Zacualpan

Zacualpan is an indigenous Nahua community in the municipality of Comala, on the slopes of the Cerro Grande and close to the canyon of the Río Armería, known locally as the Río Grande. Its name is usually translated from Nahuatl as on top of the pyramid, and it is one of the few indigenous communities in the state of Colima.

The community is closely tied to its water. Springs at the foot of the hills feed the Zacualpan river, and an aqueduct from here supplies drinking water to Colima and Villa de Álvarez. The spring known as the Ojo de Agua and the nearby river are where visitors come to cool off, and the Cerro del Juripichi rises nearby. In recent years the community has drawn attention for defending its land and water against mining projects.

Zacualpan's big celebration is for its patron, Santiago Apóstol, with religious and charro-bullfighting festivities that build up from mid-January to January 25. It is a place to visit quietly and respectfully, as a guest of the community.