Manzanillo, Mexico
Sitting
along Costa Alegre (The Happy Coast), Manzanillo remains a little-known
tropical hideaway of seaside treasures. Although there are just
a few exotic resorts, the two bays (Bahia de Manzanillo and
Bahia de Santiago) remain true to their original purpose. Since
1825, the city has served primarily as a port that connects
Mexico to the west. Manzanillo is named for the tropical trees
that are abundant in the coastal area, and the exotic scenery
also includes sandy beaches and rainbow sunsets that create
a beautiful background to the view of ships docking and setting
out to sea.
Many undeveloped tropical golden beaches lie sandwiched between
the exotic crystal Pacific waters and fruit plantations mixed
with unspoiled tropical rainforests. Towering 12,000 feet
above the landscape is the steaming Volcan de Fuego (Volcano
of Fire). The Bahia de Manzanillo areas have most of the resorts,
sporting seaside activities along with elegant accommodations
and dining. The Bahia de Santiago is slightly less traveled
and so a visit there results in a deeper experience with the
local way of life. Although tourism is an important part of
the economy, the area isn't widely promoted and so remains
absent of crowds. It is a very subdued, sleepy place with
welcoming people who love to share the exotic beauty and history
of their homeland. With warmth emanating from the surf, sun,
and people, it is impossible to avoid falling in love with
Manzanillo!
MANZANILLO RESORTS
MANZANILLO ACTIVITIES
Manzanillo City Tour: Get to know the city
with a guided tour around town. In addition to a great overview
of the main sights, you'll also learn lots of interesting tidbits
about local history and lore. Highlights include visits to the
sparsely-peopled Bahia de Santiago, the new seaside boardwalk,
and a museum of pre- and post-Hispanic culture.
Colonial Tour to Colima: Just a 1-hour drive
from Manzanillo, this capital city's recorded history reaches
back to 1523, when Spanish conquistadors staked their claim
on the area. It is actually much older, however, as evidenced
by a recent discovery that unearthed a 25,000 acre stone complex
consisting of pyramids and a rich history. This civilization,
known as La Campana, most likely dates back to 100AD to 500AD
and its culture may have direct descendancy in the Nahuatl-speaking
people of the surrounding hillside villages. In town, mariachi
music fills the air and the bells toll in the cathedral. Its
natural attractions include the largest lagoon in the world.
Day Trip to Barra de Navidad: Take an excursion
and to the legendary village of Cihuatlan, the City of Women,
amid the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madre Mountains. This
traditional fishing port has a Bohemian ambiance and is bordered
by a lagoon that attracts exotic waterfowl. Some of the region's
best seafood is served here, and every visit should include
a ride on the traditional fishing boats called pangas, with
a stop at a lagoon-side restaurant for lunch. It's a great
spot for adventurous "gringos" and has an excellent
surfing beach.
Sunset Bay Cruise: There are few things
more romantic than a sunset cruise, and Manzanillo adds some
fun with mariachi music and cocktails.
Scuba Diving: If you've ever wanted to pet
an octopus or feed an eel, Manzanillo is the place to do it.
Because its marine wonders are relatively undiscovered, the
undisturbed sea-life is dense and makes a spectacular sight
in a pristine environment.
Snorkeling: Enjoy a perfect environment
for snorkeling, with a shallow coral reef that is at least
4,000 years old. Highlights include the great variety of species
and the fantastic coral-encrusted Elephant Rock. Get a special
treat that's usually limited to scuba divers when you explore
a sunken ship in just 30 feet of water!
Deep Sea Fishing: Manzanillo is a fantastic
deep-sea fishing destination, and anglers can look forward
to reeling in sailfish, tuna, and more. There are plenty of
boats with expert captains for hire accommodating all skill
levels.
Rainforest Tours:
- Horseback Riding: Travel like the Colonials
as you visit a small mountain village on the edge of the
Sierra Mountain jungle and experience the centuries-old
lifestyle before plunging into the jungle. Guides are highly
knowledgeable in the local flora and fauna and will share
interesting information as well as answer your questions.
- Mountain Biking: Take your time to pedal
leisurely through the rainforest, stopping as often as you'd
like to explore this-and-that, or race down the sloping
trails. Tours are available for different skill levels,
and equipment is available for rent.
