On the Pacific coast, halfway between the U.S. and Guatemala, Manzanillo is very slow in developing, which is part of its charm. It also can be unbearably hot in the summer. A resort area popular with Mexicans and spring-breakers from the U.S., it's packed on weekends and holidays. The area encompasses two large bays: Manzanillo Bay to the south and Santiago Bay to the north, which are separated by the Santiago Peninsula, where many fine resort hotels are located. The town is on the south end of Manzanillo Bay, and there's not much to see there. However, the downtown seawalk has been spruced up, and a park is being put in along Santiago Bay. The wide beaches on the bays are the big attractions. The town calls itself the "Sailfish Capital of the World," and deep-sea fishing is excellent November-May. Manzanillo is also the largest container port on the west coast of the Americas.
Side trips may be made to the largely undiscovered coast to the south and to Barra de Navidad, an hour's drive north of Manzanillo, which has good surfing beaches and a lagoon (and a huge resort). 130 mi/210 km south of Guadalajara.
