Las letras de Manzanillo

Located in the main square of Jardín Álvaro Obregón, in the heart of the historic center of Manzanillo, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state of Colima — the \"Letters of Manzanillo\" installation. This vibrant street sculpture, proudly presented by Mexico, is not just a decorative element but an important symbol of the port city.

The composition includes the city's name and a majestic figure of a sailfish (Pez Vela), highlighting the region's status as the world capital of sport fishing. The sculpture is designed in a modern style and harmoniously integrated into the waterfront landscape, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay.

The area around the letters is surrounded by fountains, cozy colonial-style gazebos, and walking paths. The popularity of this site is confirmed by high ratings from travelers who come here to soak up the seaside resort atmosphere and capture themselves against the backdrop of Manzanillo's primary symbols.

The sculptural composition is located in an open square in the historic part of the city, making it accessible to all. To find the site accurately, you can use the following information:

The first thing to do at the \"Letters of Manzanillo\" is to have a little photoshoot. The sailfish sculpture and the bright letters against the backdrop of the azure ocean create the perfect setting for memorable photos. Experienced tourists recommend coming here closer to evening: it is at sunset that you can try to catch the famous \"green flash\" — a rare optical phenomenon that occurs at the moment the sun disappears behind the horizon.

After your photos are taken, head for a stroll through the main square, Jardín Álvaro Obregón. Here, you can admire the classic colonial architecture of the gazebo and cool off by the fountains. Then, it's worth walking along the Malecón de Manzanillo — the city's waterfront, which is lined with cozy restaurants offering the freshest seafood and small shops.

For those who want to bring home a piece of Mexico, craft shops are located on the adjacent Avenue Mexico. There you can purchase unique seashell souvenirs, traditional ceramics, or high-quality hammocks. In the evening, the square is transformed: live music often plays on Miguel de la Madrid Boulevard, and locals and tourists gather to dance salsa under the open sky.

The attraction is conveniently located in the historic center of Manzanillo on the main square, Jardín Álvaro Obregón, right on the shores of the bay. If you are staying in the Santiago beach area or the port zone, the walk to the letters will take about 10–15 minutes.

For travelers arriving from Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO), the trip is about 25 kilometers. A taxi or transfer will take 30–40 minutes. Local buses and taxi services, including Uber, are also active in the city, making it easy to reach the center from anywhere in the resort.

If you are traveling through Mexico by car, the city is located on Federal Highway 200, which connects Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. There are parking spaces near the square, so parking a rental car is quite easy.

The \"Letters of Manzanillo\" sculpture and the famous sailfish (Pez Vela) figure are inextricably linked to the city's history as one of the most important ports on the Pacific coast. Founded in 1531, Manzanillo was a quiet trading hub for a long time before evolving into the world capital of sport fishing.

The central element of the composition — a giant sailfish — symbolizes the main maritime tradition of the state of Colima. Every year since November 1954, international fishing tournaments have been held here, attracting professionals from all over the world. The square itself, where the letters are installed, reflects a harmonious blend of colonial heritage (the gazebo and fountains) and modern art.

Interest in this region grew significantly after 1979, when the movie \"10\" was filmed on the nearby Costa Alegre coast. Since then, the city has actively developed as a resort, and the installation of the vibrant letters has become a modern way to highlight the region's hospitality and unique maritime spirit while maintaining the atmosphere of a cozy port town.

A visit to the \"Letters of Manzanillo\" installation and a short photoshoot typically requires 30 to 60 minutes. This is plenty of time to see the sailfish sculpture, take a few vibrant shots, and enjoy the view of the bay.

If you plan to combine seeing the letters with a stroll along the waterfront, a visit to the craft shops on Avenue Mexico, and a break in one of the coastal cafes, we recommend setting aside about 1–2 hours for your visit to the main square. It is especially pleasant to linger here before sunset to catch the evening illumination.

Since the \"Letters of Manzanillo\" are located in an outdoor public space, they are available to visit 24/7, daily. You can come here at any time — from early morning until late at night.

There are no specific operating hours for viewing the sculpture; however, if you plan to visit nearby shops or cafes, you should take their individual schedules into account. For up-to-date information on city events in the square, you can check the city's official tourism website.

Exploring the surroundings of the main square will allow you to discover even more interesting places and dive deeper into the local culture. Within walking distance of the letters, you will find observation decks, historical monuments, and cozy beach bars.