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Manzanillo is a city of several distinctive regions. Leaving the cruise ship terminal, you'll see the Moorish-style downtown area, with it huge, tree-lined pedestrian walkway and giant blue sailfish sculpture, signifying Manzanillo being the "Sailfish Capital of the World." |
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Recently given a face lift to provide shaded sidewalks, outdoor cafes, stores for souvenir shopping, and a lovely garden with park benches, you'll be able to enjoy walking around the old town district toward the end of the tour. |
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As the van heads north, you'll pass the port of Manzanillo, now the largest in Mexico, and be able to see how it has expanded to make it even more immense. Heading into the Hotel Zone on the main boulevard, you'll pass dozens of restaurants, bars and hotels on both sides of the road. The major chain stores, such as KFC, Domino's Pizza, Dairy Queen, Subway, Office Depot, Office Max, Burger King and Wal-Mart are all along this strip, as is the casino, "Juega, Juega." While car dealerships are closing by the dozens in the U.S., they are flourishing along Manzanillo's commercial boulevard, Miguel de la Madrid, named after a former president of Mexico. The Madrid family has its roots in the state of Colima. |
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As we leave the main highway
and turn off on Av. Audiencia to the Peninsula de Santiago--one of the most exclusive areas
in Manzanillo--we'll go up the highest hill to a scenic overlook. The top of
Calle La Cima, presents a spectacular 360 degree view of the twin bays and the
famed Las Hadas Golf Resort
& Marina, where the movie “ |
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Afterward we will drive to the Miramar Flea Market, a small "tianguis” of many little picturesque stores. Here you'll be able to strike your best bargain with the local Indian vendors, who will accept U.S. dollars or pesos. Hand made arts and crafts, pottery, clothes, sunglasses, pottery, leather goods, tobacco shops, purses, silver jewelry, and much more at excellent prices. While some may choose to "shop till you drop," others may want to sip a cool drink on the beach under a colorful umbrella. |
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Save some spending money for the return to "El Centro" Manzanillo, or the downtown area, where you're just a few minutes away from the cruise ship terminal. Manzanillo´s old town plaza is our last stop, where you can finish up your shopping expedition. In general, stores with 4 walls do not bargain like the beach vendors at the flea market, but do accept either dollars or pesos, and a few stores take VISA or MasterCard. There are also several ATMs in this area, known in Spanish as a "Cajero Automatico." The Presidential Palace (mayor's office and other government functionaries) is also in the area, and a '40s-style bar that will take you back 70 years, known as Bar Social. During siesta time, from 2-4, many of the political pundits go there for lunch, since the food is free and there is live music. If you're shopped out, make sure you visit this place.
This tour sounds like fun!
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