parts of Colima, and Comala is one of the towns where locals still drink it.

Comala is also home to a relatively low-alcohol punch called ponche de Comala. More than a dozen local families produce it in a wide range of flavors including pomegranate, coconut, coffee, tamarind, and plum.

Sleep

• 1 La Paranera, Degollado 81, Centro, Comala, Col, ☏ +52 3126882729. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Upscale luxury hotel with spa, gardens, outdoor swimming pool, gourmet restaurant. M$3500. (updated Apr 2023)
• 2 Los Suspiros, 16 de Septiembre 74, Centro, Comala, ☏ +52 3121361969. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Mid-range hotel in the center of town. M$1300. (updated Apr 2023)
• 3 Casa Alvarada, Álvaro Obregón 105, San Juan, Comala, Col, ☏ +52 3123155229. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Comfortable family-run hotel. AC and fans in rooms. M$1100. (updated Apr 2023)

Go next

• Colima
• Manzanillo