First Impressions of MANZANILLO, MEXICO

[@edlabine4691]

We have been coming to Manzanillo seasonally for 15 years. We own a home here, and this year we are here Oct to End of July. I suspect that your issues lie with the difference between what you want, and what may of the people that settle here want. You appear to be more interested in a tourist town. Most of the people that settle here are looking for the opposite. We have access to ALL of the requirements for settling in long-term, without the tourists. While there are tourist enclaves, the majority of them are a mixed group of owners, with the majority being people from Guadalajara. if you want a quiet, comfortable life, without the crowds and the high costs, with incredible weather (30' pretty much every day), this is the place to be. If you want bars and parties, it isn't. We love it here.

[@Louis61568]

My family used to go to Manzanillo for family vacations every year when I was a kid. As an adult we’ve gone back every year since 2002 and have since bought an interest in a beach home in Club Santiago. We absolutely love it there. The beaches are fantastic, and totally agree the people are so welcoming and warm. The food is amazing as well.

[@laura-bronner]

The food there is SO good! We've been back a few times now just to enjoy more of the restaurants!!

[@Louis61568]

Eternal Expat Did you stop at La Boquita while you were in Manzanillo? I guess, technically, that’s Santiago but they have some real good restaurants there. My wife and I are on countdown mode. We’ll be there next month. Love seeing when other people discover our little little slice of heaven.

[@magictacoboy]

I been 2 alot of beaches in mexico 🇲🇽 manzanillo been my favorite ones wen I go down there visit grandma in club santiago and salahua area family been living there since early 1900s the main beach of manzanillo is la boquita or la audencia beach amazing beach wit all 5star resorts even better then Hawaiis and I love Hawaii.

[@alecouro]

Here in manzanillo its a beautiful place to live, maybe we don't have a lot places, or idk. But if you want peace, its a perfecto place, just sit the stand and listen to music its perfect. Also you can climb the mountain.

[@thoreau7]

You should check out Culyutan..about 45 minutes south. Its a cool authentic Mexican town...plus there is an awesome turtle Sanctuary there. Check it out

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks for the tip, I'll add it to our list for the next trip we take to Manzanillo!

[@jay84one]

Been there and the sands are black instead of beige/brown, on the beach front, etc. It is a quiet and family oriented town, people are nice and welcoming there!

[@jay84one]

Manzanillo is very chill! Considering possibly moving there… People are very nice, just was there about a month ago for about a week!

[@laura-bronner]

It’s very chill and relaxing! Close to the costa alegre as well which has some of the most incredible beaches in Mexico (in my humble opinion!).

[@juanchavarria1815]

Thanks for sharing I enjoy that u share both the good and the bad

[@drSamovar]

you're the best......thanks for info with a little style....

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks, Robert! Glad you enjoy the videos!!

[@Vancouver_Dan]

Thanks EE. It is obvious that you have thought about your comments and are respectful, so do don't be shy about unpopular opinions. I really appreciate hearing what you think.

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you so much, I appreciate your feedback. I'm glad you find the videos helpful in some way!

[@darbo7]

Fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed every last bit of your initial impression of Manzanillo. Looking forward to the next one. 😀

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Many more to come in the next few weeks!

[@charliemulligan1988]

Hi Laura my name is Charlie I am from Boston mass USA. I am a widower just this past year. I booked a trip to Puerto Vallarta. I just recently considered San Pancho for two weeks, And flying to Puerto Vallarta Mexico from New York is the way from here.Of course I will stop and see Sayulita also. I was raised in the city of Boston and I am just looking for a sleepy little beach town but not too sleepy? I was grateful you talked about Manzanillo being so spread out I just want to walk . Of course I know I need to take a bus from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita Mexico..Beaches restaurants and the gym is what I do in Cape Cod mass. I think I would enjoy that in Mexico.The winter’s are long here in Boston and I want to love travel. I retired young at 55 and in good Health.I have not booked an Airbnb or hotel. Am I on the right track? I will be traveling alone. Have you got a nice place for me to stay in San Pancho and /or Sayulita close to the beach and center? Reasonable? As I said I am alone. I will be leaving February 23 to March 9 and I’m looking forward to the beach . I am looking at the snow in my yard as I write this, we’ve gotten some snow here in Boston this past week. I think you are the best and I love your videos. Good luck in Madrid. 😊 And Thanks Laura

