Volcán de Colima

Volcán de Colima is an active stratovolcano on the border between the states of Colima and Jalisco in western Mexico. It is one of the country’s most active volcanic centres and forms part of a larger volcanic complex in the region.

The summit crater periodically emits ash, lava flows and pyroclastic material depending on eruptive phases, so activity levels fluctuate and are subject to monitoring and access control. The volcano’s visible activity and ash plumes are a major scientific and local safety concern.

The complex sits within a rugged volcanic landscape that includes older volcanic peaks and valleys used for agriculture and settlements at lower elevations. Over the 20th and 21st centuries the volcano has produced multiple eruptive episodes with impacts on nearby towns and air traffic.

The volcano lies inland from the Pacific coast in western Mexico; the nearest major cities include Colima and Manzanillo, which serve as bases for monitoring and for organised viewing when conditions allow.

• Activity and monitoring: One of Mexico's most active volcanoes, located on the Jalisco-Colima state border, and monitored continuously by Mexican geological authorities with periodic access restrictions for safety.

What to See #

• Active summit: Active summit crater that produces frequent strombolian to vulcanian activity and occasional larger eruptions; access to the immediate summit zone is restricted when levels of activity rise.
• Volcanic complex: Adjacent older volcanic edifice and broader volcanic complex that includes nearby peaks often referred to collectively with the summit as part of the regional volcanic system.