Manzanillo Shorex question

On our upcoming Ruby Princess cruise, we go to the three ports we've been to so many times--Cabo, Mazatlan, PV...But, also, for the very first time, we will be visiting Manzanillo...We have little clue as to what to see or do there...but I know my wife is not big on lounging around beaches or snorkeling or such...

Looking at the Princess Shorex brochure, I noted two trips--both about the same time and price--which might be interesting:

Colonial Colima with Lunch

ZLO-100 Approximately 6.75 hours / From $99.95

No visitor to Manzanillo should miss a chance to visit the capital of the state of Colima. Boasting Old World charm, serene plazas and a relaxed attitude, it's also the gateway to the famous Pyramids of La Campana , the largest archaeological site in western Mexico. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as well as light clothing and sunscreen. And, of course you'll want to bring along a camera to capture the spirit-lifting scenery of this exceptional part of the world.

After boarding your transportation you'll follow the coastal route before traveling inland to the city of Colima. Along the way, enjoy the views of Laguna de Cuyutlán, a large coastal wetland that's home to hundreds of different of species of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered. Your 90-minute drive continues across the Armeria River, a popular spot for white-water rafting. As you near Colima, you'll drive through the Tecoman Valley, a rich agricultural area known for cocoa, cotton, coconuts, mangoes, and melons.

Upon arriving in Colima, you'll be struck by its beautiful good looks-and cool temperatures. Founded in 1523, it has the distinction of being the first colonial city west of Mexico City to be settled. The abundance of palm trees in the area has given the town the nickname of "City of Palms." Off in the distance you can see two famous volcanoes-the 14,200-foot tall Nevado de Colima and the more active Volcan de Fuego, which stands over 13,000 feet. To learn more about the city and its heritage, you'll tour the impressive Regional Museum. Fourteen display rooms arranged on two floors surround a traditional central courtyard and features a collection from the pre-Hispanic to the Mexican Revolution.

Then, indulge in a delicious lunch of regional favorites accompanied by beer or soft drink, and later, enjoy some free time to shop and take photos before rejoining your transportation for the drive to the ruins at La Campana, the largest and the oldest archeological zone in the state.

The low, pyramid-like structures feature shaft tombs, ceramics, storm drain systems, streets, an administrative and religious center with numerous monuments, and even a ball court. The Spaniards discovered the abandoned ruins in 1524, oriented due north toward Volcán de Fuego.

Your colorful and historic tour concludes with a scenic ride back to your ship to reflect on your adventure while possibly sharing pictures and stories with your fellow passengers.

Magic Pueblos: Nogueras & Comala with Lunch

ZLO-105 Approximately 7 hours / From $99.95

Take a step back in time with a tour of the "Pueblos Mágicos," Mexico's traditional villages that offer a "magical" experience due to their natural beauty, cultural riches, or historical relevance.

Your full-day magical tour includes two of these enchanting towns and begins with a 90-minute ride along the coast to Nogueras, your first stop on your itinerary. While en route, enjoy the views of Laguna de Cuyutlán, a large coastal wetland that's home to hundreds of different species of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered; the Armeria River, a popular spot for white water rafting; and the Tecoman Valley, a rich agricultural area known for cocoa, cotton, coconuts, mangoes, and melons.

Nogueras, a native Náhuatl word meaning "valley of flowers," dates back to the early 16th century when conquistador Hernán Cortés granted the land to one of his generals.

Once you step off the transportation, you'll be mesmerized by the town's Old World charm, narrow streets, picturesque views and charming buildings. To learn some of its history, you'll stroll to La Hacienda de Nogueras.

A former 18th century sugar mill and home, this elegantly restored hacienda hidden in Colima's countryside is a museum noted for its regional studies of archaeology, history, and architecture.

