The central square of Comala, a town about 20 minutes from Colima city recognized as a Pueblo Mágico, is lined with whitewashed, red-roofed colonnaded buildings typical of the town's architecture. It functions as the social hub of Comala, ringed by restaurants and bars under the arcades facing the plaza.
Comala's main plaza is the social and architectural heart of this Pueblo Mágico, ringed by white-painted colonial buildings with red-tile roofs and continuous portales, the covered arcades that shelter restaurants and shops from sun and rain. The plaza itself is a landscaped garden square with a central kiosco, benches, and mature trees, framed on clear days by views of the Nevado de Colima rising beyond the rooftops. Visitors spend one to two hours here browsing the portales' restaurants and craft shops, watching the plaza's steady stream of local life, and photographing the white facades against the volcano backdrop. Comala's ponche, a traditional fruit punch, and the town's characteristic sopitos are served at plaza-side restaurants and are a common stop for visitors. Musicians and vendors are common on weekend evenings, when the plaza is at its liveliest. Crowds build significantly on weekends and during Mexican holiday periods, when day-trippers from Colima City and Guadalajara fill the portales; weekday mornings offer the quietest experience.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access, daily; surrounding portales and restaurants generally operate 9:00AM-10:00PM |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon, when the whitewashed portales and volcano backdrop catch the best light |
| Getting there | About 15 minutes (9 km) by car, taxi or local bus from Colima City |
| Address | Jardín Principal, Centro, 28450 Comala, Colima, Mexico |
Location
Jardín Principal, Centro, 28450 Comala, Colima, Mexico
19.3219, -103.7592 View on map
Highlights
- White colonial portales framing the landscaped main plaza
- Nevado de Colima volcano views from the plaza on clear days
- Traditional ponche and sopitos at plaza-side restaurants
- Weekend evening music and local activity around the kiosco
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the heaviest tourist and day-tripper crowds
- Try the local ponche, a fruit punch specialty sold around the plaza
- Weekend evenings bring the liveliest atmosphere with music and vendors
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the portales involves a fair amount of walking
When to visit
Late afternoon, when the whitewashed portales and volcano backdrop catch the best light.
Accessibility
The plaza and surrounding portales are mostly level and walkable, though some sidewalk sections have uneven colonial-era paving that may be difficult for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend one to two hours browsing the portales and plaza, longer if stopping for a full meal.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the open plaza and pedestrian-friendly portales are easy for families to explore.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is unrestricted, and the white portales against the volcano backdrop are the most photographed view.