Cuquío is a town and municipality located in the state of Jalisco in central-western Mexico. The municipality encompasses an area of 248 square miles (643 km2) and shares borders with the municipalities of Yahualica, Zapotlanejo, Acatic, Tepatitlán, and Ixtlahuacán del Río, as well as the state of Zacatecas to the north.
The origins of the name Cuquío are subject to several interpretations. It is derived from the Náhuatl word Cuixui, meaning "kite," interpreted as "place of kites," or from the Purépecha language, meaning "place of frogs or toads." Another theory suggests the name originates from the tribe of coquias who settled in La Cofradía, located two kilometers from the current town.
The foundation of the town is attributed to the Purépechas (Tarascans), who traveled through these valleys following the Saltpeter War (1480-1510). Historically, Cuquío also depended on the Tonalteca kingdom.