El Chanal

The El Chanal archaeological site is an important excavation site about six km to the north of the capital city of Colima. The site stands in the middle of the Verde River valley. An ancient ceremonial city of tremendous importance, it may have been occupied by other groups as early as 1300 BCE, but it grew to the prominence we see today between the 12th and 14th centuries CE. With ruins visible on both banks of the river, today the structures open to the public include an impressive array of plazas, temples, altars, and a ball court. The central complex is surrounded by further plazas and residential platforms covered in sculptural reliefs.

Stone carvings of Tláloc, the rain god, and Ehécatl, the god of wind, decorate the steps of the ceremonial platforms. The symbols portray agricultural motifs and help us to understand the belief system of the ancient inhabitants. The site name is related to beings known as chanos, said to inhabit streams and small rivers. With the many representations of Tlaloc hwe, it is thought that the name is related to a cult following that took some prominence in the area.

Ancient artifacts also reveal the advanced skills in metallurgy and the long-distance trade practiced by the ancient peoples. Works in obsidian, plumbate pottery, copper ornaments, and sculptures that suggest relations with cultures as far away as those in Tula, today in the state of Hidalgo. Who the inhabitants really were has still not been determined by contemporary researchers. The present-day site is very well marked and includes explanatory signage to assist visitors in better understanding and exploring. 

The El Chanal site is roughly a 20 minute drive from the center of Colima. Most visitors will include it as a part of their trip to the capital. The site is open from Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.