Manzanillo, with a population of around 100,000, has changed from a historic seaport to a world class resort. It’s name was derived from the abundant groves of manzanilla trees that were used extensively in the early days of ship building.

Located in the state of Colima on Mexico’s ‘Golden Riviera’, Manzanillo is between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco on the Pacific coast. In recent years, it has become a haven for sun worshippers, sports enthusiasts and honeymooners. It is a romantic setting for a wonderful holiday south-of-the-border.

Manzanillo water sports

Acclaimed as the sailfish capital of the world, the 70 boat marina is also the final destination of the classic San Diego-to-Manzanillo Yacht Race. Numerous celebrity golf & tennis tournaments are held here every year and one of the three golf courses has been named as being among “The 100 Greatest in the World” by Golf Digest Magazine. The movie “10” was filmed here and this sunny resort has been featured on TV’s popular “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous”.

Discover the special charm of Manzanillo for yourself. You will find that a holiday here is far less costly than you may have imagined.

HISTORY
The area’s history is of some interest. With it’s fine natural harbors, Manzanillo was an important seaport even before the Conquest. The Tarascans first ruled here.

It was first settled by Europeans in 1522, and was used as a departure point for Spanish expeditions to Baja and northern Mexico. An abundance of hardwoods helped convince Cortés to establish Latin America’s first shipyard here in 1531.

In 1564 the expedition that led to Spanish rule in the Philippines set sail from Manzanillo, headed by Miguel López Legaspi. Other expeditions that originated from Manzanillo led to the discovery of Baja and “Alta” California (today, the state of California).

As an important sea port, Manzanillo opened the first telegraph office on the Pacific coast in 1869. By 1890, train service arrived and made coast to coast travel a convenience. The train depot also boosted the commercial importance of the port, the only train/port link on the Pacific. Today the fine, natural harbor & the rail connections have made Manzanillo the Mexican doorway to the Pacific Rim.

Manzanillo tourism boom began in the early 1970’s when Las Hadas was built on the Santiago Peninsula. This Mediterranean resort is famed for the movie “10” starring Bo Derek and Dudley Moore which was filmed on location. Many resorts have followed making Manzanillo one of Mexico’s largest Pacific coast resorts.

By Air
Flying is the easiest way to reach Manzanillo and Costa Alegre. The resort’s are served by the Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO) located northwest of Manzanillo. Advance reservations are recommended, especially in the peak season – October through May. The airport is 43 kms. (29 miles) from downtown Manzanillo. The small, but efficient terminal building houses several shops, a restaurant/bar & car rental agencies. For airport information call (333) 4-1555 or contact airlines flying in or into Mexico.

You will need a valid passport or your original birth certificate (US and Canada). It must be presented at the airline check-in. Once on the plane you will be given two forms to fill out – one for immigration (Tourist Visa) and another for customs. There are restrictions as to what you can bring to Mexico……Some of these restrictions are limits for “duty free” and some are absolute, such as fire arms without a permit (not to mention drugs).

Most commonly encountered restrictions are:

Most food items - especially plants, fruits and seeds.
Cigars and cigarettes - over 20 packs per person may be subject to duty.
Liquor and wine - over 2 bottles per person may be subject to duty.
Controlled substances and drugs - a no no!
Firearms - only for hunting and must obtain a permit from the Mexican Consulate in advance. 

The Immigration counter is your first stop after you disembark the plane. Here you will have to present your passport (or birth certificate) along with the Tourist Visa you filled out on the plane. Your tourist visa and passport will be stamped to make your arrival official. (You will need to keep your passport and tourist visa with you at all times while in Mexico) Next you’ll proceed to the baggage claim area for your luggage.
Customs is the last step, here you will need to have your Customs Declaration Form handy (the other form you were given on the plane). Recently Mexico adopted a “Red Light – Green Light” system for customs. If you have put “Nothing to declare” on this form, you will be asked to push a button……. If the light is green you can exit without inspection; if the light is red you will be subject to inspection. This is a random system, and therefore there is no way to know whether you will get a green or red light. Consequently you need to be honest on your Customs Declaration and declare anything over and above what is allowed, paying all applicable duties. If you do not, and are caught by a red light, the fines may be very steep.

Now that you have fully arrived in Manzanillo, there are several transportation options to get you from the airport to your final destination:
Colectivos (usually orange) offer frequent transfers to most resorts. The rates ($9 average per person) are cheaper than taxis, but you may have to wait a little longer to get to your destination. Many hotels also provide their own shuttles.

Taxi rates are controlled and are more expensive than the colectivos. Taking a private taxi is usually a more comfortable means of traveling to your destination.

Car Rentals reservations can be made at the airport, before arriving or in Manzanillo. Please “Travel Services” under Travel & Lodging.
Confirm your airline reservations at least 24 hours before your return date, and arrive at the airport at least one hour before your departure time. Please also note that when you are checking in at the airport, you will be asked to return your tourist visa to the airline, which will be returned to the Immigration Office.

By Land
Travelling by bus is another option which quite a few people choose. Buses run to cities throughout the Mexican Republic such as Colima (2 hours), Puerto Vallarta (6 hours), and Guadalajara (5 hours). First class routes compare favorably to most lines in the U.S. & Canada. Buses allow the traveller a great opportunity to see the Mexican countryside as well as save money.

You’ll find the central bus station, Central Camionera, in Manzanillo on the Ave. Hidalgo east of town. If you choose to drive your car or a rental car to the resorts, please check with a Mexican consulate for all rules & regulations before you leave. Remember Mexican car insurance is mandatory.

By Sea
Manzanillo can be reached by sea on a pleasure craft. There is a marina on Santiago Peninsula at the Las Hadas Resort. Please contact the Fondo Mixto for more information. Isla Navidad also has a 700-slip marina in conjunction with the Grand Bay Hotel & Resort.

Accommodations

Activities