Centuries-old legends say that more than 3,000 years ago the God of fire looked down from the volcano, Nevado de Colima, to advise and give solace to the inhabitants of this region.

His hot-tempered younger brother, who resided in the Volcan de Colima, instilled fear in the hearts of his worshippers and would severely punish those who didn't please him.

Colima's volcano has been active for five million years. In the late Pleistocene era, a huge landslide occurred at the mountain, with debris traveling some 120 km, reaching the Pacific Ocean. This is the reason Manzanillo's sand beaches are comprised of both black and golden sand.

Click on photos to enlarge. Volcano photos taken from 1990-2011

Tourists will always remember their first view of the majestic mountains of Colima.

The inactive, snow-capped Nevado de Colima, towering above 14,200 feet and its active smoke-and lava-spewing partner, Volcan de Colima, at more than 13,488 feet overlook a lush, forested valley and tranquil lake. Lake Maria is formed by another extinct volcanic crater, and is said to be 2,000 ft. deep.

The Colima volcano is the most active volcano in Mexico, having erupted violently several times over the last 450 years. About 4,000 years ago it produced a cataclysmic avalanche much larger than that of Mount St. Helen's. Written accounts of the volcano's eruptions date from shortly after the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

Currently, Volcan de Fuego has quieted down, and though it is producing a plume of smoke, it no longer is issuing 3-6 pyroclastic explosions per day.

Activity is continuing year-round. How dangerous is all this activity? With modern-day seismographic equipment, numerous volcanologists and seismologists studying the volcano and recording various readings, with Mexico's Civil Protection agency ready to assist with evacuations should it be necessary--almost none.

The volcano is an hour and a half away from Manzanillo (the base is 90 miles away), and 45 minutes from the city of Colima. The evacuated villages are on the northern slope, at the base of the volcano, and Manzanillo is to the south. Because it is currently the most active volcano in Mexico, people are coming from all over the world to see it and study it.

Tourists, when deciding where to go on their vacation, should make sure to visit one of Mother Nature's most amazing natural wonders. Remember, Hawaii sees millions of visitors a years, and tours are frequently interrupted by a lava flow blocking the main highway. There is virtually no chance that visitors to the state of Colima could experience a similar situation.

Observe Mexico's most active volcano! We offer you these choices:

·         COLIMA FIRE VOLCANO TOUR (full day, approximately 8 hours) Colima Fire Volcano with full explanation of history and facts--and hazards. You'll get as close as 4 miles from the crater. Includes birdwatching, vista of the volcano caldera, a visit to a coffee plantation & coffee factory with coffee tasting*, see an indigenous mask maker/shaman as he works, stop in a "magic zone," where your car runs uphill without being turned on, enjoy lunch at a traditional Mexican restaurant in Comala,** and tour the Nogueras Museum. 1-4 persons, $95 USD; 5-7 persons, $90 USD.

·         VOLCANO VALLEY HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR (approximately 6 hours) If you like horseback riding and nature, this is the tour for you! Ride along different plantations, such as sugar cane, guava, coffee, corn; enjoy birdwatching, lunch in Comala at a traditional Mexican restaurant, served on corn tortillas made by hand just for you! Visit Suchitlan's indigenous mask maker/shaman, and on your way back, get ready for some volcano sightseeing. The ride is about 3 hours. 1-4 persons, $95 USD; 5-7 persons, $90 USD.

·         SNOW VOLCANO TOUR (full day, approximately 10 hours) Ever been to over 13,000 ft. in Mexico? You reach 11,500 ft. by car, and then trek the rest of the way. Full explanation of history and facts--and hazards. You'll get as close as 3½ miles from the crater. (You'll be standing on the dormant volcano, called the Volcan de Nieve, or Snow Volcano.) Open to adults & children 8 years and up. $130 USD

Tour prices include transportation to and from Manzanillo-Colima. Once arriving in Colima you will be met by your guide for the day. Lunch, where mentioned is included, as are all entrance fees. Added to the tour time is the 2 hour transportation time to and from Manzanillo.

*COFFEE PLANTATION: You will learn about the Arabica coffee bean and the process to harvest it. See the coffee factory where you will be treated to a cup of freshly ground and brewed coffee while the whole coffee production process is explained--from the selection, roasting, grinding and packaging. Colimotl-brand coffee is organically grown and sun dried.

HACIENDA DE NOGUERAS: Now a museum housing the work of the internationally-known artist Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo, including his UNICEF Christmas Card collection, as well as his finely handcrafted furniture made from precious hardwoods.  There are also 2 rooms with his private prehispanic pottery collection, which was donated to the University of Colima. Along with pottery, Rangel-Hidalgo donated his hacienda and later home to the university. All of the prints and other items sold in the gift shop benefit the university. Its your chance to see what a hacienda is really like inside, and learn how a Mexican kitchen functions without modern technology.

THE ART OF MASK-MAKING: Get to know the works of the third generation mask maker/shaman in one of Colima´s last indigenous towns, Suchitlan. You can also purchase an original, signed mask from Gorgonio, the mask maker.