Volcán de Colima, famously known as the “Volcano of Fire” (Volcán de Fuego), is the most active and potentially most dangerous volcano in Mexico. It straddles the border between the states of Colima and Jalisco, rising to 3,820 meters (12,533 feet).

Unlike the postcard-perfect, singular cones of other volcanoes, Colima is part of a dramatic “twin” complex. To the north stands its older, taller, and extinct brother, Nevado de Colima (4,260 m). To the south lies the younger, restless Volcán de Fuego, a smoking sentinel that has terrorized and fascinated civilizations for centuries.

Geological Setting: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

The Colima Volcanic Complex is a classic example of volcanic migration.

Nevado de Colima: This massive, eroded stratovolcano was active in the Pleistocene but is now extinct. Its height and location make it a popular destination for hikers and even snow seekers in winter.
Volcán de Fuego: This active cone grows on the southern flank of the ancient system. It is geologically young and incredibly active, characterized by steep slopes built from layers of lava and pyroclastic debris. The summit is often capped by a growing lava dome that periodically collapses, triggering deadly avalanches.

A History of Violence

Colima is one of the most active volcanoes in North America, with more than 40 recorded eruptions since 1576. Its cycle involves slow dome growth followed by violent explosions.

The 1913 Plinian Eruption

The most catastrophic event in recorded history occurred from January 20-24, 1913. A massive Plinian eruption blew the top off the mountain, creating a crater 300 meters deep.

The Ash Cloud: The eruption column punched into the stratosphere, and ash fell as far away as the city of Saltillo, 725 km to the northeast.
The Impact: The eruption devastated the local area with pyroclastic flows (fast-moving currents of hot gas and rock) and lahars. It remains the benchmark scenario for disaster planning in the region today.

Modern Activity

After a long rest, the volcano woke up again in the 1960s. Since the late 1990s, it has been in a state of near-constant activity.

The “Effusive” Years: Often, the volcano quietly extrudes lava, which tumbles down the slopes as incandescent rockfalls—a spectacular sight at night.
The “Explosive” Years: At other times, pressure builds up under the dome, leading to sudden Vulcanian explosions that can send ash plumes 5-10 km into the sky, forcing evacuations of nearby villages like La Yerbabuena.

Ecology of the Twin Peaks

The Colima complex is a sky island of biodiversity.

Vertical Zones: As you ascend Nevado de Colima, you pass through distinct distinct ecosystems: from tropical dry forest at the base, through pine-oak forests, to high-altitude fir forests (Abies religiosa), and finally, the alpine zacatonal (grassland).
Fauna: The forests are home to white-tailed deer, pumas, and colima warblers. The crags of the extinct peak are nesting sites for peregrine falcons.
The Firebreak: The active Volcán de Fuego acts as a natural “reset button.” Periodic fires and ashfall create a mosaic of forest patches at different stages of recovery, which actually increases overall biodiversity.

Indigenous Mythology: The God of Fire

Long before seismometers, the indigenous people had their own explanation for the volcano’s fury.

The Sleeping Governor: One legend tells of a cruel colonial governor who was cast into the volcano by the gods. His rage continues to burn, and when he tries to escape, the earth shakes and the mountain smokes.
Fire and Water: The twin peaks are often seen as a duality. Nevado (Snow) represents the calm, water-giving force that feeds the aquifers, while Fuego (Fire) represents the destructive, cleansing energy of the sun and earth.

The Coffee Connection

The rich volcanic soil on the southern slopes produces some of Mexico’s best coffee.

Comala Coffee: The shade-grown Arabica coffee from this region is prized for its acidity and fruity notes.
Volcanic Terroir: Farmers believe the periodic dusting of mineral-rich ash acts as a natural fertilizer, giving the beans a unique flavor profile that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

The Biosphere Reserve

The region is designated as the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve.

