National park · Mexico
Volcán Nevado de Colima National ParkParque Nacional Volcán Nevado de Colima
Enter the park for a day hike to Nevado de Colima summit: buy the entry ticket (≈ MXN 30‑50) and drive or take a 4WD from Ciudad Guzmán; best in dry summer months, avoid snow season Oct‑Jan.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
66 km² (25 sq mi)25 sq mi (66 km²)
approximate
Established
1936
Best months
Jun–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 66 km² (25 sq mi)25 sq mi (66 km²)
- Park area 6 555 ha; adjacent reserve adds ~12 000 ha (check).
- Established
- 1936
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- Permits
- For some areas
Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park offers high‑altitude hiking on a dormant volcano, pine forest walks and designated camping near the summit trail.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteAdministered by CONANP.
Size and age
66 km² (25 sq mi)25 sq mi (66 km²) · national park since 1936
Park area 6 555 ha; adjacent reserve adds ~12 000 ha (check).
Why go
- Hike the dormant Nevado de Colima volcano with panoramic views.
- Explore pine forests, high‑grass meadows and diverse wildlife.
- Backcountry camping at Campamento La Joya near the entrance.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctAvoid
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanSnow common, cold.
- FebCold, possible snow.
- MarVariable weather.
- AprSpring, less snow.
- MayWarmer, dry.
- JunDry, clear skies.
- JulDry, good visibility.
- AugDry, warm.
- SepTransition, still dry.
- OctSnow begins, cold.
- NovSnow, freezing.
- DecSnow, freezing.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puma, lynx, collared peccary, white‑tailed deerAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| 124 bird species, mainly woodland songbirdsMar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Guadalajara
Drive south on state highway 429 to Ciudad Guzmán, then follow signs to the park entrance (≈ 2 h total).
2–2.5 h
Open the page →
From Ciudad Guzmán
Hire a taxi or drive a 4WD on rough mountain road to the park gate (≈ 45 min).
45 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Park entrance / guard shack | Ticket office, parking lot, trailhead to Nevado de Colima. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Campamento La Joya | Camping glen with cabins, toilets and water near the entrance. | Open to visitors; reservation recommended. |
| Nevado de Colima summit area | High‑altitude trails, viewpoint, possible snow. | Open; guide recommended above 3 500 m. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, based on park office location.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | MXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3) | person | Approximate 2026 estimate (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Recommended for summit routes above 3 500 m.
- Camping
- Allowed only at designated sites such as Campamento La Joya.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves.
- Pets
- Dogs not allowed on trails.
- Drones
- Not permitted without CONANP permission.
Where to stay
In the park
Campamento La Joya
Cabins and camping area near the park gate.
Near the park
Ciudad Guzmán
Hotels, hostels and restaurants, 20 km (12 mi) from entrance.Hotels, hostels and restaurants, 12 mi (20 km) from entrance.
Safety
Altitude sickness medium
Rapid weather change high
Rough mountain roads medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Entrance area reachable by car; short walks to trailhead.
- Summit routes steep and not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay at designated campgrounds; pack out all waste.
- Use local guides to support community income.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park?
Entry is about MXN 30‑50 per person (check the latest price at the park office).
What are the best hikes in Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park?
The main hike is the summit trail to Nevado de Colima (6‑8 h round‑trip, hard). Shorter forest walks start at the entrance and can be done in 2‑3 h.
When is the best time to visit Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park?
Dry summer months June‑August offer clear skies and no snow; spring (April‑May) is also good. Avoid October‑January when snow and freezing temperatures are common.
Can I camp in the park?
Camping is allowed only at designated sites such as Campamento La Joya; backcountry camping requires permission.
Do I need a guide for the summit?
A guide is not mandatory but strongly recommended above 3 500 m for safety.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park
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