Colima - Pasquales - the Ocean

It looked like a good day to do some touristy stuff, and we went south to Colima, a bit less than 200 km from here.

The city of Colima is the capital of a small coastal state of the same name, and is dominated by a large volcano. The Volcán de Fuego de Colima and the extensive archaeological site of La Campana are two of the most interesting features of the city. As you can see, the 4,300 meters (over 14,000 feet) volcano dominates the archaeological site, one the largest in Mexico.

That being said, we had to ask the local police to get there as we got lost following the usual poor maps. So, here we are, following that green police car, and we reach the site, where only one bus of Mexico city tourist is parked.

No gate, ticket area, souvenir shop... none of the amenities that we have been accustomed to at any tourist site in the North. Eventually, we learn that Sunday is free for the locals... but we had to pay $70 pesos for the admission... still no map! But every area has a bilingual sign, describing the building and its probable use.

The ruins are monumental and it surprising that they resisted all the earthquakes since 900 AD. We were told that other countries are looking at the round stone building technology for its earthquake resistance.

We met a young couple of local Colima residents and we started a nice conversation about the city, the state and what to do and see here. We were suggested a comida (lunch) in a small trendy city nearby, Comala; that did not work as we had a picnic! Then what about going to the ocean? Less than an hour away... here we go for Boca de Pasquales.

We had not seen the Pacific since the Oregon coast, in May, under grey skies. Here, at the end of year, it is warm (31C), the sky is luminous from sunshine and we are enjoying great coqetels de camarones (shrimp cocktails à la mexicaine...).

Mexicans are private and though we were very close to some families, we did not socialize. We did some people watching, and watched our sorbet girl next table handle a 4x4 with some difficulties. The colours are cute and fresh!

We wanted to stay overnight... sorry all the big hotels are full... one with 6 rooms and the other, hammocks only! So it is back to Roca Azul. 

As we leave the capital of limes, Tecomán, we travel in immense coconut tree groves, with lime trees underneath and cows grazing. Nothing is lost or wasted here. We understand they produce copra oil.

The toll road takes us back to Roca Azul and Jocotepec, in time for supper. It crosses chains of volcanoes, fresh water lagunas and is very busy because the people from Guadalajara are returning back from the week-end.

It was a great day and we plan returning to the ocean quite soon.