Colima Volcano Trek & Crater Lake Kayak Day Trip

Summary

Hiking Mexico’s fiery volcano then kayaking a quiet crater lake

You’ll hike Colima Volcano’s wild slopes with a local guide who knows every bird call and story along the way. Then kayak across a crater lake surrounded by tropical trees and watch for herons or ducks gliding by. All equipment is sorted for you—including pickup and transport—so you can just focus on breathing mountain air and maybe getting your shoes muddy.

What’s the experience like?

We’d already been hiking for maybe half an hour when our guide, Diego, stopped us to listen. There was this odd hush—just wind in the pines and something like ash underfoot. He pointed up at Colima Volcano, said it’s the most active in Mexico. I remember thinking: it didn’t look dangerous from here, just huge and sort of quiet. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic. A few cows watched us from a distance (I swear one winked), and Diego told us about the last eruption while we caught our breath.

The trek wasn’t too tough, but you do feel that altitude after a bit—Diego kept checking on everyone, especially when we reached 1,500 meters. We passed some wild orchids tangled in the brush and he named every bird we heard (I only remembered “elegant trogon” because he made us repeat it—Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish). The ground was rough in spots but nothing scary. Honestly, I liked how nobody rushed us; we stopped whenever someone wanted to take a photo or just stare at the volcano for a minute.

Afterwards we drove out to this crater lake—it looked almost too green to be real. Kayaks were waiting by the shore, all lined up. Getting into mine was clumsy (sorry Diego), but once we pushed off everything went quiet except for paddles tapping water and some distant coots making weird noises. At one point a blue heron flew right over us—I nearly dropped my paddle watching it go. The sun felt warm on my back and there was this earthy smell coming off the water that I still think about sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek volcano and kayak crater lake

• Head to Colima volcano foothills
• Start 1.5-hour trek at 1500m elevation
• Go kayaking in crater lake for 1 hour
• Observe tropical birds and trees

Top questions

How long is the Colima Volcano trek?

The trek lasts about 1.5 hours at an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level.

Is kayaking included in the tour?

Yes, kayaking on a crater lake is included for about 1 hour with all equipment provided.

Are guides local?

Yes, tours are led by local guides who know the area well.

Is round-trip transport included?

Yes, round-trip transport from a central meeting point is included.

What wildlife might I see during the tour?

You may see tropical birds like elegant trogons, coots, muscovy ducks, blue herons, and night herons.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

No—all necessary trekking poles and kayaks are provided for you.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from a central meeting point in Colima, guidance from knowledgeable locals throughout both trekking and kayaking portions, plus all necessary equipment like trekking poles and kayaks so you don’t have to worry about packing extra gear.