Guide To Manzanillio

About Manzanillio

Travel north from Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo on Mexico's Pacific coast - to the central coastal area of the country- and you'll discover the Mexican Riviera.

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 favorite 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 a 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 center of Manzanillo and the dock areas have recently undergone major renovation works: at the center 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 the 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 huge waves onto an exposed 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 into coves away from the onslaught of the Pacific waves, making it safe to swim and play water sports. They are self-contained holiday centers: you don't need to leave the resort if you don't want to and just chill-out, relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the local environment.

There is plenty to offer in this area for those who want to explore. Sea fishing is a popular pastime, and golf, too, is a major attraction, with Manzanillo hosting no less than two of Mexico's most important golf courses. Diving and bird-watching are two of the other main pastimes here.

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.

Manzanillo is a favorite 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-commercialized 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 (exposed beaches), and in the latter, 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 may be enjoyed by all, so if you're looking for some local life, Playa San Pedrito and Playa Audiencia will be good places to explore.

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 in color with medium-fine (not soft) sand.

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, snorkeling 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. Also See: Mexperience guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico.

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 and a number of fine eco and adventure tours may be undertaken from Manzanillo - including adventure travel tours to the volcano in nearby Colima. Ask locally for details and tours.

Also See: Mexperience Guide to Nature and Adventure in Mexico.

Golf in Manzanillo

Manzanillo's claim to fame in the golf world: it boasts two of Mexico's most important golf courses. Manzanillo is quickly becoming one of the top golfing locations in Mexico; the most sought-after course is situated at the fabulous Karmina Palace Hotel and Resort.

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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 Mazatlan and Mexico City. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines in Mexico.

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 Travel Center for National Buses.

By Car - The road journey to Manzanillo from inland Mexico (e.g. Guadalajara, Mexico City, Chihuahua, et al) is mountainous in places, but not as challenging as the road to Puerto Vallarta (assuming you go over the mountains, not along Highway 200). Expect it to take longer that you may anticipate; especially if you have not driven the route before. Traveling out of Manzanillo by road north on Highway 200 will take you to Costalegre and Puerto Vallarta; the road south leads to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. See additional information on Mexperience about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads.

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 may 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, for example, exploring the coastal road and towns along the Costalegre, then renting a car will work out less expensive and more convenient than paying for a taxi. You may want to rent a car from your hotel/resort, if you only plan to explore one or two days.

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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.

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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 dialing 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 traveler's checks and cash from you as well. Read about money and currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Highway 200: For more information about driving on Mexico's Highway 200 along the Costalegre, connect to the In Mexico Diary for Costalegre which also includes pictures of the area.

Military Checkpoints and Patrols: You may find military checkpoints and/or patrols on Highway 200. Don't feel alarmed, they are there to provide a deterrent against illegal contraband. If you are stopped, your car may be checked over and you may be asked to open the trunk. See the guide to Driving in Mexico for more details.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Manzanillo

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Restaurants

We have no specific restaurant recommendations at this time.

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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.

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What to Buy in Manzanillo

By no means is Manzanillo a 'shopping mecca' on the Pacific, but if you're looking for some traditional Mexican art or craft work, 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 centers have on-site shops, which charge slightly higher prices than you'd pay elsewhere (for the convenience), but are not extortionate.

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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.

Live Weather Report:

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