 Manzanillo, the "sailfish world capital"
Added: 02/10/2006 |
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Manzanillo is the largest port on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The climate is warm and humid with an average temperature of 26°C. There are two different areas in Manzanillo: the downtown area and the Hotel Zone. The downtown offers government and business services. All of the major hotels and restaurants are located in the Hotel Zone where brisk nightlife is to your favor. Long Manzanillo beaches, with fine sands, gentle waves and warm waters, are its main attraction. Manzanillo is known as the 'sailfish world capital' and one of the best tourist resorts on the Mexican Pacific coast.
Manzanillo located between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco is a city of about 100,000 inhabitants and the largest port on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It lies 98 kilometers west of the state capital, Colima City, by the way of Federal Highways 200 and 110, in the State of Colima. The history of Manzanillo started in 1522 when Hernan Cortes and his crew disembarked in what would later be known as Manzanillo.
The climate in the location is warm and humid with an average temperature of 26°C. Manzanillo has cooler temperatures than Puerto Vallarta or Acapulco. In May, the climate starts changing and becomes more humid to the beginning of rainy season in June. Rainy season, however, doesn't mean it rains daily all along. Usually it rains every three or four days in late afternoon or evening cooling everything and washing the dust off the tropical leaves.
As a rule, tourists can't imagine the wonderful tropical rain forests, the deserted beaches and lower prices, but for those who live here year-round rainy season is a favorite time to enjoy Manzanillo at its fullest. Hurricane season is usually from June through October. However, the last serious natural phenomenon of the kind to hit Manzanillo was in 1959. Most hurricanes are directed to the north, closer to Puerto Vallarta.
There are two different areas in Manzanillo: the downtown area and the Hotel Zone. The former houses banks, government services and market district. Manzanillo's Museum of Archaeology displays rarities from the Comala, Capacha, Periquillos, Colima and Armeria cultures. In the downtown area you can walk along the harbor enjoying the view of fishing boats. There are several restaurants in the downtown where you can savour superb fish and seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Manzanillo's market is mainly a 'locals' market, but tourists like it for its true Mexican atmosphere.
The Hotel Zone is near 4.8 kilometers north of Manzanillo, and is about 6.4 kilometers long. All of the main hotels and restaurants are located in the Hotel Zone where you can enjoy nice nightlife. The main fiestas in Manzanillo are Fiesta de Mayo and Fiesta de Guadalupe. Fiesta de Mayo is Manzanillo's main celebration and begins near the end of April, runs for two weeks and ends around May 10. Numerous events include sports, art exhibits, parades, concerts, native dances, and carnival. Fiesta de Guadalupe celebrating the patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, starts on December 1 and lasts for 12 days.
Fine sands, calm waves, and warm waters of long Manzanillo beaches are its major attraction. A visitor can find the best spots to enjoy the sun, sand and seafood in the Bays of Santiago and Manzanillo. Among the entertainment options available in Manzanillo are water sports, especially fishing. It's interesting to note that Manzanillo is known as the 'sailfish world capital'. The most important sports event of the Manzanillo port is the International Sailfish Tournament, which is held every year in February. Manzanillo, with a yearly average of 350 days of sunshine, is one of the best tourist resorts on the Mexican Pacific coast.
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