[@marcthompson2486]

Sayulitia has all of that, San Pancho is super cool but not as hoping as Sayulita

[@charliemulligan1988]

Hi Lara. It is now June 17. I stayed in Bucerias and I loved it of course I saw San Pancho Sayulita Punta DeMita and Rincon de Guayabitos. I loved it so much in February and March I returned May 4 for another adventure. I stayed in Bucerias in a three bedroom three bathroom townhouse five blocks from the beach 50 bucks a night and I loved it. I even had a roof deck overlooking Bandera Bay. I would go back right now but I think the rain is coming and I have much work on my landscaping and house in Boston. I have some new Mexican friends. I talk to them regularly my Spanish is poor. But I found the Mexican people just charming. They were very gracious hosts to me I have grown fond of them. I will return again and again. I may went to their when I lose my dog. He is an old boy now. Thank you again for being awesome. You were one of the first ones that made me consider Mexico. Although I think you are somewhere in Europe now. Best wishes

[@jeanetteg10411]

You say you are showing us Mexico but all I see is you talking to the camera

[@klarsen100]

mariscos de cunado--was it the one closest to the beach? there are 2. on my list!

[@boredjoewo]

Your videos are great! Thank you for the effort! We have been to Manzanillo several times and we almost bought a house there. But....we said to one another that we HAD to visit Puerto Vallarta first as that is the big tourist city on the West Coast. We thought PV would be too touristy but really the activity attracted us and that activity is simply what Manzanillo lacks. And yes we bought our house in Puerto Vallarta...moving there permanently in 4 months. Manzanillo is a wonderful Mexican city. It really did not lack amenities this Estadudiense needs but PV was far more active and it just had more stuff. Now we also traveled to Ajijic and visited the Lake Chapala area and that was very very sleepy...moreso than Manzanillo which is why I can see Ajijic as a retiree Heaven as it is but I would think Manzanillo would be the second retiree Heaven but on the ocean with the laid back ZLO atmosphere. Manzanillo would be wonderful if you lived in Guad and wanted to go to the beach and just chill. You do know the beaches of both bays Manzanillo and Santiago Bay have a history of being SOLIDLY PACKED during Semana Santa week so as is it is known as "the place Mexicans go for vacation" it is proven during Mexican holidays. Manzanillo has Las Hadas and Dolphin Cove and the other great hotels on the little peninsula and we have stayed there and have had tremendous times there. The Movie "10" with Bo Derek was filmed on the beach at Las Hadas!!! Manzanillo has a Costco and Sorianas and so on so there is no lack for shopping...but yes it is a bit...less shiny I guess. We will most certainly go to Manzanillo for vacations in the future and the calm atmosphere I can see as an upgrade from pretty sleepy Ajijic and Lake Chapala but....for us we just enjoy a little more liveliness and activities and we found that in PV. The main street has great restaurants.... El Fogon...La Huerta...and of course the Club Santiago restaurant is very good too. Mix in the little places which are all just so tremendous and you have a real solid restaurant scene. I am glad you went to Manzanillo. It is SO EASY to get to from many cities in the US and Canada and actually we met MANY more Canadians than people from the US in Manzanillo but of course in Mexico in general. Happy trails.....

[@Vancouver_Dan]

We have been to PV numerous times over the years. During our last visit, Dia los Muertos 2019, I noticed that PV is becoming very busy and urban. As they complete the toll road via Sayulita to Guadalajara - I expect that PV will become even busier with weekend and short term visitors from the big city. PV was also insanely busy during semana santa - again because of the easy access to GDL. Our go to is now Puerto Escondido which is also spread out - but there are many different beaches and bays to visit (or a person can just live and play in one area). PV is great for retirees - you can find almost any club or activity that interests you. However, I can only take the hustle bustle, and intoxicated snow birds, in small doses (so, we stayed for three nights in November and spent the rest of our trip in San Pancho).

