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Manzanillo is not a typical seaside resort
town. It is at once a luxury beach destination, a bustllng
commercial port, and a pristine, underdeveloped, eco-friendly region.
It tends to attract Americans, Canadians and others looking for the kind
of supremely serene setting they won´t find at other Mexican resorts.
Geographically, Manzanillo can be divided into two zones. The downtown
area is first and foremost commercial port. Thanks to the its fine
natural harbord and rail connections to the Mexican interior.
In contrast, a few miles up the coastline one enters Manzanillo´s luxurious
and pleasantly understated resort zone. Two large bays of golden sand and
surf are connected by coastal highway that leads past minimalls, souvenir
shops, restaurants and a couple of cozy night spots.
Bahia de Manzanillo (to the south) crries most of the development,
while Bahia de Santiago (further up the coast) is largely
underdeveoped except for a few resorts..
The two bays are separated by Santago Peninsula, home to the area´s most
significant reort development. Here you´ll find one of Mexico´s most
opulent beach resorts: Las Hadas´ fantasy-land Mediterranean village
atmosphere and sophisticated amenities have made it one of the true
superstars of Mexican resorts.
There is also the Gran Costa Real Manzanillo, with its spectacular arabian
arquitecture at the most beautiful Manzanillo´s beach.
Manzanillo´s attractions revolved mainly around the area´s natural
resources -beahes, lagoons, and tropical rainforest - and downtown
sights such a Museum of Archeology and History. For natural lovers,
Manzanillo´s unhurried expasion is a wonderfull blessing, allowing
tropical fruit plantations to blossom, large strechetches of golden
sand beaches to remain pristine, and verdant jungles-and jungle
ihabitants-to grow unchecked and unencumbered.
Facts
There are direct fights from U.S.
to Manzanillo (ZLO) from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) on Aerocalifornia
and Alaska Airlines;and from Phoenix (PHX) on American West. In Addition,
charters from the U.S. (Detroit and Chicago) and Canada (Toronto and Montreal)
and are available in winter. In addition, many other major metropolitan
cities have direct flights to Guadalajara (three hours from Manzanillo
via car or bus). Visitors can also fly to Colima (one hou via bus or car).
Arrival: Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO) is located
26 miles northwest of downtown Manzanillo. Van transfers and rental
cars are available.
Currency: The Mexican peso. The rate of exchange fluctuates daily
(at this time t is $10.80 pesos equals US $1. International credit
cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and tourist spots.
ATM machines are available.
Customs: Proof of citizenship is needed to enter Mexico, such as a
current U.S. passport.
Language: Spanish is the national language of Mexico, but English
is spoken everywhere.
Location: Manzanillo is located on the Golden Pacific Coast along the
Santiago Peninsula, 195 miles southwest of Guadalajara. Geographcally,
the destination is divided into two zones: the downtown area
(restored and beautified, and the resort zone, built around the two bays
-Bahia de Manzanillo and Bahia de Santiago- also called the Twin Bays
(Bahias Gemelas)
Population: 130,000
Weather: It is nearly always pleasantly warm in Manzanillo,
with temperatures ranging in the 80s year-round. Manzanillo has
cooler temperatures than other beach resorts due its close
proximity to the Sierra Madre Mountains and the breezes coming
off its two bays. |
