Town 8 km northwest of Comala
A Nahua community west of Comala by the Río Armería, known for its Ojo de Agua spring and its January fiesta of Santiago.
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.
What to see and do
Cool off at the Ojo de Agua spring and along the river.
Visit the parish and the main garden in the village center.
Come for the fiesta of Santiago Apóstol, which peaks on January 25.
Ask permission before taking photos of people or ceremonies, and follow any community rules for visitors.
Getting there
Zacualpan is west of Comala, but the paved road to it starts from Villa de Álvarez and continues toward Minatitlán; count on roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car from Comala. Access to the spring may be managed by the community, and conditions can change, so ask locally before going.
8 km northwest of Comala
Directions from Comala on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather warm
Zacualpan shares the climate of Comala, 8 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Make Comala your base
Zacualpan is an easy trip from Comala, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Comala
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Ruins of a large town on the Colima River that flourished around 1100–1400, with platforms, plazas and a ball court. -
Zona Arqueológica La Campana
· Archaeological site · 7 km away
The largest pre-Hispanic city of the Colima valley: stepped platforms, shaft tombs and a ball court with the volcano behind. -
Suchitlán
· Town · 8 km away
An indigenous village above Comala known for its carved wooden masks and the Danza de los Morenos. -
Laguna Carrizalillos
· Lake · 14 km away
A lake in the pine and oak forest on the volcano's slopes, with boats, kayaks, horses, cabins and camping. -
Laguna La María
· Lake · 17 km away
A crater lake in the forest at the foot of the Colima volcano, run by the local ejido, with boats, trails and cabins. -
Volcán de Colima
· Mountain · 26 km away
One of Mexico's most active volcanoes, towering over Comala; the summit area is off-limits, but it is a dramatic sight from the valley.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.