La Garita combines its early role as a stopping place on the route from Michoacán to Colima with the history of a later parish church. Las Jaras is also located here, a temazcal spa with thermal-water pools and other bathing and wellness offerings. Two distinct interests therefore come into play when choosing a destination: the town’s historical development and a visit focused on the baths and treatments at Las Jaras.
Trade History and the Town’s Name
La Garita was founded around 1846. Even before then, the town served as a stopping place for merchants from Michoacán traveling to Colima. On November 12, 1934, the name of the settlement was changed from Hacienda de San Lázaro to La Garita. The founding and the name change belong to different moments in the town’s development: the stopping place predates its approximate founding, while the name La Garita later replaced Hacienda de San Lázaro. The founding is dated to around 1846, whereas the name change took place on a specific day.
The Former Chapel and Today’s Parish Church
Construction of La Garita’s former chapel began with the laying of its foundation stone on April 15, 1883. Today’s parish church has its own timeline: construction began with the laying of its foundation stone on June 12, 1956; work on the foundations began in 1957. The church opened on May 12, 1963, although its roof was not yet complete. It was elevated to parish status on June 21, 1974. The start of construction, opening, and elevation to parish status thus mark different stages.
Bathing and Treatments at Las Jaras
As a tourist attraction, Las Jaras also draws visitors from outside the region. Facilities include swimming pools and slides for children and adults. There is also a sauna, a natural steam bath, a mud bath, and thermal-water pools. Massages and body and facial treatments round out the offerings. When planning your visit, you can focus either on swimming and slides or on the sauna, steam bath, and treatments. Services also include a restaurant, accommodation, a mini-market, and a loncherĂa. Check the current services before your visit; if you plan to stay overnight at Las Jaras, confirm availability as well.
Road Connections and Travel Planning
National Highway 110, Jiquilpan–Manzanillo, which began construction in 1940, passes through La Garita and connects the town with Tamazula and Mazamitla. The town’s role as a stopping place for merchants traveling to Colima belongs to an earlier phase of transportation; the highway connects the town with the two places named above. If you plan to use this route for your trip, check current road and route conditions.
Discover more destinations: Arandas, Mascota, Jocotepec, Tesistan, La Barca, Sayula, Ahualulco de Mercado, Coyula
For the broader travel overview: Jalisco.
