Comala, the Center of the Botanero Culture in Colima, México.

The tiny town of Comala, a scenic 15 minute drive up a tree lined road from the city of Colima. To some it is known as 'pueblito blanco' for its whitewashed buildings. The historic town is at the center of the botanero customs. The restaurants around the plaza serve many types of botanas (snacks) as you sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Mariachis play for you while you enjoy your botanas, as waiters serve up a Mexican smorsgasbord of endless plates of 'food of the day' specials, all for a basic set price. Botanas may include; quesadillas, tacos, salsas, enchiladas, ceviche tostadas and a number of quesos and ensaladas (salads). A Comala style fiesta that lasts all afternoon, every day of the week, with a special emphasis on weekends and families.

On Sundays, locals can be seen in the town square, enjoying ponche and drinks made from tamarind, fruits, as well as 'tuba' - a fermented semi-alcoholic drink made from palm tree sap.

Here in Comala, if you are lucky enough to be at a 'pan' (bread) shop when fresh, hot breads come out of the oven, the aroma is as good as the flavor. Most breads sell out very quickly, with the bulk being taken by delivery vans down to the City of Colima.

Time seems to have stood still along the narrow and winding cobblestone streets of Comala. A few years ago Comala was declared to be one of "Mexico's 20 Magic Towns", by President Vicente Fox. At an elevation of 2,000 feet, Comala's climate is much cooer and breezy, even during the height of a Colima's sweltering summer.

Hotels

Antiguo Comala
Bucaramanga
Campestre Suchitlán
Casa Nogueras
Don Comalón
El Balcón de Don José
El Pueblito
Los Portales de Suchitlán
Mirarte Restaurant Bar Jazz
Mirador Room (Hacienda de San Antonio)
Montes Azules
San Martin de Los Pinos

Celebrations

March 19
Los Paspaques de Suchitlán y Comala
Indigenous Nahua celebration of the corn.

Laguna de Carrizalillo
Located 15 minutes above Comala is picturesque Laguna de Carrizalillo. Surrounded by dense vegetation with a slightly cooler climate, is a favorite area for picnic, boating, and horseback riding.

Laguna La María
Located 22 km, approximately 30 minutes above Comala. Cabins with a swimming pool are available, as well as camping areas and RV spaces. The property also has a small restaurant and the surrounding areas are very popular for bird watching.

Noguera
Just 3 kilometers outside of Comala, with a beautiful little Eco Park and plaza lay the ruins of a sugar mill and some very unique historic old houses. The famous Museo de Alejandro Rangel is located in Noguera as well, featuring Christmas paintings and ancient artifacts of the Colima artist Alejandro Rangel (1923-2000).

Suchitlán
The home of craftsmen and artists who create beautiful traditional wooden masks, furniture, paintings, and iron-work. Located just 15 minutes from Comala. Between abundant coffee plantations and fruit trees, hidden away are the houses of artesanos whose laboriously work with handwoven craft materials made of otate and reeds. The producion of wooden baskets and "equipales" (it is a type of chair made of animal hide leather and wood).

Just below Suchitlán is Zona Magica, slightly to the south in a place where objects appear to defy gravity and roll uphill. If you blink you could miss it, the Magic Zone consists of a holistic retreat 'Soleil' run by a wonderfully spiritual Frenchman; a family run restaurant with flavorful Mexican dishes and botanas; and a mechanic - who seems to always be available to help drivers who's cars always seem to start overheating right in front of his establishment - especially during the spring and summer months.