Manzanillo is in the heart of the Mexican Pacific Riviera with an exotic tropical environment. It is located about halfway between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. It has a year-round average temperature of 80 degrees, with a climate that is dryer than Puerto Vallarta and cooler than Acapulco.

The Mexico travel guide from Frommer's says "Manzanillo has long been known a a resort town with wide, curving beaches, legendary sportfishing and a highly praised diversity of dive sites. Golf is also an attraction here, with two popular courses in the area.

One reason for it's popularity could be Manzanillo's enticing tropical geography, vast groves of tall coconut palms, abundant mango trees, and successive coves graced with smooth sand beaches. To the north, mountains blanketed with palms rise alonside the shoreline. And over it all lies the veneer of perfect weather, with balmy temperatures and year-round sea breezes. Manzanillo is located on the same latitude as Hawaii. Even the approach by plane into Manzanillo showcases the promise - you fly in over the beach and golf course. Once on the ground you exit the airport through a palm grove."

Manzanillo has been touted as the "Sailfish Capital of the World," made famous by the fishing tournaments held in November and February. In 1979, Bo Derek and Dudley Moore starred in the popular movie "10" filmed at the famous Las Hadas pennisula and La Audienica beach. Manzanillo also has numerous golf and tennis events held here every year. And there is a classic 2,500 mile regatta from San Diego to Manzanillo, which finishes at the Las Hadas Marina.

The history of Manzanillo goes back to 1522 when Cortes and his minions visited the bay of Manzanillo in search of Chinese treasure. Gonzalo de Sandoval, under orders from Cortes, dropped anchor in the bay of Salagua at the northern most point of Manzanillo Bay. In the years before they left, Sandoval set up safe harbors and shipbuilding sites. He was granted an audience of local Indian Chieftains in a small cove while setting out to conquer the Philippines. And in this small cove it is now glorified with the name Playa La Audiencia.