Twin peaks: reaching the sky of Colima

The majestic twin peaks of the Colima volcanoes stretch into the blue skyline on clear days and are a familiar sight cloaked in age-old folk tales and modern day mystery.

Located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Colima, the volcano complex consi

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sts of the Volcan de Fuego (volcano of fire), the most active volcano in North America, and the Nevado de Colima (volcano of snow), the older, inactive brother.

Legend tells of how the ancient Aztec spirit who inhabited the Nevado de Colima protected the surrounding villages and pueblos from the explosive and destructive temper of his younger brother, who lived in the Volcan de Fuego.

The Volcan de Fuego formed roughly 2,500 years ago at a height of 5,000 meters (16,600 feet) above sea level, making it a menacing landmark probably seen from Manzanillo. Sometime later a piece broke off the side, bringing it down to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Over time as the earth´s plates push the volcanic cone up through the existing core, the volcano has built back nearly 2,000 meters (6,700 feet). Visitors can see a ring around the volcano as the new cone thrusts upwards through the old cone.

In 1869, a "volcanito" or little cone formed on the side of the Volcan de Fuego at around 2,000 meters (6,700 feet). Today, the volcano still has occasional historical eruptions that issue forth lava flows and pyroclastic flows and columns. From time to time, the army closes off roads to the summit and evacuates villagers living in the shadow of the volcanoes in Laguna Santa Maria and La Yerbabuena.

In 1991, Volcan de Fuego produced a dome that rose 30 meters (100 feet) above the crater rim and later collapsed, sending lava flows down the upper slopes of the volcano. And in June 2005, the volcano showed increased signs of activity six times in less than a month, causing officials to predict another massive erruption.

The dormant Nevado de Colima, by comparison, is a wonderful hike for those with good fitness levels and stamina. Standing at more than 4,200 meters (14,000 feet) above sea level, it is covered by towering pine forests and cloaked in mist as you approach the summit. Deer, mountain lions, cougars and a wide abundance of birds and other high altitude flora and fauna inhabit the region.

Visitors to Colima can drive to Laguna Santa Maria for a spectacular view of the snow-capped peak of Nevado de Colima from the lagoon and discover La Yerbabuena, where villagers grow fruit and vegetables in the fertile volcanic soil.