For those weary of flashy beach resorts and cities with countless colonial landmarks, Colima is a delightful retreat. The small state capital is among the safest cities of its size in Mexico, and the downtown area is alive with semitropical greenery. There are interesting museums, art galleries, live music events, unusual festivals, and magic supply stores, while nearby towns provide a glimpse into the life of a gentler, even less frenetic era.

North of the capital are several towns well worth visiting. Comala is a picture-postcard pueblo of bright white buildings with red-tile roofs 10 km north of Colima. Its number-one attraction is its plaza, with trees shading park benches, a bandstand, and a plain but pretty church.

10 kilometres north of Comala, indigenous traditions are maintained in Suchitlan. The town is famous for its carved ritual masks, used during Semana Santa celebrations. Just outside town is a small slope in the road, the zona magica, said to be bewitched.