As Mazatlan has become Mexico’s fastest growing destination, “Sinaloa” hasn’t become a trigger word to deter travelers, so why should “Colima”?
Both Sinaloa and Colima have found themselves on the wrong end of headlines and the U.S. State Department has issued Level 4: Do Not Travel warnings.
However, there’s always an exception to the rule, right?
While many people seem to live in a black and white world these days and might dismiss both places outright, the same way Mazatlan is Sinaloa’s shade of grey applies to Colima’s dreamy beach getaway too.
Colima’s lesser-known Manzanillo has been dubbed the ‘Santorini of Mexico’. As such, it’s well protected, just like Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, so you never have to step foot anywhere deemed dangerous.
Despite flying under the radar, there are more flights here from the U.S. than there are domestic connections within Mexico. Strange, isn’t it?
Well, with new flights and more travelers seeking new experiences, it’s time to put Manzanillo on the map!
Safe & Stunning: Manzanillo Oozes Santorini Vibes
It’s hard to find anywhere remotely reminiscent of Santorini without a passport in hand, but Mexico is full of hidden treasures.
Boasting a gleaming white cityscape overlooking the sea, you may be missing out on top-notch gyros amongst dreamlike scenery, but Manzanillo is not here to disappoint with scenery or mouthfuls of tacos.
If anything, it only has positives to gain since the rest of Colima isn’t exactly making a great name for itself.
Here, though, you can fly directly into paradise as a ‘set it and forget it’ vacation – and yes, there are numerous all-inclusives we’ll touch on in a bit.
Manzanillo is a sight to behold in more ways than one, but it’s arguably a top 5 most beautiful beach town in Mexico, and that’s saying something!
If Manzanillo were located in a “safer” state, you can bet your bottom peso it would be ten times more popular, but many vacationers shy away from any tinge of scrutiny south of the border.
Good news is, much like Santorini, it’s remarkably safe. I mean it says so right in the brochure, so it must be true!
Jokes aside, the State Department’s advisory actually hints at Manzanillo being a diamond in the rough since it’s literally the only place in Colima U.S. government officials are allowed to travel.
Manzanillo Is Catered Toward Americans: Fly Direct From 5 U.S. Cities
Full disclosure: I’ve never been to Manzanillo, but I’d love to visit. Ironically, how I discovered Manzanillo even existed is by scoping out my next Mexican getaway since I often score cheap flights from Tijuana being a San Diegan.
That being said, the irony is I can’t fly directly from Tijuana, which was shocking to me given Volaris’ and Aeromexico’s vast network.
Digging deeper, I found that the only domestic route serving Manzanillo was Mexico City, yet there are 5 U.S cities with direct flights, one of them launching this month, so let’s start there.
Aeromexico is launching a new flight from Los Angeles (LAX) adding to Alaska’s existing LAX route.
Now for the other 5 U.S. cities:
- Atlanta (Aeromexico)
- Houston (United)
- Dallas – Ft. Worth (American)
- Phoenix (American)
- Bonus: Calgary (WestJet)
Affordable All-Inclusives Await In Manzanillo
Again, don’t sleep on Manzanillo; sleep in Manzanillo. This underrated beach town is a perfect winter escape.
While many Americans splurge on Cancun and Cabo, you could vacation in Colima’s paradise for a fraction of the cost without sacrificing luxury.
You do realize there are ample scams and violence even in Cancun, right?
Manzanillo is a safe haven in a circumstance that cannot change, but a simple Google search asking to show any attacks toward tourists is nonexistent unless sharks are criminals.
If you can get the “Colima’ trigger word out of your head, Manzanillo is truly the ultimate place to relax in such a gorgeous setting.
You can easily scoop up great deals at 4-star 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
Make sure to check out local vacation rentals too; some of which are in the midst of the Santorini-esque hillsides of whitewashed buildings.
When it’s time to hit the beach in Manzanillo’s continuous mid-80s winter weather, there are multiple options.
These are the top 3 beaches to visit in Manzanillo, according to TripAdvisor:
- Barra Navidad
- Playa Miramar
- Playa La Audiencia
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.
