- Not to be confused with Aguas Calientes, next to Machu Picchu, Peru.
Aguascalientes is in the Bajío region of Mexico.
Understand
Aguascalientes means hot water in Spanish; the name comes from the abundance of hot springs in the area. Located in central Mexico, Aguascalientes borders the states of Zacatecas and Jalisco and is located about 537 km northwest of Mexico City. There are five traditional neighborhoods in Aguascalientes. Those neighborhoods are La Estacion, La Salud, El Encino, Guadalupe, and San Marcos(where the annual San Marcos Fair is held). Aguascalientes was founded in 1575. The city is very Spanish in nature and is known for its pottery, embroideries and woven goods. Aguascalientes, Mexico is the capital city of Aguascalientes state. Historically, the Spanish chose this city as an outpost to guard against the Chichimec Indians who once resided in the area. It was an outpost against the Indian tribes until 1857 when a state of republic was created under the same name as the state, Aguascalientes. From 1910 to 1920 the city was a major rail junction between Mexico City and the silver mines of Zacatecas.
Natives call Aguascalientes "the perforated city" or La Ciudad Perforada due to its intertwining passages, or catacombs beneath it that the pre-colonial Indians carved from rock. Their origin and reason is unknown and they are not open to the public.
It is ranked among the top three safest cities in Mexico, and one of the best in quality of life for its inhabitants.
Climate
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The climate in Aguascalientes is warm and dry year-round. Rainfall season is from May until November, although rain is very seldom here. When it does rain it's fierce and brief in the late afternoon leaving the evenings cooled off and dry.
Get in
By plane
- 1 Lic. Jesús Terán Peredo International Airport (AGU IATA, also known as Aguascalientes International Airport) (The airport is 16 km (10 miles) out of the city.).
Nearby airports
- SLP IATA - San Luis Potosí Airport
- BJX IATA - Leon-Guanajuato Airport
- ZCL IATA - Zacatecas Airport
- GDL IATA - Guadalajara Airport
- TPQ IATA - Tepic Airport
Airlines
- Aeroméxico (Los Angeles, Mexico City, Ontario (California), Tijuana)
- American Eagle (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- United Express operated by ExpressJet Airlines (Houston-Intercontinental)
- Viva Aerobus (Monterrey)
- Volaris (Tijuana)
By bus
Central Camionera, the bus station, is on the south side of the first ring, 5 km (3 miles) from main square. A bus ride from Mexico City will usually take about six hours. There is an overnight bus that runs from Mexico City to Aguascalientes that leaves around midnight and arrives in Aguascalientes around 6am. This type of bus trip is perfect for those who just want to spend a full day in Aguascalientes.
Luxury services ETN and Primera Plus serve Aguas.
Local buses M$6 (pesos) run from outside the bus station into the centre. Look for "Centro" on the windshield, meaning they go downtown.
By car
To get to Aguascalientes from Mexico City by car, take the MEX 57 as far as Querétaro, then take the MEX 45 via Salamanca. Aguascalientes is located on Federal Highway 57/45 in Mexico.
Get around
From the airport From AGU - Aguascalientes Airport there is ground transportation available to take you to your destination.
Rent a car - Aguascalientes is very accessible by road so renting a car is a good option to see all the historic sites and architecture that Aguascalientes and its surrounding areas have to offer, however, it is recommended that you have some experience driving in Mexico, because the rules and customs can vary significantly from those from other countries.
Taxis - Taxis are also a safe option for getting around in Aguascalientes. You can arrange for a taxi from your hotel although street cabs are usually much cheaper. All taxis have meters that indicate the fare to pay. It is not required to speak Spanish or negotiate the fare. Check that the driver turns on his meter. Most places in the city can be reached for M$40 (around US$2.50) or less.
Turibús - Right across the main square, you can get a ride on a streetcar around the most important tourist sights with this government-provided service. Cost is M$36 (US$2.00) for adults, M$26 (US$1.50) for children and senior citizens. On board, the tour guide gives you descriptions and facts about the sights in English and Spanish. Hourly departures.
Walking - It is safe to walk during the day and at night around the tourist areas and downtown, to get on a cab or public transportation. Most people show their hospitality when they realize you are a tourist, always willing to help, give you directions or help you with the language.
See
Museums
- 1 Contemporary Art Museum (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo No. 8), José María Morelos y Pavón S/N, ☏ 52 449 918 6901. With its various inset exterior panoramas, the building itself looks like a work of art.
