Cihuatlán, Mexico

Welcome to Cihuatlán, a beautiful coastal municipality located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. The main city of Cihuatlán was founded on the Marabasco River and was home to a population of around 500 women and only 20 men during the Spanish conquest. The name Cihuatlán is of Nahuatl origin and means ‘place of women’ as it is compounded of two words, ‘Zihua’ meaning woman and ‘Tlán’ meaning place.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Cihuatlán is its history. The first Spanish expedition to the Jalisco coastal zone was led by Gonzalo de Sandoval. By decree of the President of the Republic of Mexico, on December 16, 1825, the harbor Barra de Navidad was rebuilt in order to accommodate local and foreign trade.

The Cihuatlán coat of arms is in a French style with cross-sectioning. In the upper left section is the image of a pre-Hispanic woman’s head. In the upper right section is a ship sailing on the sea. In the bottom left section is a religious building and in the bottom right section, a view of a fertile valley.

Cihuatlán has several notable villages, including Melaque, Barra de Navidad, Jaluco, and Emiliano Zapata. Melaque has a population of 6,379 inhabitants and is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Barra de Navidad has a population of 3,386 inhabitants and is a popular destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Jaluco is a small village with a population of 2,182 inhabitants and is known for its traditional Mexican architecture. Emiliano Zapata has a population of 1,589 inhabitants and is home to several small shops and restaurants.

Nestor Enrique Valencia Guerrero is a notable person from Cihuatlán. He is the grandson of former municipal president of Cihuatlán, Ramon Valencia Torres, and was the Mayor and Councilmember of the City of Bell, California, USA. He was the first Mayor in the United States that welcomed immigrant children from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, in 2014. Also, his civic actions for the City of Bell changed government transparency laws.

Come and experience the beauty and rich history of Cihuatlán. With its stunning coastline, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, it is sure to be a destination you will never forget.