MEXICO - TRAVEL SERVICES GUIDE:

Manzanillo, Mexico's: Attractions!

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Nevado Volcano - Colima (Manzanillo) Mexico!

~ COLIMA ~

An interesting side trip is to the City of Colima (96 km to the east).  The city can be reached in about one hour over a well-maintained four-lane highway.  Capital of the State of Colima, this quaint and very charming colonial city lies in a fertile valley with two imposing volcanoes (one still active) photo shown above.
   The still active VolcÝn de Fuego is 25 km to the north, beside the taller (but extinct) Nevado de Colima.  There are two newly opened archaeological sites (El Chanal and La Campana) that are visited as part of a popular day tour to Colima (contact local operators for excursion details).
   Colima is an important regional center of commerce (population 145,000), although seldom visited by vacationers.  It has been occupied since the 11th century and was settled by the Spaniards in 1523. 
   The city center has well-preserved colonial buildings and three plazas that run from west to east.  There are several interesting museums including the Museo de las Culturas del Occidente, displaying one of Mexico's best collections of Pre-Columbian pottery and artifacts.  The modern and eclectic Casa de la Cultura is a cultural institute offering free art, music and dance classes.
   The cityås Cathedral, originally built here in 1527, and subsequently rebuilt several times due to frequent earthquakes, is on the east side of the Plaza Principal.  Next door is the Palacio de Gobierno.  It dates to 1884-1904.  Its interior walls are blazoned by murals by Jorge Chavez Carrillo depicting Mexican history.
   There is also an enormous collection of antique automobiles packed into a warehouse near downtown.  Over 300 vehicles, dating from 1912-1950 can be seen. 


   The nearby village of Comala (population 8,000) is also worth a visit.  This white washed town is famous for its fine carved wood furniture, handicrafts, and relaxed village ambiance.  Attractive main square with arched porticoes and cafes surrounds pretty main square gazebo and beautiful church.  On the way to the city is a mysterious Ïinversion hillÓ where objects appear to defy gravity!

~ Costa Alegre / Costa Careyes ~
Most of the exploring outside of Manzanillo is done by heading north along Highway 200, into the neighboring State of Jalisco.  This scenic 246 km highway between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta takes you past tropical fruit plantations, deserted beaches, quiet fishing villages, and lagoons filled with exotic waterfowl.  Though the two-lane highway is not actually coastal, it offers occasional glimpses of the Pacific.
   Most villages and resorts are accessed via dirt roads that cross Highway 200.  Here are a few worthwhile stop-over points (listed as you head north from the Playa de Oro Airport). NOTE: The region is home to just over 2,000 lodging units, varying from simple bungalows to some of Mexico's fanciest (and most expensive) resort getaways.

Isla Navidad (35 minutes/30 km north of the airport): This mega resort/marina/golf course is taking shape on a finger of land that separates the Pacific from the Laguna de Navidad.  When completed, Isla Navidad will transform this region from a hinterland into one of the Pacific's major resorts.  A fine 27- hole golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge is ready for play, and hopes to lure prospective real estate investors.  In total over 1,200 acres of land are being transformed to include two marinas (700 slip capacity), a golf course, shopping center, equestrian center, tennis center, and the new Grand Bay Hotel.

San Patricio Melaque & Barra de Navidad (40 minutes/32 km north of airport): This picturesque duo of villages rests on a sand bar between the open sea and Laguna de Navidad, just a short boat ride across the channel from Isla Navidad. They are most popular with Mexican visitors (mostly from Guadalajara) and adventurous gringos wanting a break from more civilized settings. 
   Between Melaque and Barra is a lovely 6.5 km long curved bay with thatched hut restaurants.  A couple of dozen small and inexpensive hotels are available in this very Bohemian setting, ideal for relaxation.  Boat trips are available to Laguna de Navidad.

Tenacatita (60 minutes/55 km north of airport): This gem of a beach is accessed by an 8 km long dirt road, passing a small village set among banana and coconut trees.  The nearby lagoon is filled with exotic birds.  As you approach the coast, the lovely BahÂa de Tenacatita unfolds with its sandy and serene beaches.  A small river flows into the sea here.  Swimming and snorkeling are good, and there are a few good seaside restaurants.  Just south of the entrance to Tenacatita is a sign directing you to the area's accommodations, the all-inclusive Blue Bay Los Angeles Locos, deluxe El Tamarindo and Punta Serena.

~ Barra de Navidad ~
Barra De Navidad, MX {Click to Enlarge!

~ Isla Navidad ~
(35 minutes/30 km north of the airport)
This mega resort/marina/golf course is taking shape on a finger of land that separates the Pacific from the Laguna de Navidad. When completed, Isla Navidad will transform this region from a hinterland into one of the Pacific's major resorts. A fine 27- hole golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge is ready for play, and hopes to lure prospective real estate investors. In total over 1,200 acres of land are being transformed to include two marinas (700 slip capacity), a golf course, shopping center, equestrian center, tennis center, and the new Grand Bay Hotel.

~ San Patricio Melaque & Barra de Navidad ~
 (40 minutes/32 km north of airport)
This picturesque duo of villages rests on a sand bar between the open sea and Laguna de Navidad, just a short boat ride across the channel from Isla Navidad. They are most popular with Mexican visitors (mostly from Guadalajara) and adventurous gringos wanting a break from more civilized settings.
   This is also the location of one of Mexico's premier surfing beaches. Between Melaque and Barra is a lovely 6.5 km long curved bay with thatched hut restaurants. A couple of dozen small and inexpensive hotels are available in this very Bohemian setting, ideal for relaxation. Boat trips are available to Laguna de Navidad.

~ Tenacatita ~ (60 minutes/55 km north of airport)  This gem of a beach is accessed by an 8 km long dirt road, passing a small village set among banana and coconut trees.  The nearby lagoon is filled with exotic birds.  As you approach the coast, the lovely BahÂa de Tenacatita unfolds with its sandy and serene beaches.  A small river flows into the sea here.  Swimming and snorkeling are good, and there are a few good seaside restaurants.  Just south of the entrance to Tenacatita is a sign directing you to the area's accommodations, the all-inclusive Blue Bay Los Angeles Locos and deluxe El Tamarindo and Punta Serena.

 

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