I just returned from a two week trip to the Melaque area. It was my first time here, and I was surprised by the number of older travellers in this area. Accommodation is reasonably priced, and there are many Canadians and Americans spending the winter months here. I stayed with friends at the Vista Hermosa; they have very few vacancies as the regulars book a year ahead. It's not fancy, but good value. The beach south of this hotel starts getting a steep slope on it, making walking a bit of a challenge, as well as some serious wave action. North of the hotel the beach is much gentler, and many families use the area for swimming. I tried to snorkle off the malecon at the north end of the beach; visability was poor that day. I was told not to leave anything, including sandals, on the malecon area as they vanish quickly. Busses to Barra de Navidad run frequently during the day and it is an easy bike ride if one should want to do that rather than bus or taxi.The zocalo is a few blocks from the beach area; most evenings the tamale lady sells her tasty tamles in front of the church. I liked the queso and rajas ones in particular. Close by, the sweets vendor has excellent flan but I found his pastel de tres leches not as good as it looked. The fresh churros in the opposite corner of the zocalo were excellent. Stores carry everything one could want for self catering. There is even an 'English deli' store where horseradish and other hard to find food items can be bought.
La Manzanilla seems like a quiet town with a good gentle beach (although I have heard of sting rays in the shallow water here) and many waterfront eateries. I enjoyed an excellent meal at Martine's, just off the beach at the south end of town. The bus between Melaque and La Manzanilla costs 12 pesos per person, and takes about 30 minutes, but check the return times as I believe the last bus leaves La Manzanilla about 5. The crocodiles are very big inn the lagoon, and it is interesting to watch the local people feed them.
There are several groups organizing local walks or bikerides or kayaking outings. One just needs to ask around.I took a couple of side trips with a small tour group called Mex-eco ( www.mex-ecotours.com ) and I was most impressed. One of the trips was to Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, which I had been wanting to visit for a long time. I loved Guanajuato, and hope to go back there for a longer visit another time. The other trip was a kayaking trip in the next bay over. All proceeds from that aactivity go to support a local charity for the children of migrant farm workers.
Overall, I had a good time; good food, good friends and good weather all seemed to intersect at once. It is a low key destination, but good value and a good experience.
