El Chanal is a small Mesoamerican site on the northern edge of Colima city, occupied mainly between roughly 700 and 1300 CE. Its best-known feature is a set of stone platforms carved with glyphs and calendrical symbols, which is unusual among western Mexican sites and has made the site useful for studying links between this region and central Mexico.
El Chanal is a smaller, more intimate archaeological site on the northern edge of Colima City, notable for its carved stone reliefs depicting glyphs believed to relate to the Mesoamerican 260-day calendar. The site consists of a modest pyramidal structure and adjoining platforms, with the carved glyph panels being the site's most distinctive feature, set apart from the shaft-tomb tradition better known elsewhere in Colima. A single short loop path covers the excavated area, making for a quick visit of about an hour. The clearest view of the carved reliefs is from directly in front of the main platform in the morning, when raking sunlight brings out the depth of the carvings; by midday, flatter light makes the glyphs harder to read. The site receives far fewer visitors than La Campana, so even weekend visits tend to be quiet, and interpretive signage explains the significance of the calendar glyphs for visitors without a guide.
| Admission | Adult MXN 60 (~USD 3.55) · Child Free for under-13s and INAPAM seniors |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tuesday-Sunday 9:00AM-5:00PM, closed Monday |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | Morning for the softest light on the carved stone glyphs |
| Getting there | About 15 minutes by car from downtown Colima City |
| Address | Ejido El Chanal, 28978 Colima, Colima, Mexico |
Location
Ejido El Chanal, 28978 Colima, Colima, Mexico
19.2947, -103.7186 View on map
Highlights
- Carved stone glyph panels linked to the Mesoamerican calendar
- Compact pyramidal structure and platform complex
- Uncrowded compared to Colima's larger archaeological sites
- Interpretive signage explaining the calendar glyph significance
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning when raking light best reveals the carved glyph detail
- The site is small, pair it with La Campana for a fuller half-day of archaeology
- Bring cash for the entrance fee, as card payment is not guaranteed
- Wear sun protection, the site has little shade
When to visit
Morning for the softest raking light on the carved stone glyphs and to avoid midday heat.
Accessibility
The site's loop path is mostly level dirt and gravel, but the platform steps are not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A visit typically takes about an hour, given the compact size of the excavated area.
Is it worth it for kids?
The site is easy for families to walk, though the calendar-glyph carvings may hold more interest for older children.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is permitted, and morning light is best for capturing detail in the carved reliefs.