Colima, Mexico

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slopes of a fertile valley watered by two rivers. With views of two magnificent mountain peaks, its simple colonial architecture, luxuriant gardens and air of tranquillity, the city is a most delightful place.

History

The area around Colima almost certainly has a long pre-Columbian history, although next to nothing is known about the early inhabitants. Arriving in 1522 the Spanish under Gonzalo de Sandoval found an Indian settlement already in place, and established a town called San Sebastián de Caballeros next to it. Over the years, mainly in the 18th c. but again in recent decades, it has grown into a flourishing centre where the livestock, timber and agricultural produce of the ranches and haciendas in the countryside around is processed and marketed.