Miles upon miles of palm trees line the land just inside the coastal shores. Jungle covered mountains plunge into the Pacific coast, or fall short to reveal golden sand beaches, waiting to be discovered and walked upon by tired feet.
This area along the coast of the Mexican Riviera is host to 3 main costal resort towns - Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan - as well as the exclusive and luxurious resorts along the Costalegre between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.
Today, this region is extremely accessible - by air and by road - and has become a favourite holiday destination for foreigners and Mexicans alike... read on and discover why.
Manzanillo has two parts - the resort area on the Santiago Peninsula, and the busy commercial area downtown and to the south. Manzanillo is a busy port town - but still retains its tranquil, laid back feel and authentic Mexican atmosphere.
Downtown, near the main plaza (Zocalo) you'll find typical scenes with colonial style houses and little streets that meander away and take you on a tour around this very Mexican town.
The centre of Manzanillo and the dock areas have recently undergone major renovation works. At the centre of the redevelopment is a new giant turquoise statue of a Marlin - Manzanillo's 'official fish'!
Alongside the Playa Azul, and Playa Las Brisas you'll find a selection of nice seafood restaurants in open air, next to the Pacific Ocean. You can enjoy great seafood here while watching and listening to the sound of the mighty Pacific, as it delivers its huge waves onto the beach just a couple of dozen yards away.
The resort peninsula hosts a range of family, mid range, and luxury hotels and resorts, with their own beaches, tucked away from the onslaught of the Pacific waves, making it safe to swim and play water sports. They are self-contained holiday centres: you don't need to leave the resort if you don't want to and just chill-out, relax and play water games.
There is plenty to offer in this area for those who want to explore. Sea fishing is a popular pastime here, and golf is becoming a major attraction, with Manzanillo hosting no less than 2 of Mexico's top 10 golf courses.
Manzanillo is in Mexico's State of Colima, right next door the State of Jalisco - which is home to the second largest city in Mexico - Guadalajara. Guadalajara gave to Mexico such things as the Mariachi, The Mexican Sombrero and Tequila. A day-trip to Guadalajara is very convenient from Manzanillo and is a worthwhile way to experience some of Mexico's great inland destinations.
Diving and bird watching are two of the other main pastimes here. Manzanillo is a favourite location for family holidays. The town is relaxed, the beaches are good and there's plenty to see and do for everyone. If you're looking for a resort town that doesn't have the over-commercialised feel of a resort town, then Manzanillo is good place to touch down for a week, maybe two.
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Key Attractions
Good Beaches
Manzanillo has lots of beaches to choose from; although not all are safe for
a swim, as they face the open Pacific ocean, and the combination of waves
and undertow make the sea one to watch, not one to interact with.
Surfing is a very popular pastime in Manzanillo, especially on Playa Miramar. Some of the beaches have been 'taken over' by the hotels and resorts that reside next to them; but there are still many public beaches that can be enjoyed by all, so if you're looking for some local life, Playa San Pedrito and Playa Audiencia will be good places to go.
If you're staying at a resort, you'll have direct access to the beach outside your hotel as well; technically all beaches are open to the public in Mexico. The beaches here are golden with medium-fine (not soft) sand.
All of the Mainstream Guidebooks give detailed information about the beaches, their locations and main attractions in Manzanillo. Find a guidebook on the Mexperience Bookshelf!
Water Sports
SCUBA divers will love Manzanillo - there are lots places to have a good underwater
diving experience without the need to boat out anywhere. Local firms cater
for all skill and experience levels, and if you want some proper classes as
a foundation to getting certified, you can do this as well!
Local Cruises
Local Boat Tours are a great way to see remote places otherwise not accessible
or difficult to get to. Your tour can include stops at good places for swimming,
snorkelling and diving, give you access to remote and secluded beaches, or
if you just want to relax, you can take a sunset cruise and watch the sun
melt into the Pacific Ocean in style!
Fishing Trips
Sports Fishing is big here - with year-round trips available. Around the third
week in November, the International Sailfish competition takes place in Manzanillo.
It's recommended that you book in advance as the fishing trips are extremely
popular and you are likely to be disappointed if you don't.
Away from the Water
Manzanillo is quite spread out. Unlike a lot of resorts, where all local attractions
can be accessed on foot, if you want to see local points of interest you're
going to need to rent a car (see Getting Around, below), take a cab, or arrange
a guided tour.
Local tours can include a guided tour of Manzanillo itself, as well a colonial tour of Colima (the coastal town about 60 miles south of here - it also has a Volcano).