- 2 Discover Interactive Museum of Science and Technology (Descubre Museo Interactivo de Ciencia y Tecnología), Av. del Parque S/N (on northeast edge of Parque Heroes Mexicanos), ☏ 52 663 156 1435. One of those little interactive learning museums with an IMAX theater. Watch out for dinos and Day of the Dead statues and airplanes outside.
- 3 José Guadalupe Posada Museum (Museo José Guadalupe Posada) (north side of Encino Garden), ☏ 52 449 915 4556. Posada is considered by many as the founder of modern art in Mexico. Since his death nearly a century ago, José Guadalupe Posada's work has steadily gained popularity with art lovers and Día de los Muertos celebrators alike. He is especially known for his calaveras images of whimsical skeletons. While the illustration of the high society woman is one of Posada's most highly regarded pieces, it's also arguably the most recognizable image of the Día de los Muertos celebration. Adjacent to the museum, you'll find the Encino church (ca. 1796) and garden where food vendors await with bocadillos.
- 4 National Museum of Death (Museo Nacional de la Muerte), Rivero y Gutiérrez esq, ☏ 52 449 910 7400. The national museum of death. Celebrating the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead with many beautiful works ranging from pre-Hispanic period to today. Many people visit Aguas for this museum alone.
- 5 Museum of Aguascalientes (Museo de Aguascalientes), Calle Gral. Ignacio Zaragoza 505, ☏ 52 449 916 7142. Built out of pink quarry. It has a collection of 20th century arts including the works of Saturnio Herran, who was born in Aguascalientes. Herran's arts include portraits of the everyday citizen painted with a high degree of sensitivity toward his subjects. His work is very similar to art nouveau.
- 6 Regional History Museum Aguascalientes (Museo Regional de Historia de Aguascalientes), Venustiano Carranza 118, ☏ 52 449 916 5228. A comprehensive cultural and natural science museum. You'll come away knowing a lot more about the precolonial and colonial inhabitants of Ags. after you make a pit stop here.
Cultural Centers
- Cultural Institute of Aguascalientes, Venustiano Carranza 101, Centro, ☏ 52 449 910 2010. Cultural center that offers art and music exhibits and language classes. Be prepared for some Day of the Dead fun.
- Casa Teran, Rivero y Gutiérrez 110, ☏ 52 449 916 9809. Reading library and venue for music and other performances.
- Centro Cultural los Arquitos, Alameda S/N, ☏ 52 449 916 9201. Historic building that mostly functions as a theater but also a site for some art classes.
Theatres
- 7 Teatro Morelos, Nieto 113, ☏ 52 449 915 1941. Opened in 1885, the National Poetry Prize is presented here during The San Marcos Fair.
Parks and Public Gardens
- 8 San Marcos Garden (Jardin de San Marcos). Portrayed on the city's official crest, this garden-like park is a symbol of the city and lies next to the Templo San Marcos.
- 9 Parque Tres Centurias, Alameda 301, ☏ 52 449 994 2757. Plaza with a railroad museum (plus a representative choo-choo!), fountain, and monuments.
- 10 Parque Hidalgo, Av LIC.Adolfo López M.Ote s/n. Nothing too amazing here: just a duck pond and some rabbits/aviary on display. Try not to fall into the duck pond or you might have to spend time in the ICU for an amoebic infection.
- 11 Parque Heroes Mexicanos/Rodolfo Landeros Gallegos, Blvd. José María Chávez 1801. Small zoological park and lake and parkland.
- 12 Parque del Cedazo (El Cedazo Ecological Park). Big park surrounding a lagoon where you can do some jogging or relaxing.
Church buildings
- 13 Catedral Basilica De Nuestra Señora De La Asunción, De La República 107, ☏ 52 449 915 1052. Circa 1738, this Baroque-style cathedral is the diocese of Aguascalientes where, as you probably guessed, the patron saint is the Virgin of the Assumption, immortalized in relief in the front edifice. Look for an interesting painting of the Spanish warship San Juan Nepomuceno in the apse of the church, or just admire this city landmark from the La Plaza Patria outside the front steps.
- 14 Temple of San Marcos, Monroy 213, ☏ 52 449 915 5287. Another Baroque monument that was built between 1604 to 1765 (took a while!) that originally catered largely to the indigenous. This one has some very appealing art inside.
- 15 Temple De La Merced, Mariano Matamoros Norte 207, ☏ 52 449 915 1185. Neoclassical-style church built of rose stone that was an area of focus by Dominican friars.
