LA
MANZANILLA: A SLEEPY FISHING VILLAGE THAT’S WAKING UP Nestled between the beautiful blue Pacific and lush jungle-covered
mountains, La Manzanilla is home to discriminating persons from all
over the world, including a lively mixture of artists, writers, and
retirees. A tropical paradise blending old world-charm with modern
conveniences, this tranquil fishing village offers something for everyone.
Our three-mile stretch of sun-swept beach caressed by gentle waves
along the Bay of Tenacatita is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking,
sailing, surf fishing, and sunbathing. Some people prefer simply to
sit back and enjoy the scenery from one of the many colorful palapa
restaurants dotting the beach. The view of the bay and sunsets from
the comfort of one’s ocean-view home is often photographed and
always spectacular. Residents frequently are treated to the sight of
dolphins or whales frolicking in our bay, as well as diving exhibitions
by pelicans and other sea birds in search of fish. Other recreational
pursuits include horseback riding, bird watching, hiking, cycling,
and leisurely strolling through our picturesque village, or relaxing
and people watching from our lovely jardin (plaza).
Although small, La Manzanilla has most of the necessities and a few
surprises. We have a number of fine restaurants, several markets for
fresh fruit and vegetables, butcher shops, fresh fish cooperative,
clothing and souvenir boutiques, pharmacy, health center, and taxi
and bus service. Residents also enjoy a used bookstore, Internet café,
beauty salon and spa, and an internationally recognized art gallery.
One of our most popular locations is the multicultural art center with
classes in a variety of artistic media, Spanish and English classes,
weekend movies, and exercises such as yoga and tai chi. While we don’t
yet have a bank or ATM, post office, gas station, or dentist, they’re
only 10 miles away in Melaque.
More important than the material aspects of La Manzanilla is the
spirit of camaraderie and cooperation between the locals and members
of the
foreign community. Both work hand in hand to improve the quality of
life for all residents. Some examples of that close interaction include:
working to preserve our mangrove marsh and lagoon, an ecological reserve
that’s home to several caimans and an array of tropical birds
and plants; Cisco’s Amigos annual spay/neuter and animal health
clinic; not-for-profit sales venues which donate proceeds to meet various
financial needs throughout the community; and a number of other ongoing
programs.
With fewer than 3,000 residents, crime is virtually nonexistent,
as is traffic much of the time (except during one of our fiestas – most
notably during the Christmas holidays, the rodeo during the first weekend
of February, and Semana Santa, the week before Easter). Even after
the shops and restaurants close at night, the streets are safe. The
locals are very friendly and eager to please and, although Spanish
is the primary language spoken here, most people find they can make
themselves understood using a combination of the most basic Spanish
and hand signals.
Often called the Jewel of the Costa Alegre (Happy Coast), La Manzanilla
is within easy driving distance of major urban areas. Located the southwest
corner of the State of Jalisco, at 19.2o latitude and 104.5o longitude,
we’re approximately a three-hour drive from the Puerto Vallarta
airport (PVR), less than an hour’s drive from the airport at
Manzanillo (ZLO), and five hours from Guadalajara (GDL). We’re
in the Central time zone, a little more than a mile west of Highway
200 near the 16 km marker.
We look forward to helping you find your personal piece of paradise
in La Manzanilla!
|
The beach town most people refer to as Melaque is made up of three
separate villages connected along the western curve of the Bahia de
Navidad: Melaque, San Patricio, and Villa Obregon. Collectively
they are home to approximately 9,000 residents, and attract hundreds
more tourists during the winter season.
Melaque, at the north end, is the primary business district. This
is where you’ll find the Banamex branch and ATM, the bus station,
casa de cambio, cyber-cafes, and the majority of restaurants and shops. Herradura
and Mercado Hawaii supermarkets and Piratas fresh fruit and vegetable
market draw shoppers from throughout the Costa Alegre.
San Patricio, the middle village, is more residential in nature. Its
tree-lined streets are sprinkled with small mom-and-pop grocery stores
and other family owned businesses interspersed among modest homes. The
post office, gym, Centro Salud, and veterinarian are in this section.
Villa Obregon, the southernmost village closest to Barra de Navidad,
is almost exclusively residential. While the other two villages are
laid out in a grid, the streets in Obregon meander past stately homes
and beautiful gardens hidden behind decoratively gated walls.
All three villages are bordered by Highway 200 on the east and the
Pacific Ocean on the west. Some of the land in the greater Melaque
area already has been or is in the process of being privatized and
can be purchased through a bank trust (fideicomiso). The remainder
is still under ejido governance.
The Melaque metropolitan area is located 30 minutes from the Manzanillo
(ZLO) airport and three and a half to four hours from the airport at
Puerto Vallarta (PVO), and is less than two hours from the port city
of Manzanillo.
|