Eco Tours from Manzanillo
There are several lagoons along the coast which are excellent places to go
bird watching.
Golf in Manzanillo
Manzanillo's claim to fame in the golf world: It boasts two golf courses in
Mexico's list of the top 10 - Baja California has only one! Manzanillo is
quickly becoming one of the top golfing locations in Mexico. Bring your clubs
and discover why!
See the Mexperience Directory for places to enjoy rounds of Golf in Manzanillo
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Getting There & Around
Getting There
By Air - You can fly to Manzanillo from the United States and and other points
in Mexico including Chihuahua, Mazatlan and Mexico City.
Connect to the Mexperience Directory for Airlines
By Bus - You can travel to Manzanillo on a luxury bus from Mexico City -
but note that the trip will take around 20 hours. These buses are also available
from Guadalajara, which is a more sensible road journey taking just over 4
hours. Flying is the most sensible way to get to Manzanillo, unless you are
on a budget, and don't mind the wait (and want to see the sights along the
way!).
Connect to the Mexperience Directory for National Busses
By Car - Driving to Manzanillo is recommended only if you have a good reason to go by road - for example, you want to stop and see places on the way. If you are going to drive, rent a good-sized, air-conditioned car to take with you, and share the driving. If you fly there or travel to Manzanillo by bus, you may want to rent a car locally - see below.
Getting Around
From the Airport - The airport resides about 25 miles away from Manzanillo on the north side, and there is plenty of ground transportation to get you into the 'hotel zones'. Your return trip to the airport can be booked with your hotel in advance.
Taxis - Manzanillo's Taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Hotels and taxis post taxi rates on a board, and depending on how far you're going to travel (defined by zones), the price will vary. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!
Rent a Car - If you're planning to stay in or around your resort, with infrequent
trips into town, or sightseeing by local tours only, then you won't need a
rental car and it's recommended that you give one a miss if those are your
plans. If you do have specific tours in mind that you want to undertake independently,
then renting a car will work out less expensive and more convenient than paying
for a taxi.
See the Mexperience Directory for details about Car Rental in Manzanillo
Local Events Calendar
During February, in even-numbered years, a boat race takes place as part of the Regatta Marina del Rey (near San Diego, USA) and finishes in Puerto Vallarta (south of Manzanillo). On odd numbered years, the same tournament takes place but starts in Puerto Vallarta and ends in San Diego. The end of the race is marked with parties and festivities at the Las Hadas resort here in Manzanillo.
November - The largest international fishing tournament is held in Manzanillo
around the third week in November. A smaller tournament (National) is held
in February.
Practical Information
Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialling codes.
Exchanging Currency: ATM machines can be found at main banks in downtown Manzanillo; many of the hotels now have ATMs as well. During business hours, banks and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveller's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about money and currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.
Internet Access: Connect to the Mexperience Directory for a list of Internet Cafes in Manzanillo.
Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Directory for details of
the nearest Tourist Information office.
Accommodation
Connect to the Mexperience Directory for details about Hotels in and around
Manzanillo.
Restaurants
Connect to the Mexperience Directory for details about Restaurants in and
around Manzanillo.
When Night Falls
Browsing Manzanillo, and looking around you would think that nightlife is something that doesn't exist here... but you would be wrong! Manzanillo's night life is alive and well, and although the "trendy" places change frequently, there's always something for everyone after the sun goes to bed
Locally Hosted Parties - Many of the Hotels host their own parties which include dinner, dancing, a show and all drinks for a fixed fee. Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.
Nightclub Scene Manzanillo provides excellent and varied night life for visitors. As with most night clubs on Mexico's coasts, they don't stop till the sun comes up! Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.
Beach Clubs - Some hotels provide night-club facilities in areas that lead out onto the beach... so does the music, dancing and drinks!
Night Bars / Restaurants - Manzanillo has a plentiful selection of night bars and restaurants to suit most tastes.
What to Buy in Manzanillo
Not a shopping Mecca on the Pacific, but if you're looking for some traditional Mexican art or craftwork, you'll be able to find it locally in downtown Manzanillo. Check in the shops in and around the main plaza.
For items you forgot to bring, like a floating body-board, beach sandals,
or sunglasses - all of the resort centres have on-site shops, which charge
slightly higher prices than you'd pay elsewhere (for the convenience), but
are not extortionate.
See the Mexperience Directory for Shopping Experiences in Manzanillo.
Local Climate
Manzanillo offers you year-round warmth. The rainy season is May to October,
but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late
afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off. September brings the highest
levels of humidity and sees the heaviest of the rains.
source: www.mexperience.com
