The Salineras of Cuyutlán
Discover the Salineras of Cuyutlán, Colima’s “white gold,” where tradition, nature, and culture blend in a landscape of glistening salt, beaches, and lagoons, offering authentic experiences that connect visitors with centuries of history and the life of coastal communities.
When you visit the Salineras of Cuyutlán, in the municipality of Armería, Colima, you step into a landscape of glistening salt flats that reflect the sky at sunrise, where workers harvest the “flor de sal” with patience and knowledge passed down through generations. This place not only captivates the eye: it invites visitors to walk among the ponds, observe artisanal practices, and understand the cultural significance of salt for coastal communities. During the harvest season—from March to June—the sunlight turns every salt crystal into a visual feast, while the salty breeze and the murmur of the sea accompany each step.
The history of the salineras in Cuyutlán dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when salt production was already contributing to the Aztec Empire. In 1925, the Sociedad Cooperativa de Salineros de Colima, S.C.L. was founded, consolidating a practice passed down through generations, which today supports hundreds of families in communities such as Nuevo Cuyutlán, Santa Rita, San Buenaventura, and Los Reyes. Cuyutlán salt is natural, additive-free, and produced by solar evaporation—a product recognized nationally for its purity and artisanal process.
The Community Salt Museum, open since 1996 in a 19th-century salt warehouse, allows visitors to explore this legacy: exhibits on extraction methods, scale models, historical photographs, everyday objects of salt workers, and ancient pottery. This cultural space reflects life around salt and teaches not only how it is produced but also why this activity remains vital to local identity and to those seeking authentic experiences.
For both national and international tourists, Cuyutlán offers more than salt: black-sand beaches, boat rides on the lagoon, birdwatching, and direct contact with living traditions. In addition, projects like the Ruta de la Sal and the international recognition “Best Tourism Villages” aim to place Cuyutlán on the global tourism map. If you are looking for destinations that combine nature, history, and culture with real community efforts, the Salineras of Cuyutlán await you with open arms and the sparkle of white gold under the sun.
