Location
Casa Carmen is located on the west coast of Mexico, on the Pacific Ocean, south of Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta and north of Acapulco and Manzanillo.
The Manzanillo airport (ZLO), officially the Playa de Oro International Airport, is located about 40 minutes from La Manzanilla. A number of airlines offer daily service to ZLO during high season (December- early May). During low season, most carriers reduce service to ZLO to a few times or less per week.
Airlines flying into ZLO include:
US Airways (direct flights from Phoenix)
Alaska Airlines (direct flights Los Angeles)
Delta (direct flights from Los Angeles)
Continental (direct flights from Houston)
Aeromexico
Another option is to fly into Puerto Vallarta (~3 hour drive) as there is an abundance of frequent flights from the US and Canada.
Vehicles can be rented at the airports.
Driving Directions from Manzanillo Airport (~60 kms)
There is one road leaving the Manzanillo airport. This road will take you to Highway 200. Turn left on the highway (going north) and take the highway to La Manzanilla (about 40 minutes). You will pass through the city of Cihuatlan. Continue on hwy 200 and pass the entrances to Barra de Navidad and Melaque. Shortly after Melaque there is a fork in the road where you will make a left turn going up the mountain, following hwy 200 towards Puerto Vallarta. The turn-off to La Manzanilla is marked by a statue of dolphins. It will be on your left but you will see a turn-out lane on the right side of the road, which will allow you to cross highway 200 without stopping traffic behind you.
Driving Directions from Puerto Vallarta (~200 kms)
Follow Highway 200 south from Puerto Vallarta (PVR). You will pass through a few small villages after leaving PVR followed by about 30 minutes over the mountains. Continue on hwy 200 and pass the entrances to Playa Chalacatepec, Chamela Bay, El Careyes Beach Resort, Playa Tenacatita (a good place for snorkeling!) and Playa Boca de Iguanas. La Manzanilla is just beyond Boca on the right; the turn-off is marked by a statue of dolphins.
NOTE: There is only one gas station between PVR and La Manzanilla so be sure to fill up in PVR. Watch for the topes (speed bumps), which are usually located as you enter and leave each town along the way. Many topes are not marked and they come up surprisingly fast.
Car Rental
from Manzanillo or Puerto Vallarta
Casa Carmen
Casa Carmen is located on a hilltop in the quiet fishing village of La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mexico in the area known as Costa Alegre or “Happy Coast.” La Manzanilla is located on the Bay of Tenacatita on the Pacific Ocean about three hours south of Puerto Vallarta and about one hour north of Manzanillo. The average temperature is 80-85° and the average water temperature is 80-82°.
Entirely private, Casa Carmen is built upon 1650 square meters of tropical land with views of the lush jungle, ocean views of the Bay of Tenacatita, and stunning sunsets. The beaches of the area are beautiful and are excellent for short and long strolls. The Bay protects the beach from the open ocean, providing a mild surf.
The four of us, Mark, Kristi, Perry and Carmen have been coming to this area for several years for some fun in the sun. We found a beautiful and peaceful tropical retreat in La Manzanilla and recently decided to make this our home-away-from home. We are certain that you will enjoy your time in La Manzanilla!