Chronicles from the Spanish explorer first detailed some
indigenous in the area called Coanaos which traveled between the Cabo de la
Vela and the region of Valledupar to exchange salt for gold. During the 19th
century salt in the region was exploited at Honda Bay and Quebrada Bay on
coasts of what is part of the municipality of Manaure which naturally formed
lagoons. In 1777 the Spanish government ordered the administration of the
Salinas.
In 1824 the government declared the Salinas or salt mines as national patrimony
