Zona Arqueológica La Campana
About This Museum
You know how most people think of the beach when they imagine Colima? Well, just outside the city lies La Campana, a sprawling pre-Columbian city that was once one of western Mexico's most important settlements, inhabited from as early as 1500 BC. Wandering the shaded paths, you're not on a sterile tour; you're walking through the remains of an actual urban center with pyramids, plazas, and even an ancient water system. The air is thick with the buzz of cicadas and the scent of damp earth, making it incredibly easy to imagine the vibrant life that once filled these stone foundations. It feels less like a museum and more like stumbling upon a secret world.
Collection Highlights
The main pyramid is a must-see, but don't miss the fascinating 'El Observatorio' structure and the extensive network of cobbled causeways that connected the city. One of the coolest things is seeing replicas of the famous Colima shaft tomb figurines placed right where they would have been found.
Visitor Information
It's surprisingly accessible right on the edge of Villa de Álvarez—wear comfy shoes for walking and maybe a hat, as some areas are quite open. The site is much bigger than it looks from the road, so give yourself at least an hour to properly explore.
Architecture & Building
The structures are primarily earthen and stone platforms faced with river cobbles, characteristic of Mesoamerican architecture, with pyramids and ceremonial plazas laid out across a vast green landscape.
Contact & Location
Address: Zona Arqueológica La Campana, Acceso a la Zona Arqueológica, López Mateos, Villa de Álvarez, Colima, 28977, México
Phone: +52 312 313 4945
