Location:
Colima State, Pacific coast, western Mexico
Distance from Mexico City: 350 miles
west
Population: 130,000
Closest major airport: Playa de Oro
Intl. aka Manzanillo Intl. Airport (ZLO)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Named after the many fruit trees in its
forests, Manzanillo is a charming city full
of festive streets, friendly people,
beautiful landscapes and outstanding tourist
facilities. The city’s unique history
combined with its modern-day offering makes
Manzanillo a one-of-a-kind destination for a
variety of recreational activities.
The city’s exciting history, full of old
tales, pirate legends and treasure hunts, is
an integral part of its enchantment. Several
historical figures once used Manzanillo as
an unofficial port on the Pacific, including
Hernan Cortez, the Nao de China and pirates
from Portugal, England, France and Spain. In
1908, following the inauguration of the
railroad connection between Manzanillo,
Guadalajara and Porfirio Díaz, the city
finally became an official port of entry.
Today, recent modernizations have made it
one of the most important ports and trading
centers on Mexico’s west coast.
Recreationally, sport fishing is
Manzanillo’s main attraction, particularly
for sailfish enthusiasts. Since 1954,
Manzanillo has hosted the International
Dorsey Tournament, a highly-respected
competition among the sport fishing
community, held every February and November.
Beach lounging is another popular activity.
Manzanillo´s peaceful bays and sophisticated
infrastructure have made it one of the
Mexico’s main tourist destinations on the
west coast. Beaches such as Ventanas, Las
Coloradas, El Viejo, San Pedrito, Playa Azul,
Las Hadas and La Escondida are some of the
most serene destinations on the Pacific
coast to commune with nature.
Travelers interested in adventure tourism
can enjoy a variety of options in Manzanillo.
From kayaking in bay waters and driving
through tropical forests, to discovering the
hidden secrets of prehistoric caves, the
city offers it all. A guided safari into the
heart of the Tlacota Tropical Rainsforest is
another great option, allowing travelers to
get up close and personal with the area’s
natural beauty. Snorkeling is also available
at Rancho El Naranjo, one of the most
beautiful natural reserves in the state of
Colima.
The city’s most popular restaurants located
downtown and in the port zone, offer tasty
fish and seafood dishes such as camarones
a la diabla, shrimp cocktail, crayfish
cooked in garlic or chiles and grilled river
crab. For local shopping, the coastal
village of Santiago, between Manzanillo and
Miramar, offers handicrafts made from shells
found in the area.
From adventurous rides to exciting old
tales, the quaint city of Manzanillo offers
a recreational world of its own. |
