Things To Do
in Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a charming coastal city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The city also boasts a bustling port, attracting cruise ships and commercial vessels.
With its warm climate, friendly locals, and delicious seafood cuisine, Manzanillo offers a relaxing and enjoyable vacation experience for visitors.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a beachside café. Spend the morning soaking up the sun at Playa La Audiencia.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local seafood restaurant. Spend the afternoon engaging in water sports such as jet skiing or snorkeling.
Watch the sunset from a beachfront bar while sipping a cocktail. Consider dining at a fine restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine.
Grab an early breakfast and head to the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve for an enchanting hike. Discover various local flora and fauna along the trails.
Have a picnic lunch in the lush surroundings of the reserve. Spend the afternoon exploring waterfalls and taking in the views.
Return to the town and dine at a cozy local eatery. Enjoy an evening stroll through the vibrant local markets.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and coastal scenery
- Affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries
- Warm climate year-round, ideal for outdoor activities
- Rich cultural heritage and local traditions
- Growing expat community and welcoming atmosphere
- Access to fresh seafood and diverse culinary scene
- Limited access to high-quality healthcare facilities
- Crime rates can be higher in certain areas
- Hurricane season poses a risk to the region
- Public transportation options may be limited
- Infrastructure can be underdeveloped in some areas
- Language barrier for those not fluent in Spanish
Best Activities in Manzanillo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful beaches of Manzanillo, such as Playa La Audiencia, Playa Miramar, and Playa La Boquita.
Discover the vibrant marine life and underwater beauty of the Pacific Ocean through snorkeling or scuba diving tours.
Enjoy deep-sea fishing excursions to catch marlin, sailfish, dorado, and other prized game fish.
Ride the waves at beaches like El Tesoro and Cuyutlán, known for their surfing-friendly conditions.
Tours
Uncover the best of Manzanillo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Manzanillo
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean
Beautiful beach with scenic views and a great spot for sunset photos
Promenade along the waterfront with picturesque views of the sea and nearby attractions
Food in Manzanillo
Manzanillo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled fish marinated in a spicy, smoky adobo sauce, a must-try dish showcasing the region's fresh seafood. Top picks include Mariscos Carlos and Toscana Mia.
Must-Try!
Sample the refreshing and zesty mixed seafood marinated in lime juice and served with avocado. La Pergola and El Tablao are known for their excellent ceviche.
A wildly popular local dish made with raw shrimp marinated in lime, chili, and cilantro, providing a burst of flavors. El Oasis and El Marinero serve delectable Aguachile.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Manzanillo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the bustling local market for a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, and authentic street food such as Tacos de Marlin and Tostadas de Ceviche.
Take a stroll along the seafront promenade to savor a variety of street food delights including grilled corn (elote), marlin tacos, and refreshing aguas frescas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Manzanillo, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, particularly in business and formal settings. When meeting someone for the first time, it is polite to use the formal 'usted' instead of the informal 'tú' when addressing them.
Respect for elders is important in Mexican culture, and this is particularly true in Manzanillo. It is customary to address older individuals with respect and deference, using titles such as ‘señor’ or ‘señora.’ It is also polite to let elders enter a room or a building first.
When invited to someone's home for a meal, it is customary to arrive 15-30 minutes after the scheduled time as a sign of respect. Additionally, it is polite to wait for the host to indicate where you should sit before taking a seat at the dinner table.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Manzanillo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Manzanillo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Manzanillo, Mexico, it is customary to tip around 10-15% in restaurants, bars, and for other services. Some establishments may include a service charge, so it's important to check the bill before tipping. Additionally, it is common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers if the service is exceptional.
Cash is widely accepted in Manzanillo, especially for small purchases and in local markets. However, many restaurants, hotels, and larger stores will also accept credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, particularly for smaller vendors and street markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Manzanillo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for pleasant weather, warm temperatures, and low humidity. Ideal for beach activities and outdoor sports.
Good time to visit with warm temperatures and blooming flowers. Ideal for whale watching and water activities.
Hot and humid weather, but great for surfing and diving. Sea turtle nesting season also occurs during this time.
Chance of hurricanes and rainy weather, but also fewer tourists. Good for those seeking quieter beach days.
Manzanillo at Night
Hiking in Manzanillo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A breathtaking natural waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
A scenic hiking trail offering stunning views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean, perfect for nature lovers.
A mountain range with various trails that provide beautiful vistas and diverse flora and fauna.
A popular hike that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the city of Manzanillo and the bay, especially beautiful at sunrise.
Not only a beach but also a nearby nature trail where you can walk along the coastline and enjoy the views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Manzanillo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Manzanillo by plane.
Located approximately 30 minutes from Manzanillo, Playa de Oro International Airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Located in Colima, approximately 50 km from Manzanillo, this airport provides various domestic connections.
Located approximately 200 km from Manzanillo, this airport offers international flights and is a significant hub in central Mexico.
About 300 km from Manzanillo, Guadalajara International Airport is a major international airport serving the Guadalajara metropolitan area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, comprising various cultural backgrounds including those of indigenous descent.
A smaller group primarily descended from European immigrants.
A small but notable community, part of the diverse heritage of the region.
Indigenous groups, including those from the surrounding areas, contributing to the cultural diversity of Manzanillo.
Includes expatriates and immigrants from various countries living in Manzanillo.
The Soul of Manzanillo
Discover the essence of Manzanillo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Manzanillo, with many local clubs and a passionate fan base. The sport is played at both amateur and professional levels.
Baseball enjoys significant popularity in Manzanillo, with local teams and leagues engaging the community in this beloved sport.
Due to its coastal location, Manzanillo is known for its great surfing spots, making it a popular sport among locals and tourists alike.
Beach volleyball is a common recreational activity on Manzanillo's beaches, attracting both players and spectators.
With access to the Pacific Ocean, swimming is a popular sport and recreational activity for residents and visitors of all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Manzanillo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While seafood is prominent, many restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan options such as fresh salads, vegetable fajitas, and inventive plant-based dishes.
Several establishments in Manzanillo provide gluten-free alternatives, including corn-based tortillas, gluten-free pastas, and specially prepared seafood and meat dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Manzanillo with these cultural adventures.