The quaint fishing village of La Manzanilla, south of Puerto Vallarta and north of Manzanillo, is tucked away in the southeastern corner of the pristine and yet to be discovered Bay of Tenacatita. It is a picturesque half-moon shaped bay on the "Costa Alegre" or "Happy Coast" of southwestern mainland Mexico.

Playa La Manzanilla is a mellow, user friendly beach with small surf and excellent sand. There are several 'mom & pop' sand-floored palapa restaurants offering the catch of the day and a front row view of the Bay of Tenacatita.

This resort serves as a popular beach destination for the local Mexican populace who visit from the surrounding mountain villages as far away as Guadalajara, the capital of the State of Jalisco where La Manzanilla is located.

Prior to the Mexican revolution the village and surrounding land was a huge privately owned hacienda. After the revolution the property was given back to the locals to farm and caretake as 'ejido' land. The name of the village came from a tree and bush that grew in the area. One was used for boat building while the other, when brewed, made a refreshing tea-based drink.

Today the village caters to the adventuresome modern day explorer who can access the area via Hwy 200 either from Manzanillo, or from Puerto Vallarta, another resort town to the north.

The village of La Manzanilla offers the outdoor enthusiast an array of options. You can hire a local fisherman for the day or visit the Mexican Federal Ecological Zone (a high tide mangrove lagoon), next to the village. This is home to Egrets, Heron, King Fishers and more, plus several miles of waterways accessible with a local boat guide, or on your own in a kayak. Mountain biking and beach hiking are popular along the north beach which stretches untouched for over three miles. Just 1 1/2 hrs to the southwest are two of the highest mountains in all of Mexico. The area is ideal for hiking and biking.