Day Trips from La Manzanilla

Two towns about 20 minutes south of La Manzanilla with restaurants, shops, and a bank. Barra has small tourist boardwalk if you are interested in shopping. You can take the bus to Melaque and then hop another to Barra.

Ok- this is better as a weekend trip. Colima is about 2.5 hours from La Manzanilla by car. The central part of Colima hosts many lovely plaza's where you can find live music and dancing on the weekends.

Comala is considered one of the region's most beautiful towns, is also known as "America's Town of White" because of its picturesque white houses with tile roofs standing out among orchards of exuberant vegetation. There is a wonder bed and breakfast in Comala, your hosts Júpiter Rivera y Mara Ballesteros are very knowledge about the area and can offer tours in English or Spanish. Casa Alvarada is highly recommended for an overnight or two.

This a lovely beach town 20 minutes north of La Manzanilla. There is a little coral-bottomed cove at the end of the beach. The cove is frequently home to camper vans, tents, and trailers mostly from Canada.

There is no bus service so you’ll have to take a taxi from La Manzanilla. The driver usually just drops you off and then waits for you.

There are some very highly recommended palapa restaurants on the beach just before you get to the cove.

It is recommended you bring your own snorkeling gear.

Just north of La Manzanilla, 10 minutes by car you'll find the turn-off for Los Angeles Locos. Head off the highway down a cobblestone road for another 10 minutes and you'll come to a gated entry, the "guard" will take your license plate number and your driver's license. Go though the gate and follow the road past the resort and then along a dirt road paralleling the beach, go to the end of the road and you’ll find a campground, day picnic area and the  restaurant,  La Vena. 

The beach here is gorgeous!  The water is crystal clear.  You’ll find lots of small shells on the beach and a small outcrop of rocks provides some interest if snorkeling is on your agenda.  

The only services are the restaurant La Vena, beer, sodas, seafood all the standard beachside restaurant fare.  Bring our own snorkel. On weekends and holidays you'll find lots of Mexican families enjoying the river and beach.

You can kayak up the river, go while the tide is coming in and you get a free ride. Not sure about crocodiles but I'm sure the further you venture up river and the more lush the mangrove you might find a crocodile or two.

Delightful pool and wonderful food can be found at this off the beaten track eco-lodge. Recommended are the Coconut Shrimp, burgers and Mango margarita's. You'll need a car or to hire a taxi but it's well worth it. Head out for lunch and lounge at the pool for the afternoon.

Directions: Head south on HWY 200.  Go past Barra de Navidad until you see the turnoff for Isla de Navidad/La Culebra.  Follow the road for 9km/6 miles and look for the sign on your left just after the 3 large topes (speed bumps).  If you arrive at the entrance to the Grand Bay you have gone too far.  Turn around and go back about 400 meters or ¼ of a mile.