Manzanillo Attractions
Because Manzanillo is so spread out, you might consider a city tour. Reputable local tour companies are available and Villas Caribe concierge can arrange your tour. Schedules are flexible; a half-day city tour costs around $25. Other tours include the daylong Colima Colonial Tour ($67), which stops at a sugar-cane plantation, Colima's Archaeological Museum, and principal colonial buildings, and passes the active volcano.

The Museum of Archaeology and History (tel. 314/332-2256) is a small but impressive structure that houses exhibits depicting the region's history, plus rotating displays of contemporary Mexican art. It's on Avenida Niños Héroes at Avenida Teniente Azueta, on the road leading between the downtown and Las Brisas areas. Every Friday evening, the museum hosts free cultural events, which might be a trio playing romantic ballads or a chamber music ensemble. Performances begin at 8pm. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm and 5 to 8pm, Sunday from 10am to 1pm. The museum is undergoing a complete renovation, scheduled to be completed in November 2006.

Centuries-old legends say that more than 3,000 years ago the God of fire looked down from the volcano, Nevado de Colima, to advise and give solace to the inhabitants of this region. His hot-tempered younger brother, who resided in the Volcan de Colima, instilled fear in the hearts of his worshippers and would severely punish those who didn't please him.
Flowing, crashing, splashing...the waterfall in El Salto just north of Manzanillo is the principal waterfall in the state. It is more than 100 feet in height, and is formed by the Minatitlán-Marabasco River. The drive from Manzanillo to El Salto takes only about 40 minutes, although you'll feel like you've gone back millions of years in time. Around every turn you expect to see a dinosaur right out of "Jurassic Park." Getting there is half the fun--driving through jungles and tropical rain forests, on a winding mountain road where you cross the river several times. You'll pass several little Mexican pueblos, or villages, so don't be surprised if you see people riding burros, and keep your eye peeled for cattle, goats or pigs in the road.

Manzanillo Beaches
Playa Audiencia, on the Santiago Peninsula, offers the best swimming as well as snorkeling, but Playa San Pedrito, shallow for a long way out, is the most popular beach for its proximity to downtown. Playa Las Brisas offers an optimal combination of location and good swimming. Playa Miramar, on the Bahía de Santiago past the Santiago Peninsula, is popular with bodysurfers, windsurfers, and boogie boarders. It's accessible by local bus from town. The major part of Playa Azul drops off sharply but is noted for its wide stretch of golden sand.