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MANZANILLO VACATION

If you've ever seen the 1979 movie "10" with Bo Derek, Dudley Moore and Julie Andrews, where Bo and Dudley on that gorgeous white sandy beach running towards each other in slow-motion at that luxury Mexican resort, that's Manzanillo.  Manzanillo is found in the Mexican state of Colima along on the Pacific Ocean.  Manzanillo is one of Mexico's busiest working ports with major container ships & cruise liners, and has earned itself the title of Sailfish Capital of the World, due to the world renowned fishing tournaments they hold twice a year.  The tournaments hand thousands of dollars in prizes to the winners.  These are major events bringing in serious sports fisherman from all over the world.

Manzanillo is one of Mexico's most popular beach resort cities, and has a reputation for it's deep sea fishing & water sports, and what is known as "The Green Flash" Phenomenon that occurs as the sun sets.  If you watch the horizon closely you will see the flash.  The beaches here are beautiful and the water is clear and warm.  Tourists flock here from all corners of the globe for a truly unforgettable vacation experience.

Flights direct to Manzanillo can sometimes be hard to come by, but there are lots of ways you can get there that are not hard.  Manzanillo is well known as a secluded hide-away, which is why it can sometimes be difficult to get to!  Major international airports like Los Angeles offer some direct flights.  Make your connection there.  If you can't fly direct to Manzanillo's airport, you can usually fly to Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara and get a short connecting flight, no problem.  Sound hard?  Taking a cruise to Manzanillo is another way to get there easily and have a taste of Manzanillo and other great Mexican ports, while you are having fun on your cruise. 

One of the most popular and unique things to do in and around Manzanillo would have to be the famous Volcano Explorer tours.  The tours take you right up close to a Volcano, while also giving information on the history and current eruptive state and activity.  As well as educational Volcano information, you also gain a thoughtful insight into the wildlife that you will find in and around the Volcano itself.  The tours begin in Manzanillo, and some tour firms offer helicopter tours overhead, giving you a bird's eye view inside the Volcano.

For the more active of us, there are also some fantastic nature hikes and walks around a range of different Manzanillo locations, from winding trails around rocky coastlines to jungle trails, and many more in between!  Tour trails through the jungle can allow you to see Spider Monkeys within the trees, and see exotic and tropical birds up close in their natural habitat. You could also scale the coastline to gain a gorgeous, 360 degree view of Manzanillo, and the beautiful oceans that surround it.  Hiking on these trails is safe as they are well travelled.  Manzanillo is generally a very safe city, so you should have no problems walking around.  The local people are very friendly and always eager to help.  Alternatively to hiking or swimming in the ocean, you could partake in day trips that give you the opportunity to swim in utterly secluded and picturesque lakes and rivers, as well as witnessing, and even swimming beneath some truly mystical waterfalls that are unique to Manzanillo!

You will have to certainly immerse yourself within the warm crystal clear ocean waters that surround Manzanillo, and go snorkelling!  Either with a group tour, or solo, the sites you will see are truly magical; colorful coral reef, butterfly fish, and even, if you’re lucky, some very well hidden Jewel Moray Eels!  The possibilities are endless, snorkelers often see some gorgeous large sea turtles swimming around the reefs!  When you’re done, relax on the beach with a cold Margarita and soak up a little sunshine before you go the dinner.

Wonderful restaurants around Manzanillo cater to almost every taste bud.  For seafood lovers, there are superb restaurants such as El Caribe, specializing in daily fresh caught seafood, poultry (pollo) and beef (carne).  You should easily find something mouth watering on their versatile and tourist-friendly menu.  It's a local favorite, you’ll want to come back for more.  The local Mexican Food in Manzanillo is some of the best around, with real flavors of Mexico.  The spices are fresh and flavorful.

There are many Resorts, Hotels, Motels, Time-Shares and Condos all over the city, from 5 star resort accommodations, to hotel rooms to meet any budget, you’re sure to find somewhere to stay within Manzanillo that will suit you perfectly.  One of the most popular hotels would have to be Las Hadas.  It's been a setting for scenes featured in popular motion pictures, including "10", making the resort one of the most famous in the city.  Next door you'll find the Barcello Resort (formerly Karmina Palace) which is a fabulous place for families with its fun pools and lagoon.  Barcello is a great value and really nice property.  You can't go wrong at the Barcello.  Other 4-star recommended hotels include the Wyndham Isla Navidad Resort and Camino Real Manzanillo.  The 3-star all-inclusive Tesoro Manzanillo offers a great beach and the all-inclusive party plan.  Alternatively, the Paraiso Azul Resort, which translates to Blue Paradise, is a 3-star condominium resort which is great for families who like kitchens, reasonably priced with a fantastic beach location.  They offer gorgeous oceanfront accommodations with panoramic views of the surrounding bay.

If you're looking to go somewhere different this year, romantic, relaxing, with an extensive selection of activities and beautiful sites, then Manzanillo would have to be the perfect getaway destination.  Leave the stress at home.  Beautiful sunsets over the pacific end each day to start your perfect evening.  Manzanillo can ensure you will have a great vacation to remember with the ones you love.