- Hiking: For those who want to really
take the time to explore the jungle ecosystem, a walk is
the best way to go. Mimosa trees actually shrink away as
you brush past and the sweet scent of bromeliads and orchids
entice the senses. The variety of plants and birds is quite
extraordinary, including woodpeckers and parrots. Bring
binoculars!
- Careyes & Playa Blanca: An hour and
15 minutes north of Manzanillo is a jungle-lined series
of rocky coves and sandy beaches that are the ultimate secluded
getaway. Activities, however, are mostly geared to guests
of the fine resorts that crown the Careyes Coast.
Tenacatita Beach: This gem of a beach is
accessed by a 5-mile dirt road passing a small village set
among banana and coconut trees. The nearby lagoon is filled
with exotic birds and, as you approach the coast, the lovely
Bahia de Tenacatita unfolds with its sandy and serene beaches.
A small river flows into the sea and swimming and snorkeling
are good. There are also a few good seaside restaurants and
hotels.
Golf: La Mantarraya is an 18-hole, par-71
course designed by the Dyes and rated one of the world's top
100 courses by Golf Digest. The Tamarindo Country Club has
a spectacular 18-hole course designed by David Fleming. The
Club Santiago Resort has a well-maintained 9-hole course and,
at the Grand Bay Hotel & Resort, there are 27-holes and
a 700-slip marina.
Day Trip to Puerto Vallarta: The coastal
road to Puerto Vallarta is a scenic one of varied landscapes.
The town itself is lots of fun, with attractions like the
movie set where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton made a
movie. Spend some time bargaining with local craftsmen and
you could get a great deal on their traditional handiwork.
Day Trip to Guadalajara: This enchanting
city is known as "the most Mexican" of all and is
just a short plane ride away. Local guides are very friendly
and share lots of fun and interesting information about the
sights and local history. After visiting the best churches,
museums, and monuments, you'll still have plenty of time to
shop for souvenirs and enjoy lunch.
Dining
The restaurants in Manzanillo specialize in seafood and
are by no means limited to Mexican fare. Recipes and styles
range from French to Argentinean to Italian with enough
variety to satisfy all tastes.
Gourmet: Kitzia's is one of the finest
elegant restaurants in town, with seating indoors or under
the stars surrounded by tropical foliage. The international
menu has innovative entrees such as shrimp sautéed
in tequila and traditional selections like chicken cordon
bleu. Km 10.5 The Costera
Highly Recommended: L'Recif combines a
fabulous view with a delicious meal. Set on a cliff overlooking
the ocean, you might not find a better sunset view anywhere!
The French chef prepares international cuisine every bit
as impressive as the view. The dining room is also open
for lunch and caters a terrific Sunday brunch. 5 miles North
of Las Hadas Road
Local Flair: Visit Rosalba's for cooking
that tastes just like abuela's (grandma's)! It doesn't get
more authentic, or delicious, than this palapa restaurant
serving breakfast and lunch only. Locals pack the place
every day and the atmosphere is predictably lively from
open to close. Santiago
Romantic: Willy's is renowned for its
fine French cuisine, great beachside view, and oh-so-romantic
atmosphere. Set right on one of the prettiest beaches in
the area, the best "dessert" is a moonlight stroll
along the shore! Playa de Brisas, Las Brisas
Nightlife
Manzanillo is a vacationer's dream with relaxing beaches
and graceful sights, and it also has a bit of good nightlife.
The resorts offer some nighttime entertainment, including
discos, piano lounges, and bars with a Mexican flair for
a more authentic experience.
Las Hadas Resort Hotel: Sip martinis or
margaritas in a sophisticated hotel piano bar. On weekends,
entertainment includes feisty folk singers and an authentic
Mexican buffet.
Bar Social: The attractions here are the
great drinks, free snacks, and a classical string quartet.
They serve local delicacies, such as ceviche (fresh seafood
cocktail) and other Latin American treats.
Club Maeva's Boom-Boom Disco: A popular
venue for dancing and excellent music. On the weekends,
the club is filled with a mix of 20- to 50-somethings partying
till dawn.
Osteria Bugatti: Dance into the morning
light at this lively restaurant/bar. The party really gets
rolling around 1:00am, when DJs or bands fire things up
and don't stop 'til dawn.
Vog Disco: For the best in music and an
impressive light show, this dance club keeps you partying
all night.