After your visit, you'll venture towards the quaint town of Comala for lunch. Along the way, you'll travel down the Magic Zone. Or will you be traveling up? Your driver will make a brief stop on the road so you can see the mystery for yourself. Although it seems to defy gravity there's really nothing too bewitching about this stretch of road. An optical illusion gives you the sensation that a vehicle (while in neutral) seems to mysteriously roll uphill.

After disembarking, you'll stroll the cobblestone streets and marvel at the white buildings topped with red roofs that symbolize this colonial town. Known as the "white village of America" for its charming white buildings, Comala's historic center was declared a Historic Monument Zone. Next, you'll sit down at a sidewalk café in Comala's central plaza for a botana-style luncheon of small snacks accompanied by beer or soft drinks.

Looming over Comala are the Volcán de Colima and Volcán Nevado de Colima volcanoes. It's this volcanic soil and altitude that make it an ideal location for coffee plantations. So if you enjoy the smell of freshly roasted coffee then you'll applaud this next stop.

During your tour of a coffee factory you'll witness the entire coffee production process from the selection, roasting, grinding to the packaging, and enjoy a fresh brewed cup.

Then, you'll wind your way back to your awaiting ship, refreshed and ready to plan your next adventure.

Anyone have any insight as to which one might be better...and why? Thanks...

I would go ashore and just wander around the town. Manzanillo is a tender port.

We did similar tours for both. Liked the first one better. The coffee factory is really a store front to sell coffee.

I would go ashore and just wander around the town. Manzanillo is a tender port.

It isn't a tender port. We've cruised to there in 2011, 2012 and at the beginning of the year. There is a long pier that can handle 2 ships.

Go to the one with the pyramids. Not too many of those on the West Coast. We've done a tour that did both cities. The plazas are extremely beautiful.

If you have time, directly across from the pier is a long, colonnaded building. Very good ice cream shop at the right corner. On the street are vendors selling Coconut ice cream, a speciality of the area.

How easy is it to hire a van to do an on your own tour in Manzanillo?

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I've been looking at the Colonial Colima tour also. Mom uses a transport chair, but can walk. Stairs are a problem, but doable. She's only 92. This tours facts show all places on this tour are WC accessible. Mom does the New Years Eve tour by herself, and we do same with her 02/28. When she goes alone, she just mostly stays on the ship and makes good use of her Drink package. If your cruise is after New Years, she is going too find out all she can about this excursion.

We hired a van just off the end of the pier and got a great tour for a very good price. At the time we saw about a dozen vans and some taxis out there.

Hi Swedish weave....may I ask how long your tour lasted, the rate you paid & how long ago you took this tour?

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Hi Swedish weave....may I ask how long your tour lasted, the rate you paid & how long ago you took this tour?

 

 

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The tour was about a year ago and it lasted six hours approximately. We paid $120 for eight of us.

Of course, we added a good tip.

Thanks for the info. What kind of things were you able to see & do? I contacted a tour company that want $250 for 4 of us for 7 hr tour & can't get a lot of detail, the kicker is, they want money in advance!

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One word of 'warning' about Manzanillo. The destinations are about an hour from port. Many times the tours are late getting back.

One word of 'warning' about Manzanillo. The destinations are about an hour from port. Many times the tours are late getting back.

How far is the town center from the port.

We did both of those tours and they were both very good.

I can't say one is better than the other because we really enjoyed them.

One word of warning, if you do the Colonial Colima, be careful at the pyramids if you go down the steps into the cave thing to view the artifacts, an older woman was climbing back up the stairs, lost her footing and broke her wrist.

I told hubby, I'm not going down there, the stairs were precarious.

How far is the town center from the port.

Not far, just a bit confusing to get to.

Across the street from the end of the pier is a long colonnaded building. Behind this building is a huge hill. The Mercado area is a block or two behind this big hill. Easiest way around is to the right of the long colonnaded building.

Not far, just a bit confusing to get to.

 

Across the street from the end of the pier is a long colonnaded building. Behind this building is a huge hill. The Mercado area is a block or two behind this big hill. Easiest way around is to the right of the long colonnaded building.

Thank you