
With all of the local attractions in the Manzanillo area, you are certain to desire local transportation for you and your guests during your visit. There are a number of viable options for you to consider for local transportation during your stay at Villa Paraiso. All local transportation costs are exclusive to your services at the Villa, and your local travel arrangements can be handled by our staff upon your arrival to the Villa. Most visitors to Villa Paraiso choose not to rent a vehicle during their stay. Although public transportation (cabs) is an option, we have a working relationship with a local private transportation company that offers reasonable rates, and safe and reliable transportation to any local destination. All private transportation that you may choose during your visit to Villa Paraiso is at your own cost, whether for drop off and pick-up from a local activity or shopping, or for an extended excursion. Private transportation can be arranged for you and your guests during your stay at Villa Paraiso. There are several auto rental agencies located near Villa Paraiso, and our house manager, Nestor can help you make arrangements if you decide that renting a vehicle makes sense to you. Alternatively, we recommend using the local private transportation company we have available. Please discuss your planned activity desires upon your arrival at the Villa with Nestor, and he will make arrangements for you during your stay. The transportation company provides safe and comfortable transportation in air-conditioned Chevy Suburbans and can accommodate up to 7 travelers. In fact, your entire week of activities can be arranged upon your arrival, and several "Packages" of exciting outings are available, tailored to your specific site seeing desires. The driver requires payment in cash (US$ or Pesos) for each trip as they do not have remote access to credit card processing.


Although the cost is not included with your visit to Villa Paraiso, we will schedule your arrival and departure transportation between the airport and the Villa. This way, you can be assured that you will be met at the airport in Manzanillo by a professional, private driver that has experience with our clientele. Like all transportation for your stay at the villa, transportation is charged independently from your tab at the villa. The transport company is familiar with our groups arrival and departure dates and will provide transportation both ways at the standard rate of $150.00 round trip per vehicle. Vehicles are the large, air-conditioned Chevy Suburban that can accommodate up to 7 passengers.


If you are interested in a guided tour, or other local excursion, our house manager, Nestor, is the local authority. Here's a sampling of what to do & see: Manzanillo City Tour Get to know the city with a guided tour of Manzanillo. In addition to a great overview of the main sights, you'll also learn lots of interesting tidbits about local history and lore. Highlights include visits to the sparsely-populated Bahia de Santiago, the new seaside boardwalk, and a museum of pre and post-Hispanic culture. Colonial Tour to Colima Also consider the Colonial Tour to Colima. Just a 1-hour drive from Manzanillo, this capital city's recorded history reaches back to 1523, when Spanish conquistadors staked their claim to the area. It is actually much older, however, as evidenced by a recent discovery that unearthed a 25,000 acre stone complex consisting of pyramids with a rich history. The civilization known as La Campana most likely dates back to 100 - 500 AD, and its culture may have direct descendancy in the Nahuatl-speaking people of the surrounding hillside villages. In town, mariachi music fills the air and the bells toll in the cathedral. The natural attractions include the largest lagoon in the world. Day Trip to Barra de Navidad Take and excursion to the legendary village of Cihuatlan, the City of Women, amid the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madres Mountains. This traditional fishing port has a bohemian ambiance and is bordered by a lagoon that attracts exotic waterfowl. Some of the region's best seafood is served here, and every visit should include a ride on the traditional fishing boats called "pangas", with a stop at a lagoon-side restaurant for lunch. It's a great spot for adventurous "gringos" and has an excellent surfing beach. Sunset Bay Cruise There are few things more romantic than a sunset cruise, and Manzanillo adds some fun with mariachi music and cocktails. Jungle/Beach ATV Rental This is one activity that is highly recommended for each visitor to Villa Paraiso. Skill levels from expert to "I've never been on one of these things" is accommodated. Basic instruction of the operation of the ATV is provided, and even if you have never seen an ATV before, you will gain the skill required to have the time of your life on this activity. This is a half-day activity that you must experience, and you'll never forget! Scuba Diving If you've ever wanted to pet an octopus or feed an eel, Manzanillo is the place to do it. Because its marine wonders are relatively undiscovered, the undisturbed sea life is dense and makes a spectacular sight in a pristine environment. Snorkeling Enjoy a perfect environment for snorkeling, with a shallow coral reef that is at least 4,000 years old. Highlights include a great variety of species and the fantastic coral-encrusted Elephant Rock. Get a special treat that's usually limited to scuba divers when you explore a sunken ship in just 30 feet of water! Also try the snorkeling off the private beach in La Punta, which offers a wide variety of fish and the occasional Spotted Manta Ray! Deep Sea Fishing Manzanillo is a fantastic deep-sea fishing destination, and anglers can look forward to reeling in sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna among others. Manzanillo is called the Sailfish fishing capital of the world, and the seasonal tournament draws professional anglers from across the world. There are plenty of boats with expert captains for hire accommodating all skill levels. Para Gliding Ask Nestor about Para Gliding off the mountains near Colima - It's fantastic! You are in tandem (strapped to) with an instructor, and it's a great opportunity to try this sport. Guest children as young as 6 have experienced this thrill, and it is highly recommended. Zip Lines How about gliding safely through the jungle canopy? Ask Nestor about the Zip Lines through the jungle, where you are attached seated to a huge cable line that transports you from station-to-station among the jungle trees. Rain Forest Tours Experience Horseback riding on the edge of the Sierra Mountain jungle along with experienced guides knowledgeable of the local flora and fauna. Mountain biking through the rain forest, stopping as often as you'd like to explore the scenery, or race down the sloping trails. Or for those who want to really take time to explore the jungle ecosystem, a hike is the best way to go. Careyes & Playa Blanca, just over an hour north of Manzanillo is a jungle-lined series of rocky coves and sandy beaches that are the ultimate secluded getaway. Activities, however are mostly geared to guests of the fine resorts that crown the Careyes Coast. Tenacatita Beach is a gem accesses by a 5-mile dirt road passing a small village set among bananna and coconut trees. The nearby lagoon is filled with exotic birds. GOLF La Mantarraya is an 18-hole, Par 71 golf cours designed by Pete Dye, and rated one of the worlds Top 100 by Golf Digest. The El Tamarindo Jungle Course at the Tamarindo Country Club (designed by David Flemming) has a spectacular 18-hole course nestled on the ocean's edge of a 6,000 acre ecological preserve. The Club Santiago Resort has a well maintained 9-hole course, and there is also a 27-hole course at the Grand Bay Hotel & Resort.


Day Trip to Puerto Vallarta The coastal road to Puerto Vallarta is a scenic one of varied landscapes. The town itself is lots of fun, with attractions like the movie set where Ava Gardner and Richard Burton filmed The Night of the Iguana. Spend some time bargaining with local craftsmen, and you could get a great deal on their traditional handiwork. Day Trip to Guadalajara This enchanting city is known as "the most Mexican" of all, and is just a short plane ride away. Local guides are very friendly and share lots of fun and interesting information about the sights and local history. After visiting the best churches, museums, and monuments, you'll still have plenty of time to shop for souvenirs and enjoy lunch.