Aztatlan

Aztatlan was a major centre on the coastal plain of northern Nayarit, near the Acaponeta River. Its name is associated with a wider cultural tradition whose settlements flourished along the Pacific coast, with influence extending to the southeastern valleys and southern coast of Nayarit. Rivers, fertile alluvial lands and nearby wetlands formed the setting for a densely inhabited region of western Mexico.

In 1530 Nuño de Guzmán’s expedition reached Aztatlan during its advance along the coast. The Spanish and their allies remained there for months after a tropical storm and flooding devastated their camp. The disaster destroyed supplies and equipment and drowned many indigenous people accompanying the army. Toward the end of the year the expedition resumed its march northward toward Chametla.