Manzanillo

Travel north from Acapulco on Mexico's Pacific coast - to the central coastal area of the country- and you'll discover the Mexican Riviera.

Miles upon miles of palm trees line the land just inside the coastal shores. Jungle covered mountains plunge into the pacific coast, or fall short to reveal golden sand beaches, begging to be discovered and walked upon by tired feet.

This area along the coast of the Mexican Riviera is host to 3 main costal resort towns - Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan - as well as the exclusive and luxurious resorts along the Costalegre between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.

Today, this region is extremely accessible - by air and by road - and has become a favourite holiday destination for foreigners and Mexicans alike... read on and discover why.

Manzanillo has two parts - the resort area on the Santiago Peninsula, and the busy commercial area downtown and to the south - Manzanillo is a busy port town - but still retains its tranquil, laid back feel and atmosphere.

Downtown, near the main plaza (Zocalo) you'll find a traditional Mexican town with colonial style houses and little streets that meander away and take you on a tour around this very Mexican town.

The centre of town and the dock areas have recently undergone major renovation works. At the centre of the redevelopment is a new giant turquoise statue of a a Marlin - Manzanillo's 'official fish'!

Alongside the Playa Azul, and Playa Las Brisas, is a selection of nice seafood restaurants, open air, sat next to the pacific ocean. You can enjoy great seafood here while watching and listening to the sound of the mighty pacific ocean, as it delivers its huge waves onto the beach just a couple of dozen yards away.

The resort peninsula hosts a range of mid range and luxury hotels, with their own private beaches, tucked away from the onslaught of the Pacific waves, making it safe to swim and play water sports. They are self-contained holiday centres: you don't need to leave the resort if you don't want to and just chill-out, relax and play water games.

There is plenty to offer in this area for those who want to explore. Sea fishing is very big here, and golf is becoming a major attraction, with Manzanillo hosting no less than 2 of Mexico's top 10 golf courses.

Manzanillo is in the state of Colima, right next door the state of Jalisco - which is home to the second largest city in Mexico - Guadalajara. Guadalajara gave to Mexico such things as the Mariachi, The Mexican Sombrero and Tequila. A day-trip to Guadalajara is very convenient from Manzanillo and is a worthwhile way experience some of Mexico's great inland destinations.

Diving and Bird Watching are two of the other main pastimes here. Manzanillo is a favourite location for family holidays. The town is relaxed, the beaches are good and there's plenty to see and do for the whole family. If you're looking for a resort town that doesn't have the over-commercialised feel of a resort town, then Manzanillo is good place to touch down for a week, maybe two.