Hector "Tio" Salamanca

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Don Hector "Tio" Salamanca was a drug runner and the former right hand man and enforcer of Don Eladio Vuente. Hector was a high-ranking member of the Juárez Cartel, the patriach of the Salamanca family, and was feared among most in the South. He was the son of Abuelita, the uncle of Tuco, Marco and Leonel Salamanca, as well as the grandfather of Joaquin Salamanca.

He was the most feared of the Dons, referred to, even in his infirmity, as "Don Salamanca" by contemporary cartel leaders like Juan Bolsa. A flashback revealed that he was working for Don Eladio at the time Gustavo Fring made an overture toward the cartel circa 1989. Hector is seen discussing on the phone how the cartel should deal with Gus, who he disparaged as the "Chicken Man," when he warned, "Never trust a South American." Shortly after this conversation, Hector teaches his nephews, Marco and Leonel, a brutal life lessons such as "family is all" by nearly drowning Marco until Leonel punched him in the face.

Hector was rendered invalid possibly from a stroke or some form of motor neuron disease; such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's disease. The reason why it is suspected that he suffered from a form of motor neuron disease is because in the flashback episodes featuring Hector Salamanca, it appears that he is beginning to show signs of muscular degeneration. He harbored a disgust for the DEA, and a specific dislike for Agent Hank Schrader. In his later life, he lived in a retirement home called Casa Tranquila, where he was visited frequently by Gustavo Fring. He serves as a minor antagonist for seasons two, three and four.

"Tio" is Spanish for "uncle".

He was portrayed by Mark Margolis.