Here is some information on Manzanillo's museums, monuments, local culture and some great sight seeing tours to go on. There is bird and animal watching, some information on little known areas for some great sight seeing.

Manzanillo Mexico

Something for everyone.

Garden Alvaro Obregón. A wonderful place for rest and enjoyment, it is located in front of the old pier in the center of downtown Manzanillo. Colima artist Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo designed the garden and gazebo. The gazebo is made from beautiful quarry rock and there are many finely made decorative lamps that light up the garden at night. The garden is a real must see on your trip to Manzanillo Mexico.

Sail Fish Monument. This was built in order to enhance the image of Manzanillo as the ideal place for sport fishing. Manzanillo has sports fishing tournaments and is known as the sail fish capital of the world. This is one of the symbols that identify the city of Manzanillo, Mexico. The monument is located in front of the entrance to the shipping docks on the way to downtown Manzanillo.

University Museum of Archaeology. The structure of the Museum of Manzanillo responds to the idea of establishing a center of cultural diffusion. It is designed with the idea "The University for the people through the objects. In a Conventional University it is the language of the words; in a museum it becomes the language of the objects". It is a museum that can be used by everyone, a scientist elaborating on a thesis, a schoolboy trying to obtain simple knowledge or the casual observer only seeking to enjoy the beauty of the artifacts in the sight. The project of the museum contemplates 3 aspects. The first being the cultural element, so the youth can acquire an understanding of their more remote origins. Next the academic order, incorporating the idea that the person who visits the Museum is thrown into a complete impression of what it was like in Colima and prehispanic Manzanillo. And finally converting its focus to offer the tourist a panoramic view of the cultural attractiveness and history of the remote riverside towns and villages of the area.

The Reef. This is a point elevated from the Peninsula of Juluapan, next to the "Vida del Mar" bungalows. There has been a restaurant built onto the edge of the cliffs so that you can enjoy the view. From the restaurant overlook you can admire the "Ensenada de Higueras" (fig tree cove), a rocky coast where the sea explodes against the cliffs with imposing force thus giving the impression of an ever changing landscape.

Lighthouse of "Campos". In the North end of the Beach of "Campos" is a hill approximately 120 meters high with a lighthouse on the summit. From the lighthouse you can take in the breathtaking view of the ocean bathed beaches and green palms of Manzanillo, Mexico. There is also an excellent vista of the still waters of the Lagoon of Cuyutlán and of the city of Manzanillo. To reach the lighthouse it is preferable to use a vehicle except in the rainy season when you have to walk.

Rock of the Elephant. This is located on the Peninsula of Juluapan, 20 minutes by boat from Miramar and one hour from downtown Manzanillo. This is an enormous rocky formation, one of the most whimsical and attractive in Manzanillo Bay. It owes its name to the extraordinary likeness of an elephant that can be seen from almost any angle.

Las Ventanas. This overlook is located on the highway that takes you from Manzanillo to the Thermoelectric Plant. When you arrive at the bridge that joins the ocean with the Lagoon of Cuyutlán there is a side road that leads to the breakwater of "Ventanas". A beautiful lookout from which you can enjoy the imposing landscape. The ocean can be viewed from the front of the lookout while off to the sides the sea hurls against the rocky cliffs throwing great plumes of water into the air forming fleeting fans.

Pena Blanca (White Rock). This is a great rocky promontory that stands out of the sea in front of the beach "Playa de Oro". The white color of the rocks is owed to the accumulation of excrements from aquatic birds as it is a natural refuge for thousands of them. In order to visit this place you must take a boat from Santiago, Las Hadas or the La Perlita pier in downtown. This is an excellent 3-4 hour trip up the coast affording the opportunity to admire the coastline and see a beautiful show of wild life. (This is one of the only trips where I have seen dolphins).

Bridge of "Tepalcates" (Lagoon of Cuyutlán). A beautiful place where daily at dawn and dusk great masses of ducks, cranes and many other species of birds gently glide over the calm waters of the Lagoon. The best place to observe the morning and evening flights is from the Bridge "Tepalcates". This bridge is located on the toll road to Colima, about five minutes from downtown Manzanillo.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
(MUSEO UNIVERSITARIO DE ARQUEOLOGIA)
Cultural and sports center University of Colima
Across from the entrance to the Port of Manzanillo (333) 22256

ART GALLERY
(GALERIA UNIVERSITARIA)
Cultural and sports center University of Colima
Across from the entrance to the Port of Manzanillo (333) 22256

MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM
(AUDITORIO PROF. MANUEL BONILLA VALLE)
Valle De Las Garzas

To find more information on things to do in Manzanillo, check out "Facts, Tips and Day Trips, guide to Colima and Manzanillo" by Susan Dearing.