The village and surrounding lands where originally part of a large privately owned hacienda, prior to the Mexican revolution. In the aftermath, the property was given to the locals to farm, caretake, and graze as part of an "ejido" or Mexican co-op. Nowadays the area serves as a popular beach destination for the local Mexicans from the surrounding mountain villages, as far away as Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco State.

 

The name of the village is derived from the tree and bush that grows in the area. One was used for boat building and the other, when brewed, made a refreshing tea-based drink. Today the village caters to the adventuresome traveler who can easily access the village off of Mex. Hwy 200 from Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, or Guadalajara. The village of La Manzanilla offers the outdoor enthusiast a cornucopia of activites while on vacation! One can use the services of a local fishing guide to catch Dorado, Tuna, Snapper, and many other varieties of aquatic sea life that frequent the sheltered bay. Wildlife observation includes Spotted Porpoises, Whales, Brown & Blue-footed Boobies, Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, Frigates, and many other varieties.

 

Next to the village is a Federal Ecological Zone (a high tide mangrove lagoon) that harbors Egrets, Heron, King Fishers, Ibises, Anhingas, and alligators plus shrouded waterways accessible with a local boat guide. Playa La Manzanilla has a flat beach, mellow surf, fine brown sand, and several mom & pop sand-floor palapa restaurants offering the catch of the day, cold cervezas, and front row seating to view  the majestic Bay of Tenacatita! Mountain biking (BYOB) and beach combing are popular along the north beach which stretches unabatted for over three miles. A visual outdoor collage of dark green & blue Pacific ocean waters on one side and lush, green swaying palm trees on the other. Just two hours to the southeast are two of the highest mountains in all of Mexico. One being one of the most active volcanoes in the Sierra Madre mountain range.

 

Accommodations vary from low cost 1 & 2 star hotels in the village to medium priced cabanas on the beach and villas in the surrounding foothills above the village. There are taxis and car rentals available at the Manzanillo airport and at the main bus station in Melaque, a neighboring village 8 miles to the south. There is hourly bus service from La Manzanilla to Melaque seven days a week. There are several mom & pop grocery/liquor stores, an internet cafe, long distance phone service, and medical clinic. Several locally owned restaurants include: Palapa Joe's, Quetzal's, Martine's, Hotel Tonala, and El Boca's on the beach! 

 

A great area to explore, with an ideal fishing village setting, on a bay too beautiful to capture in words. Come experience La Manzanilla and the Bay of Tenacatita!