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Manzanillo, Mexico
Manzanillo, located between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco on Mexico's Pacific Riviera coast, offers a combination of beautiful beaches, natural surroundings and old world charm. Spanish for chamomile flower, Manzanillo offers an abundance of sensory delights from the floral scents and tropical tastes of nearby coconut, banana, lime and mango plantations to the beautiful natural beaches. Once the scene of piracy and adventure, today Manzanillo is known for peaceful bays, a sophisticated tourist clientelle and the perfect climate — dryer than Puerto Vallarta and cooler than Acapulco.
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Hotels + Resorts
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Manzanillo, Mexico
Manzanillo is a busy Pacific seaport bordered by golden, sandy beaches, The city is split into two sections - the harborfront zone winds its way around steep hills and the waterfront, and the business district features the zocalo (plaza), which is surrounded by lively cafes. Spend a quiet day soaking up the sun on the beach and taking an occasional dip in the warm Pacific waters. A leisurely horseback ride along the beach is another popular way to spend the day. Anglers might try their luck at deep-sea fishing, especially considered Manzanillo is the seafish capital of the world. And golf enthusiasts will want to play the Roy and Pete Dye-designed 18-hole golf course, which is set on a rolling palm plantation and considered to be among the best courses in the tropics. Package Includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Roundtrip transfers between airport and hotel
- Luggage handling at hotel
- Maid and bellman gratuities
- Assistance of a local host
- Hotel taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Couples and Singles
Laid-back charm and exceptional seafood set the scene for romance.
Families
Enjoy the quiet relaxation of the area.
What's the climate like?
| Average High |
79° F |
78° F |
88° F |
87° F |
| Average Low |
65° F |
65° F |
76° F |
72° F |
| Average Rainfall |
Trace |
Trace |
5.0" |
2.0" |
Typically, Manzanillo has cooler temperatures than Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Ixtapa, or Acapulco. Its close proximity to the Sierra Madres, and its two bays keep the area cool.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Roundtrip transfer between the airport and your hotel is included.
Walk
Strolling the streets is an excellent way to get around. The downtown area consists of a Malecon, or boardwalk, about a mile long where you can enjoy the view of the harbor.
Taxi
Taxis are very reasonable and easy to find. Make sure you ask the price before getting into the taxi. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers.
Combis
Much like taxis, combis are vans that can be shared by up to eight people.
Bus
Manzanillo has a very simple bus system. Look at the window of the bus, if it says “El Centro” or “Jardin,” it’s going to the downtown area. Make sure you have one and two peso coins for the fare. US currency is not accepted on busses.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
Seafood specialties are featured on most menus. Fitting the general atmosphere, dining tends to be informal, and you may find yourself dining right on the beach. Restaurants usually close one day a week, generally on Sundays or Mondays, so ask your hotel to call and confirm that a particular restaurant is open. Here are some places to try out.
- Bigote's II
Diners will enjoy singing waiters, a vibrant atmosphere, and large portions of fresh seafood at this waterfront restaurant.
- Manos Morenos Restaurant - Bar - Café
Offering everything from Greek salads with chicken and shrimp to Mexican and continental cuisine. You can also bring in your catch and have Manos Morenos prepare it.
- Marlin Senorial Restaurant
Enjoy hamburgers, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and continental cuisine during the evenings, including a variety of seafood.
- L'Recif
Situated high on a cliff overlooking the rock outcroppings of a small cove, L'Recif offers the most spectacular view of any restaurant in Manzanillo.
- Tacos Julio's
Tacos Julios offers wonderful, inexpensive tacos wrapped in fresh, hand-made tortillas.
- La Toscana
THE place in Manzanillo to enjoy an elegant and delicious meal. Specializing in French cuisine, La Toscana features live classical guitar music to accentuate the stunning views of Manzanillo Bay.
Where should I go shopping?
Most shopping is centered around Manzanillo’s resort hotels. Other areas of shopping interest are:
- Galeria de Arte
Offering a fine selection of Sergio Bustamante works, plus a wide selection of others.
- Indigenos
The place to go for silver and jewelry.
- Plaza Pacifico Mini Mall
Offering an assortment of shops, plus a restaurant, two bars, and a mini-market.
- Plaza Manzanillo
A pleasant area featuring a variety of local favorites.
- El Dorado Bazaar
Excellent selection of fine craft items and jewelry in front of the Zócalo.
- El Caracol
Offering shell jewelry and clothing accessories, located just across from the Zócalo.
- Pasaje Oscarana
A small, downtown mall offering clothing, jewelry, and books.
When are the local events?
Festival International of Cumbia, Salsa, and Merengue
March. 20,000 people a day turn out to participate or watch artists and musical groups from Cuba, Columbia, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, the United States, and Mexico.
