My wife and I are looking into these two places for the upcoming <BR>Christmas holiday. We've heard that this is still off the beaten track in Mexico. Any commemts? Anyone have any suggestions on where to stay? We're looking for a room on the beach.

Wel Dean you like to plan ahead don't you! <BR>They're lovely little places, Barra being a bit more touristy and noisier, <BR>for years now Barra has been a weekend getaway for folks from Guadalajara. <BR>It's just a large sandbar really, backed by a lagoon, and a small number of streets between. <BR>A steep sandy beach fronts the town and it's lined with low-rise hotels. <BR>The surf at times can be so huge it rocks the ground under the hotels, really exhilirating! <BR>Melaque lies further inside the Bay and is somewhat quieter, populated mainly by vacationing Canadians. <BR>http://www.tomzap.com/frm/index.php is the best forum for info on these charming low-key places. <BR> <BR>

Try www.lamanzanillamexico.bizland.com/lamrentals

We were there last Sept which is downseason, loved it. It seemed that we were the only "gringos" in either place. We loved sitting at the beach restaurants in Melaque watching families fish in the surf. There are great, inexpensive restaurants on the lagoon at Barra where you can enjoy great food and watch the fishing boats coming in and unloading their catch. We loved both towns and felt we were really off the beaten tourist track. Can't comment on hotels, we stayed further up the beach.

We have stayed in Melaque several times, and last year we went for a month. It is a fantastic little town that is really off the beaten track. Barra de Navidad is a short bus ride away if you want something a little more busy. I would also recommend the tompaz web-site that one of the earlier postings mentioned. Great information. We have stayed at Los Orientales, Hotel Legazpi and a few others. Prices are much lower than in Puerto Vallarta, etc. I believe Christmas is a VERY busy time, so it is good to start planning now.