Alright, let me tell you about my time in Manzanillo. I’d heard a bit about it, mostly whispers about fishing and beaches, so I figured I’d go check it out myself. Flew in, got settled, and just started exploring.
First thing you notice is the ocean, obviously. It’s right there. And the boats. So many fishing boats, big and small. People kept mentioning sailfish. Turns out, it’s a massive deal down there. They even call it the Sailfish Capital of the World. I didn’t actually go out fishing – takes too much patience for me – but you could see it was the heart of the place. Saw guys hauling in some serious fish.
Beach Time and Jungle Vibes
Naturally, I hit the beaches. Spent some time around what I think were Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo Beach. The sand was nice, yeah, but the crazy part was the jungle. It just spills right onto the beach. Like, proper thick, green, tropical forest meeting the sand. Super wild feeling. Spent hours just walking, listening to the waves and the jungle sounds. Very different from your typical resort scene.
Just Wandering Around
It wasn’t all just sitting on the sand. I walked through the town quite a bit. It’s got a real, lived-in feel. Not too polished, you know? Found some little spots to eat. Had some amazing fish tacos from a street vendor – simple, fresh, perfect. Watched the sunset over the Pacific a couple of times. Can’t beat that.
So, What Did I Actually End Up Doing?
Looking back, it wasn’t about frantic sightseeing. More about soaking it in. Here’s the gist of it:
- Walked along those unique beaches where the jungle meets the sea. A lot.
- Checked out the harbor, watched the fishing boats coming and going. Got a sense of that whole sailfish culture.
- Explored the town on foot, just seeing what was around the next corner.
- Ate some really good, simple local food.
- Mostly just chilled out and enjoyed the slower pace.
- Caught some truly incredible sunsets.
Overall? Manzanillo was cool. It’s not flashy. It felt authentic. If you want stunning beaches backed by jungle and a place where fishing is king, it’s worth the trip. I left feeling properly unwound, which was exactly what I needed.