International Fishing Tourney
January. An international fishing tournament that sees some of the best sailfish, marlin, and dorado captains in the world descend upon Manzanillo.
Fiestas de Mayo
May. The founding of Manzanillo is celebrated with many types of events.
La Feria de Todos Los Santos
October. A celebration of all the Saints in Colima.
What are my golf and recreation options?
Golf
Customize your vacation with discounted greens fees and gain access to hotel-affiliated golf courses with a stay at select hotels.
The Mantaray Golf Course
Perfect for golfers who love a challenge, this course features 15 holes with water features surrounded by a gorgeous setting of more than 4,000 palm trees. Named among the "Top 100 Golf Courses Around the World" by Conde Nast Traveler. Designed by Pete and Roy Dye.
The following hotel has use of this course:
- Las Hadas Golf Resort & Marina
Sportfishing
Sport fishing is Manzanillo’s main attraction, particularly for sailfish enthusiasts. The special, medium-sized boats available for hire in the port of Manzanillo allow sport fishing enthusiasts to sail in the high seas a short distance from the coast, where the depth of the water makes it perfect for catching large fish such as sailfish and black, striped, and blue marlin. This gives Manzanillo a definite edge over other ports where you have to sail for two or three hours to reach the depths required for this sport.
Beaches
Playa Miramar, at the north end of Bahia Santiago, is popular with body surfers, windsurfers, and boogie boarders. Calmer waters can be enjoyed toward Juluapan Peninsula at La Boquita Beach. Playa La Audiencia is a beautiful cove along the north side of the Santiago Peninsula and is great for snorkeling and swimming.
Eco-Tourism
From whale, dolphin, and bird watching to exploring the rugged terrain of the Sierra Madre foothills, lagoons, and jungles, the Mexican Pacific offers visitors an ideal haven of natural beauty.
Travel tidbits
Free Snacks and Entertainment
When visiting the Colonial towns of Colima and Comala, experience a "botaneros," where, as tradition dictates, as long as you keep drinking, the food is free! The snacks range from peanuts, popcorn, fresh fruit, seafood, chicken wings, tacos, pork skins in green sauce, soup, or hot dogs! Also, botaneros often feature a live "Las Vegas-style" show.
Hang Ten
If you're looking to catch some waves or to learn to surf, head to Playa Boca de Pascuales. Here, the Armeria river empties into the ocean and you can rent surfboards and take surfing lessons.
Local Flavor
For a taste of the local culture, walk along the Malecon and enjoy spectacular views of anchored fishing boats, stunning beaches, and sculptures done by local artists. As you approach the downtown area, you'll see the Jardin, or garden, which is the town square. The Jardin is where all the locals gather to have lunch, get their shoes shined, listen to bands play in the gazebo, or simply feed the pigeons.
Fresh Fruit & Seafood
For the freshest seafood, fruits, and vegetables, make your way to the mercado. Populated mainly by the locals, but tourists love it for its authentic Mexican atmosphere.
Familiar Faces
When visiting the Manzanillo waterfront, you might recognize Snoopy, from the Charles M. Schulz "Peanuts" comic strip. This Snoopy statue was donated to the citizens of Manzanillo from the citizens of St. Paul, Minnesota to commemorate their status as "Sister Cities."
Safety First
Not only does the state of Colima have the lowest crime rate in Mexico, but Manzanillo has the lowest in the state. With that in mind, it is still best to take necessary precautions and use the same common sense you would in any large city.
Good to Know:
Playa de Oro International Airport
ZLO |
| January – July |
| October – January |
| Mexican Peso |
| Spanish |
| Manzanillo is on the same time zone as the United States’ Mountain Time Zone, one hour earlier than Central Time. Daylight Saving Time is observed in Manzanillo, just as in the United States. |
| Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| Some restaurants, especially in the resort areas, will add a 15-25% service charge to your check. If in doubt if it has been added, be sure to ask. |
| Very casual. A true beach resort. |
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Manzanillo, Mexico
The following options are available in Manzanillo:
Car Rentals
We feature rental cars Alamo Rent A Car offering you the flexibility and convenience to travel when and where you want.
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Private Roundtrip Transfers
Upgrade your arrival experience by adding private, nonstop, roundtrip transportation between the airport and your hotel. Private, nonstop transfers include meet-and-greet service upon arrival and are provided exclusively for the members of your booking in a dedicated air-conditioned vehicle. Vehicle type will vary based on the number of travelers on your booking and will be either a private sedan, SUV, or van with a capacity of up to 5 passengers. The upgraded, private, nonstop transfer option provides you with additional comfort and is a convenient way to save you time vs. the shared ride transportation.
