La Manzanilla, Mexico, is a quaint fishing village of approximately 1,700 locals employed in
fishing, restaurant, grocery, and construction businesses. There is a growing community of
Canadian and American residents so the village is very English friendly.

The village and surrounding lands where originally part of a large privately owned hacienda,
prior to the Mexican revolution. In the aftermath, the property was given to the locals to farm,
caretake, and graze as part of an "ejido" or Mexican co-op. The area now serves as a popular
beach destination for the Mexicans from the surrounding mountain villages, as far away as
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco State.

This part of the Mexican Riviera has the lowest crime rate in Mexico.

The name of the village is derived from the tree and bush that grows in the area. One was used
for boat building and the other, when brewed, made a refreshing tea-based drink (Chamomile).  
Today the village caters to the adventuresome traveler who can easily access the village off of
Hwy 200 from Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, or Guadalajara.

Next to the village is a Federal Ecological Zone (a high tide mangrove lagoon) that harbors
Egrets, Heron, King Fishers, Ibises, Anhingas, and the village tourist attraction - a large colony
of very large American crocodiles kept well fed and lazy by the locals, plus lush  waterways
accessible with a local boat guide.

Some local restaurants:

Restaurant Cafe de Flores
Restaurant Lara Locas
Restaurant Martin
Restaurant Cato
Restaurant Palapa Joe's
Restaurant Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Restaurant Yolanda's
Restaurant Fiesta Mexicanna
CASA SHANTI DEL MAR