This archipelago is part of a submerged mountain range, with the four islands representing the peaks of volcanoes emerging above sea level. The islands provide critical habitat for a range of wildlife and are of particular importance for seabirds.

With the Colima volcano in the background, this site is striking because of the design of its streets and buildings, as well as the numerous stone carvings found in its squares and courtyards. An example of the first urban settlements in Mesoamerica, it developed in parallel to Teotihuacan and Monte Albán.

Known as “the white town of America” for the characteristic color of its houses. The town is home to neoclassical buildings, such as the Parish Church of San Miguel, who is also the patron saint of the town. It is the imaginary place where the novel Pedro Paramo by Juan Rulfo takes place.

El Chanal is one of the most important sites of the Postclassic period in Western Mesoamerica, due to its unique architectural characteristics, its location, its time period and the size of the territory it covers.

The history of Colima since early times is housed in this architectural jewel from the Porfiriato period. The archeology (influenced by the great volcano), pottery from the Capacha, Ortice and Comala regions, shaft tombs, evangelization, trade with the Philippines, the passage of Benito Juarez, the Revolution and the region today are all represented.