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Tour - ATV Adventure - Pena Blanca
If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, experience the excitement of driving a personal Honda ATV, powerful yet easy to handle. Your professional guide will lead you through rugged mountain trails to the unspoiled and endless beach of Pena Blanca. Along the way you will capture spectacular views of La Vaca Mountain, in addition to discovering the secrets of the tropical forest and driving through rich vegetation. You will also have an opportunity to go faster at El Llano and meet the friendly people at Rancho El Indio. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van (depending upon size of tour)
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- Use of an ATV (Honda TRX 250)
- A variety of refreshments including water and soda
- Use of safety riding gear
Other information:- Half-day tour – approximately 4-6 hours depending upon hotel pick-up location
- Tour operates only on Thursdays
- Minimum age requirement is 16 years of age or older.
- Good health required for participation. Credit card and valid driver's license is required.
- It is recommended that you bring or wear long pants or jeans, tennis shoes or hiking boots, sunscreen, and sunglasses, plus bring a camera
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Tour is not offered from Grand Bay Hotel Isla Navidad Resort, a Wyndham Luxury Resort
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Manzanillo, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Hectours Tour representative at their hotel or by calling Hectours at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Colima - Comala Tour
Enjoy a panoramic tour to Colima City, capital of Colima state. This beautiful city is quite popular for its twin volcanoes Fuego and El Nevado one of which is still very active and the other is more than 12,000 feet above sea level. Admire the colonial architecture of the historic downtown area. Tour includes stops at the Cathedral, Government Palace, and Archeology Museum, which offers a wide variety of pre-Hispanic pieces. You will have an opportunity to shop leisurely before heading towards Comala. This quaint town is one of the most beautiful and charming places in western Mexico with cobblestone streets, red tiled roofs, and friendly people. Included in your tour is a delicious regional lunch served in a typical traditional restaurant across the Plaza. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van (depending upon size of tour)
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- A variety of refreshments
- Regional lunch and fees
Other information:- Full-day tour – approximately 7-8 hours
- Tour operates only on Tuesdays
- Bring additional money for market or street shopping on the way to Comala. (optional)
- Good health required for participation. No waiver is required for tour
- It is recommended that you wear tennis or walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, plus bring a camera
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Tour is not offered from Grand Bay Hotel Isla Navidad Resort, a Wyndham Luxury Resort, Blue Bay Los Angeles Locos, or Punta Serena Villas and Spa
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Manzanillo, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Hectours Tour representative at their hotel or by calling Hectours at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Tequila - Spirit of Mexico
Learn all about the culture of tequila—its history, how it is made, and how to drink it. Take a walk through a blue agave plantation and see how tequila grows, then learn the process of making it, going from cultivation, harvest, cooking, extraction, fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Learn to taste each kind of tequila including silver, aged, and extra aged. You will also have an opportunity to learn how to read a label of an authentic bottle of tequila. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van (depending upon size of tour)
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- A variety of refreshments, including one margarita or beer
- Tequila taste testing
Other information:- Half-day tour – approximately 4-5 hours
- Tour operates only on Thursdays
- Bring additional money to purchase any tequila tasted during tour (optional)
- Good health required for participation
- Recommended that you wear tennis or walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, plus bring a camera
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Tour is not offered from Grand Bay Hotel Isla Navidad Resort, a Wyndham Luxury Resort
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Manzanillo, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Hectours Tour representative at their hotel or by calling Hectours at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Tropical Tour to Barra de Navidad
Explore the villages and lush countryside surrounding Manzanillo, meandering through tropical plantations of coconut, bananas, mangroves, papayas, and limes. Stop at a banana plantation to learn all about the local fruit, and where your friendly English-speaking guide will explain everything related to the process of producing bananas. Visit the rustic fishing village of Barra de Navidad located in the state of Jalisco. While in Barra de Navidad you will have an opportunity to stroll around the city and shop for local handcrafts. Stop at Christ of Fallen Arms church where your guide will tell you the local stories about His miracles. Finalize your tour by eating lunch at a local restaurant facing the ocean. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van (depending upon size of tour)
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- Variety of refreshments
- Seafood lunch
Other information:- Half-day tour – approximately 5 hours
- Tour operates only on Wednesdays
- Bring additional money for market or street shopping in Barra de Navidad (optional)
- Good health is required for participation. No waiver is required for tour
- It is recommended that you wear tennis or walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, plus bring a camera
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Tour is not offered from Grand Bay Hotel Isla Navidad Resort, a Wyndham Luxury Resort
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Manzanillo, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Hectours Tour representative at their hotel or by calling Hectours at the number provided in their documents.
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