Archaeological site Colima Municipality of Colima Colima and its volcanoes
Ruins of a large town on the Colima River that flourished around 1100–1400, with platforms, plazas and a ball court.
From Colima: 15 min by car (7 km by road) How to get there ↓
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Plan your visit to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
Where to stay near Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
Hotel Brium Hotel · 3.2 km from the center Prices Hotel Gamma Colima Hotel · 4.0 km from the center PricesTours to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
A guide brings Zona Arqueológica El Chanal to life: look for tours from Comala that include the site and the ride there.
Tours from Manzanillo
Private Chichen Itza & Yaxunah Ruins with Cenote
★ 4.8 (111) · From US$518
How to get to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
- From Colima: about 15 min by road (~7 km)
- 7 km southeast of Comala
- Nearest airport: Colima (CLQ), 32 min by car to Comala
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Tours from Manzanillo, near Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
Tours, prices and ratings from Viator, checked weekly. We may earn a commission if you book.
About Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
El Chanal is an archaeological site about 4 kilometers north of the city of Colima, spread along both banks of the Colima River, and about 7 kilometers from Comala. Covering more than 50 hectares, it is probably the largest ancient settlement in the state, and it reached its peak between about AD 1100 and 1400, later than nearby La Campana.
The site had an almost urban character, with signs of a well-organized society. Its architecture includes the idea of the double temple, palaces with porticoes, ceremonial enclosures with a ball court, and altars on platforms. The material culture shows a strong Nahua influence, with images of gods such as Tláloc and Ehécatl, although who exactly the people of El Chanal were is still an open question.
Only a small part has been explored, and a visit takes about an hour. It pairs well with La Campana for anyone who wants to see the two main chapters of the Colima valley's ancient history in a single day.
How to get to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
Drive from Colima: 15 min, 7 km
El Chanal is about 15 to 20 minutes from Comala by car or taxi, on the north edge of the city of Colima. It is run by INAH; check opening days and hours before you go.
7 km southeast of Comala
Directions from Comala on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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From the nearest cities to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
- Colima · 7 km by road, 15 min
- Tecomán · 56 km by road, 1 h
- Ciudad Guzmán · 75 km by road, 1 h
Drive times by road from OpenStreetMap, without traffic or stops. Times marked ~ are estimated from the straight-line distance.
Before you go to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal: hours, prices and tips
- Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm. Closed Mondays. INAH · checked Oct 2026
- Entry
- 145 pesos for foreign visitors and 80 pesos for Mexican visitors (INAH category III). Free on Sundays for Mexican citizens. Visits outside opening hours cost 730 pesos. INAH · checked Oct 2026
- Guide or tour
- You can visit on your own. INAH lists guided tours among the site's services, along with toilets. Tours: Viator GetYourGuide INAH · checked Oct 2026
- Rules
- No smoking, no food and no pets. INAH · checked Oct 2026
Hours and prices change, especially around holidays. Each fact links to where we checked it.
Visiting Zona Arqueológica El Chanal: what to see and do
Walk among the platforms, plazas and the ball court.
Look for carved stones and the remains of the ceremonial enclosures.
Combine the visit with La Campana on the same day.
Bring water and a hat; there is little shade.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
Hotel Brium Hotel · 3.2 km from the center Find on Expedia Hotel Gamma Colima Hotel · 4.0 km from the center Find on Expedia Hotel Misión Hotel · 4.1 km from the center Find on Expedia Concierge Plaza La Villa Hotel · 4.4 km from the center Find on Expedia Hotel Maria Isabel Hotel · 4.9 km from the center Find on Expedia Hotel San Francisco Hotel · 5.0 km from the center Find on ExpediaTours & activities
A guide brings Zona Arqueológica El Chanal to life: look for tours from Comala that include the site and the ride there.
Rental cars
Pick up a car at CLQ (Colima): about 32 min by road to Comala, then 7 km more to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal, on your own schedule.
Flights
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Colima (CLQ), about 32 min by road from Comala, the base for Zona Arqueológica El Chanal.
Mobile data
Signal can drop away from Comala: download a map of the way to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal before you set out, or carry an eSIM with data.
Links open a partner site. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you. Hotel names from OpenStreetMap.
Photos
When to go to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal warm
Zona Arqueológica El Chanal shares the climate of Comala, 7 km away. The best months to visit are January, February, November, and December.
See the month-by-month climate of Comala
Weather in Zona Arqueológica El Chanal now and the next 7 days
Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Chance of rain is the day's highest.
Make Comala your base
Zona Arqueológica El Chanal is an easy trip from Comala, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
Also close to
Closest to Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
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Zona Arqueológica La Campana · Archaeological site · 3 km away
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Nogueras · Town · 5 km away
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Villa de Álvarez · City · 5 km away · Colima
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Centro Histórico de Colima · Landmark · 6 km away · Colima
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Colima · City · 6 km away · Colima
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Suchitlán · Town · 9 km away
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Laguna Carrizalillos · Lake · 14 km away
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Zacualpan · Town · 15 km away
Near Zona Arqueológica El Chanal
Drive times by road from OpenStreetMap, without traffic. Times marked ~ are estimated from the straight-line distance.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.