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MANZANILLO Forwarding Agents
THE PORT OF MANZANILLO
Long an outpost for the pre-Columbian Tarascan peoples, Manzanillo was an important
port during the early days of Spanish conquest. The manzanilla trees in the area
around Manzanillo Bay were felled to construct Spanish ships used in expeditions
along the Pacific coast and to the Far East.
Manzanillo's importance waned in light of the 1561 decree making Acapulco the sole
port of entry for Pacific commerce. Since Manzanillo was on the Pacific Coast trade
routes used by the Spanish, pirates often lurked in the waters off Manzanillo Bay,
providing an ever-present threat throughout the period of Spanish colonization of Mexico.
While Manzanillo Bay had long been recognized as an excellent harbor, it wasn't until
after 1870 that Manzanillo's fortunes rose. Rail connections to Colima and Guadalajara
resulted in the city gaining the distinction of becoming an official port of entry to
Mexico.
Today, the city is Mexico's busiest port, having surpassed Veracruz in 2005. Manzanillo
is a commercial city that has tourism as a sideline. But the beaches, sun and the
cultural riches of the area make Manzanillo a fun place to visit.
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