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Now that Mazatlan has become Mexico’s fastest growing destination, “Sinaloa” hasn’t become a trigger word to deter travelers, so why should “Colima” be?
Both Sinaloa and Colima find themselves on the wrong side of the headlines US Department of State has issued Level 4: Do not travel warnings.
However, there is always an exception to the rule, right?
While many people seem to live in a black and white world these days and may dismiss both places outright, the same way Mazatlan is the shade of gray of Sinaloa also applies to Colima’s dreamy beach getaway.
Colima is less known Manzanillo is also called the ‘Santorini of Mexico’. As such, it is well protected, just like Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, so you never have to set foot anywhere considered dangerous.
Despite flying under the radar, there are more flights here from the US than there are domestic connections within Mexico. Strange, isn’t it?
With new flights and more travelers looking for new experiences, it’s time to put Manzanillo on the map!
Safe and stunning: Manzanillo exudes Santorini vibes
It’s hard to find a place even remotely reminiscent of Santorini without a passport in hand, but Mexico is full of hidden treasures.
With a gleaming white cityscape overlooking the sea, you might miss out on top-notch gyros in a dreamlike landscape, but Manzanillo isn’t here to disappoint you with scenery or bites of tacos.
In any case, it only has positive aspects, as the rest of Colima is not exactly making a great name for itself.
But here you can fly straight to paradise as a ‘set it and forget it’ holiday – and yes, there are loads of all-inclusive offers which we’ll get to in a moment.
Manzanillo is a feast for the eyes in more ways than one, but it is perhaps in the top 5 most beautiful beach resorts in Mexico, and that is saying something!
If Manzanillo were in a ‘safer’ state you can bet it would be ten times more popular, but many vacationers shy away from any exploration south of the border.
The good news is that, like Santorini, it is remarkably safe. I mean, it says so in the brochure, so it must be true!
All jokes aside, actually the advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hints Manzanillo is a diamond in the rough because it is literally the only place in Colima where US government officials are allowed to travel.
Manzanillo focuses on Americans: fly direct from 5 American cities
Full disclosure: I’ve never been to Manzanillo, but I’d love to visit. Ironically, I even discovered Manzanillo existed by exploring my next Mexican getaway, as I often score cheap flights from Tijuana, being a San Diegan.
That said, the irony is that I can’t fly directly from Tijuana, which was shocking to me considering Volaris and Aeromexico’s extensive network.
When I dug deeper, I discovered that Mexico City was the only domestic route to Manzanillo. Still, there are five US cities with direct flights, one of which is launching this month, so let’s start there.
Aeromexico launches one new flight from Los Angeles (LAX), complementing Alaska’s existing LAX route.
Now for the other 5 US cities:
- Atlanta (Aeromexico)
- Houston (United)
- Dallas-Ft. Worth (American)
- Phoenix (American)
- Bonus: Calgary (WestJet)
Affordable all-inclusives await you in Manzanillo
Again, don’t sleep on Manzanillo; sleep in Manzanillo. This underrated seaside town is a perfect winter getaway.
While many Americans spend their money on Cancun and Cabo, you can vacation in the paradise of Colima for a fraction of the price without sacrificing luxury.
You realize there are enough of them scam and violence, even in Cancun, right?
Manzanillo is a safe haven in a circumstance that cannot change, but a simple Google search asking to display any attacks on tourists does not exist unless sharks are criminals.
If you can get the trigger word ‘Colima’ out of your head, Manzanillo really is the ultimate place to relax in such beautiful surroundings.
You can easily get great deals at 4 and 5 star resorts such as:
- Barcelo Karmina (all-inclusive) – $176
- Gran Festival (all-inclusive) – $82
- Las Hadas by Brisas Manzanillo (5-star hotel) – $67
Be sure to check out local vacation rentals as well; some of which are located in the middle of Santorini-like hills with whitewashed buildings.
When it’s time to go to the beach in Manzanillo’s continuously winter weather in the mid 80sthere are several options.
These are the top 3 beaches to visit in Manzanillo TripAdvisor:
- Barra Navidad
- Playa Miramar
- Playa La Audiencia
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