Teosinte: This reserve is famous for being the home of Zea diploperennis, a wild ancestor of corn (maize) that is perennial. Its discovery here was a botanical revolution, offering genes that could help feed the world.
Fireflies: Ideally visited in July and August, the lower humid slopes of the volcano come alive with millions of fireflies, creating a river of light that mirrors the lava flows above.

Cultural Cuisine: Sopitos

After a hike, the tradition is to eat in Colima or Comala.

Sopitos: Small, thick corn tortillas topped with ground meat and a special tomato juice.
Tuba: A refreshing drink made from coconut palm sap, often topped with peanuts. It is the perfect way to cool down after facing the “Volcano of Fire.”

Tourism: Viewing the Beast

While climbing the active Volcán de Fuego is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous due to falling rocks and gas, the area is a thriving tourist destination.

Nevado de Colima National Park

The best way to see the “Volcano of Fire” is from the slopes of the Nevado de Colima.

Hiking: You can hike to the summit of the extinct Nevado. From there, you have a front-row seat to look down into the smoking crater of the active volcano just 5 km away. It is one of the most dramatic volcanic viewpoints in the world.
Camping: Camping on the slopes of Nevado offers the chance to see the red glow of lava on the active cone at night.

The Magic Zone

The road to the volcano passes through a famous “Magic Zone” (Zona Mágica), an optical illusion where cars appear to roll uphill against gravity. It’s a fun, quirky stop on the way to the serious business of the mountain.

Comala and Colima City

The nearby “Magic Town” (Pueblo Mágico) of Comala, known as the “White Village of America,” offers stunning views of the twin volcanoes framed by whitewashed colonial buildings and bougainvillea. It is the perfect base for exploring the region’s coffee plantations and lagoons.

Monitoring and Safety

Because of the high population density in the states of Colima and Jalisco, the volcano is monitored 24/7 by the University of Colima and civil protection agencies.

Evacuation Zones: A map of hazard zones (Yellow and Red) strictly controls access. The exclusion zone radius changes based on current activity, often ranging from 5 to 12 kilometers.
Lahars: Even when not erupting, the volcano poses a threat during the rainy season, as loose ash can remobilize into deadly mudflows down the ravines (barrancas).

Conclusion

Volcán de Colima is a volcano of dualities: fire and ice (on the neighboring Nevado), destruction and fertility. It is a constant reminder to the people of western Mexico that the earth beneath them is alive. Whether viewed from the safety of a café in Comala or the rugged ridges of the Nevado, the “Volcano of Fire” is an awe-inspiring presence that commands respect.

The Salt of the Earth

The volcanic region is also famous for salt.

Cuyutlán Lagoon: Just south of the volcano lies the massive Cuyutlán Lagoon.
Volcanic Filtration: The mineral-rich water runs off the volcano into the lagoon, creating a unique salinity. The Sal de Colima harvested here is gourmet sea salt, famous across Mexico for its low sodium and high mineral content.

Archaeology: The Shaft Tombs

The cultures living under the volcano left a rich legacy.

The Shaft Tombs: The western Mexico shaft tomb tradition is unique.
Volcanic Preservation: While the tombs are underground, the volcanic soil has preserved the famous Colima Dogs—ceramic statues of hairless dogs that were believed to guide souls to the underworld. You can see these in the Museum of Western Cultures in Colima City.

The Annual Pilgrimage

Faith meets fire.

San Antonio: Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk from Colima City to the foot of the volcano to honor San Antonio.
The Vow: Many walk to ask for protection from eruptions or to thank the saint for the fertility of the land. It is a powerful display of the human need to find spiritual meaning in the face of overwhelming natural power.

Quick Facts

Location: Border of Jalisco and Colima, Mexico
Coordinates: 19.512° N, 103.617° W
Summit Elevation: 3,820 m (Active Cone) / 4,260 m (Nevado)
Volcano Type: Stratovolcano
Major Hazards: Pyroclastic flows, ashfall, lahars.
Nearest Major City: Colima City (30 km).