[@boredjoewo]

@@Vancouver_Dan TOTALLY get you! Enjoy your spot in Mexico! Our house is actually out of the hustle and bustle of PV and our house is almost in Pitillal. We wanted to be close to the action...live in a quiet residential area. Yes high season is busy but low season is almost dead. Every place on the coast is busy during Semana Santa...might be a good time to go to GDL or CDMX as they are all in PV!!! ha! Enjoy the spot at calls to you!!!

[@alain0323]

I visited PV for the last 10 years, beside becoming very urban,one problem I observed it is also becoming very gay.

[@roxybabe818]

My parents have a place in ZLO and we have been going for 15 years (I'm from Canada!). One of my favourite places.. Let me know if you need any cool recommendations :)

[@laura-bronner]

I would LOVE some cool recommendations! I understand the beauty and draw of the beach for sure!

[@samb2945]

I've noticed that there appears to be a more relaxed approach to the Covid situation in Mexico which is something that attracts me. What's your take on this in Mexico generally? 😊 👍

[@laura-bronner]

It depends on the area. Around Jalisco and Colima it does seem to be a bit more relaxed, but from what I've heard about Cancun and Merida it's much stricter there (no alcohol being sold in Merida right now!). I have a whole collection of videos with interviews and info about what Coronavirus has looked like here in Mexico: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2itqoedptuEkLc

[@joespurgeon7250]

Hola. As a family we started travelling to Manzanillo in 1962. Then a very sleepy yet important sea port. We stayed at the Pea Vella hotel and fished for 5 days straight. Got to know the hotel owners and spent the next 23 Christmas holidays with their family. We saw the Hotel Las Hadas being built and eventually stayed there many times. I love everything about Msnzanillo. The central park still has a tradition of the single girls walking around the park one direction and the single boys the other. They eventually meet up and walk together, with chaparon. Love to see that.

[@kimovando1737]

I be mexico soon in stepmber 1 I am going to chiapas

[@laura-bronner]

Awesome! I love Chiapas! Have you been before? Where in the state are you heading? I really loved the ruins in Palenque and Sumidero Canyon is amazing!

[@dtcperformance82]

If you want a first impression and lots of tourist and noise just go to mazatlan other places manzanzanillo its a place to relax of course there’s things to do places to know the get info i I live there couple years and work as a tourist guide all arround manzanillo so many things to do and places

[@Cgv69]

What a nice place. Thanks for sharing your impressions about this beautiful port in Mexico. It’s not a well known tourist destination but seems a beautiful place. What do you think about Las Brisas/Las Hadas Hotel building design. I think is beautiful building

[@islandbreeze2102]

Thanks for being brave and telling us the not so great things about the city. Unfortunately KZbin comments have made it so scary for people to voice their true opinions. It helped us a lot to know what to expect.

[@Diego9806]

It is my biggest gripe about KZbin videos and frankly all coverage of tourism/traveling, everything is amazing. That's isn't to say many places aren't amazing but when you have limited time and budgets some places may be "skips". Sure if you have unlimited time/money see it all.

[@scotplad]

Hi We live in lake Chapala area, and we love to got o Manzanillo but if you like smaller towns with flavor and beach we Love Melaque Not all that far from Manzanillo check it out you may like it also, It is a couple of miles slightly north/ west of Manzanillo.

[@richardthompson4702]

I own a condo on Santiago Bay (west end of Manzanillo) near the village of Santiago. My favorite restaurants are Pacifica (Las Brisas area), Pata Salada (Las Brisas area) and Oasis (Club Santiago area). They are upscale and a great menu. Many expats frequent there. Santiago beach is 5 miles long and great for walking. I've seen whales from my deck. The bay is full of fish as evidenced by the many pelicans, cormorants and other diving birds. The port area is commercial and not that attractive. Next trip, stay around Santiago and I think you'll develop a better impression.

[@alain0323]

Thanks Laura for your insightful videos,as usual it was super informative.

[@rh7163]

I really appreciate your personal thoughts on Manzanillo as I really don't want to stay or book a long stay if its a tourist town like Puerto Vallarta or a city that is too big, too spread out with too many people. Smaller places, close to beaches but not on the beach as they are noisy at night when the waves crash in on the shoreline. If you wouldn't, chances are, I wouldn't want to stay for more than a day or two. Thanks for your personal thoughts......gracias.

