Colima is a fantastic destination for travelers who want more than just pretty scenery. Its rugged volcanic landscape, colorful towns, and rich local traditions create a perfect backdrop for a variety of tours. Whether you’re after a scenic volcano experience, a thrill-seeking trek, or birdwatching adventures, Colima offers options that are both authentic and memorable. We particularly enjoy the Cultural Tour because it combines natural beauty with cultural discovery—something you won’t find in a typical beach resort.
Colima’s mixture of active volcanoes, lively towns, and lush plantations makes it a prime spot for engaging tours. This guide highlights the three best options, from immersive cultural experiences to adrenaline-pumping adventures, each tailored to different interests and travel styles.
Quick Overview
In this list, you’ll find a cultural tour that explores the volcano, coffee, and local crafts (more here), an adventurous trek combined with kayaking on a crater lake (see details here), and a birdwatching tour that offers a chance to spot endemic and migratory birds (find out more here). Each caters to different interests, whether you want cultural insights, outdoor action, or wildlife observation.
1. Colima Volcano Cultural Tour: Coffee Plantation, Hacienda and Comala Magic Town
For just $55 per person, this half-day tour offers a well-rounded taste of Colima’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The tour includes a visit to the active volcano, where you’ll learn about its history, hazards, and the living conditions of those who call its slopes home. It’s a great way to get a sense of how the landscape shapes daily life.
Next, you’ll explore a local coffee plantation at La Maria, where you’ll see how volcano-grown beans are harvested and processed—perfect for coffee lovers eager to understand the journey from bean to cup. The tour then takes you to the workshop of Alejandro Rangel, a renowned mask maker, and his impressive collection of pre-Columbian pottery, blending art with history. The day concludes in Comala, one of Mexico’s beloved Pueblos Mágicos, with time to wander its charming plazas and artisan shops.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of education, scenery, and local culture, all in a manageable six-hour window. It’s suitable for families and travelers of all ages, with lunch and entrance fees included.
Bottom line: If you want a laid-back, informative experience that covers volcano views, local art, and traditional towns, this tour offers solid value and fun insights.
2. Colima Volcano Trekking Plus Kayaking in a Crater Lake
At $59.62 per person, this is the choice for the active traveler craving a mix of hiking, nature, and adrenaline. The tour begins with a guided trek to Mexico’s most active volcano, Colima. Trekking poles are provided, making the climb accessible while still offering a satisfying challenge. Along the way, you’ll pass through coffee and avocado plantations, where you can sample freshly brewed coffee made from volcano-grown beans—a subtle way to enhance your mountain experience.
The highlight for many is kayaking across a crater lake. This calm, scenic body of water sits inside the volcano’s caldera, offering a surreal setting to paddle amid birdlife, iguanas, and even turtles. The combination of trekking and kayaking creates a well-rounded outdoor adventure that appeals to those who want more than just sightseeing.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, snacks, and drinks, making it convenient for travelers who prefer everything handled for them. The guides’ expertise ensures safety and insight, adding to the overall experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventure-seekers, this tour delivers a full day of physically engaging activities coupled with stunning volcanic scenery and the chance to paddle in a crater lake.
3. Colima Volcano Birdwatching Tour
For $65, this tour offers approximately five hours of birdwatching on the slopes of Colima’s volcano. It’s perfect for nature lovers eager to spot endemic and migratory species like the Lesser roadrunner, grey-crowned woodpecker, and orange-fronted parakeet. Starting from around 2,000 feet and climbing to about 5,000 feet, the tour explores different habitats rich with birdlife and flora.
Led by experienced guides, you’ll stop at several key locations to observe various bird species and learn about their behaviors. The scenery includes views of the Volcan de Colima and the Nevado de Colima, offering breathtaking backdrops for your birding. The tour emphasizes identification and observation, making it suitable even for those new to birdwatching, provided they’re comfortable with some light walking.
While this is a shorter tour, its strength lies in the chance to see rare or endemic birds in their natural environment. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate wildlife or want a quieter, more contemplative outing.
Bottom line: This is a perfect choice if you’re interested in birdwatching and want to explore Colima’s natural habitat with a knowledgeable guide.
$65.00 per person
How to Choose
When selecting among these tours, consider your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to dedicate. For a comprehensive cultural experience with scenic views and local arts, the Cultural Tour is ideal. If you’re after adventure and outdoor action, the trek and kayak offers a full day of physical activity and stunning landscapes. For those who love wildlife and quiet nature, the birdwatching tour provides a focused, peaceful way to see endemic species and enjoy the scenery.
Practical tips: Book early, especially during peak travel months, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about your fitness level—trekking and kayaking are more demanding, while the cultural and birdwatching options require less physical exertion. Also, consider how much time you want to spend; all tours are around five to six hours, making them easy half-day options.
Final Thoughts
Colima’s variety of tours makes it a fantastic place to explore actively or relax culturally. The Cultural Tour offers a balanced introduction to the region’s traditions and natural beauty, while the trek and kayak provides a more adrenaline-filled day for outdoor enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the birdwatching tour is perfect if you’re looking for a serene, nature-focused outing.
For most travelers, these options cover a broad range of interests. If you’re traveling with family, the cultural tour provides educational fun for all ages. Adventure lovers will appreciate the trekking and kayaking combo, and wildlife enthusiasts will find the birdwatching excursion rewarding. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s best to book early and plan your trip during the dry season when accessibility and visibility are at their best.