[@sledhead36]

I have a villa in La Quinta in Manzanillo. I would be happy to host you for a short period of time so you may experience the community if you’re interested.

[@claudiahaag_psychotherapist]

May i take that offer too?:-)

[@chrisb2477]

You're right Spending just 36 hours somewhere is not really time to formulate an opinion of many places . I find it really takes at least a continuous month or 2 of living there to learn enough about a place.

[@valeriasalazar7633]

i live in manzanillo and yeah is beautiful but is just like so bored and also for tourist there isn’t a lot of things to do just like walk on the beach have a nice diner on a good restaurant with a view to the beach and that’s old because there’s anything else to do, but idk that is an opinion from some one to live there :)

[@ssotoc1972]

Manzanillo is aBeautiful place !!!! :-)

[@laura-bronner]

Yes, it's very beautiful! I really loved the Malecon walk an also loved how many people come down to appreciate the sunsets along the beach!

[@olivialopez6671]

Thank you for the video. I don't think you're very clear about what you don't like about Manzanillo. To be fair; I don't know what you're looking for in a vacation town, The majority of descriptions you gave are positive and vase on the video; it looks very nice, even the town.

[@mangosgomexico6343]

I’ve been a few times. Not a fan of the port area and city. The beach is nice . My kids like the crabs that tap at the door. We stayed in the hills above the beach. I hate to disappoint the kids but not my favorite. And We e been all over Mexico.

[@erika20927]

Spread out? Sorry you didn’t like it to go back 😢! I do think we have nice places to go , but if you are a night party person maybe is not for you

[@christianadriannatv5089]

Your beauriful and i love the place very nice and so relaxing new friend see you

[@israelreynaga4692]

Manzanillo is a hidden gem, your negative reviews hopefully will keep it that way. Do everyone a favor and don’t go back. The small towns surrounding Manzanillo are beautiful and one of a kind. The beaches are amazing and so is the food. It’s a must visit at least once kinda place.

[@darrincaruso8014]

This lady sure likes her face. How about more scenery and less face? Or just show the place you're at and talk over. It seems like a zoom call interview. But they are kinda informative.

[@Charliegeek1]

Manzanillo is a city.

[@AdrianCastellanosStudios]

We wanna go here for our honeymoon!!

[@JuanGonzalez-jw134]

Sometimes you lose me in your adventures, you moved from Mexico City to a tiny town near Manzanillo, then you went to check out Manzanillo correct? you have hang ups about Manzanillo but not that tiny town you're in? common sense would dictate that you would be better off in Manzanillo...just saying if you've just been in a big city a tiny town won't cut it for you Manzanillo would be better for you, good luck

[@laura-bronner]

haha yes - I would have thought I would have been better off in Manzanillo as well, but it's not really a big city and I felt it lacked the character of other cities in Mexico which this little town I'm currently in DOES have. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy the slower pace of life in a small town. It helps that I knew all along it wasn't going to be permanent, so I've been able to truly enjoy the peace and quiet without stressing about the lack of amenities.

[@kippsguitar6539]

She's trying to say it's boring, yanks don't say what they mean, they call a toilet a bathroom!

[@MrJx4000]

Looks like a place for the rich.

[@jahkeemfrancis]

What’s it like to live in Mexico kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHm9eZibq8-Xmtk

[@kingofnothinghere4210]

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[@elhuevongdl]

I WANT A FOREING GIRLFRIEND, IF SOMEONE COMES TO GUADALAJARA, SEND ME INBOX JAJAJAI HAVE 36 YEARS OLD, AND I AM A PASTRY CHEF AND I HAVE A FONDA

[@berihuevas]

Cuando no se conoce un lugar, mas que superficialmente como escucho que viajaste, entonces se puede opinar sin mucho conocimiento. muchas cosas por ver y conocer y visitar. me parece muy pobre lo que comentas. debiste tomar mas tiempo y darte cuenta que si hay mucho que hacer y conocer