- 16 [Templo de La Virgen De La Inmaculada Concepción de San Diego ] (Templo de la Purísima Concepción), Rivero y Gutiérrez. Try saying that 10 times over. This church's construction also began in the 1600s by the Franciscans of San Diego. There is a convent of sorts attached.
- 17 Templo de Guadalupe, General Guadalupe Victoria 213, ☏ 52 449 915 5033. Another one if you are not too churched out.
- Templo del Señor del Encino, ☏ 52 449 915 9876.
- 18 Templo de San Antonio de Padua, Calle Pedro Parga 252. Baroque-style from 1895.
Sports
- Estadio Victoria Football, home of "Necaxa", colloquially called the "Hidrorayos"
- Estadio Cuarto Centenario Basketball, home of the Panteras
Architecture
Walk through the beautiful Parque de San Marcos, and then continue to the gorgeous Palacio de Gobierno with its central courtyard and murals. This is the most outstanding colonial building in Aguascalientes. On the west side of the main square lies the 18th century baroque cathedral. This cathedral is filled with gorgeous paintings by colonial painter Miguel Cabrera. More interesting places to see include:
- The Government Palace - Built of tezontle stone and gorgeous with its Neoclassical facade of red
- The Municipal Palace - Built out of pink quarry
- El Jardin de los Palacios (Palace Gardens)- A lovely fountain is on display here to honor the artist Jesus F. Contreras who was the creator of two of the relief sculptures decorating the square. Interesting to know is that Contreras sculptures represent the God of hunting "Camaxtli" and the God of Abundance "Centeotl." But perhaps even more impressive is the Patio De Las Jacarandas on the opposite side of the Plaza Patria where a canopy and more fountains and, yes, jacarandas await.
- La Plaza Patria - Holds spectacular views of an iron tower built in 1808.
- Legislative Palace
These places are easily accessible by car:
- El Tunel Porterillo, a walking and hiking trail runs through the Huejucar Canyon.
- Plutarco Elias Calles Dam and the Jocoque Presa which is ideal for water skiing and fishing.
- Ejido Ecoturistco El Ojote, a perfect place for adventure sports, including rock climbing and rappelling.
- 19 Ortega Castle Douglas, Vázquez del Mercado 102. An intriguing residence (or, yeah, castle) built for a family that emigrated here from Scotland. It even has a moat, but it probably has lost a bit of luster over the years.
Do
- San Marcos Fair or in Spanish Feria de San Marcos. The oldest and largest state fair in Mexico begins annually around mid-April and ends in early May. One of the largest fairs in Mexico, attracting millions of visitors for the Casino, the bullfighting, cockfighting and nightlife. The San Marcos Fair also has nightly fireworks, amusement rides, art, theater, dance, commercial and industrial exhibitions, concerts,rodeos, and of course a variety of cuisine. This is the most busy time of year for Aguascalientes. Local schools close for a period of time during the fair as well as local offices.
- Centro Deportivo Ojo Caliente Spa - On the east side of town featuring thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, squash, and tennis courts.
- Camping and the Outdoors - Within a short distance from the city of Aguascalientes you can go camping in the mountains of El Pinal, Guajolote, Laurel, and Sierra Fria. The best sites to hike and climb are at Antorcha, Laurel, La Ardilla, and Los Gallos. A few kilometers outside of Aguascalientes is where the best fishing occurs. The Jocoqui, El Llanero, and Abelardo Rodríguez Reservoirs are the best places for sport fishing. In the surrounding areas in places such as El Tunel Porterillo, a walking and hiking trail runs through the Huejucar Canyon. There is also the Plutarco Elias Calles Dam which is ideal for fishing as well. The Ejido Ecoturistco El Ojote is a place for adventure sports including rock climbing and rappelling.
- Ecotourism - Aguascalientes also has beautiful natural scenery in which people can walk through. Visit the Parque Ecológico Héroes Mexicanos in Aguascalientes which is wonderfully abundant of natural scenery.
- Golf - Aguascalientes has two golf clubs. The Country Club Pulgas Pandas has a 6,420 yard long course, while the Club Campestre de Aguascalientes has an 18 hole course with a 7,535 yard long course.
- History - Aguascalientes is a colonial town full of history. If history is one of your main interests the Teatro Morelos should be on your list of stops. Here is where the supporters of Carranza, Villa and Zapata, gathered after defeating Victoriano Huerta upon drawing up a program for the government which led to the Revolutionary Convention and the Plan of Ayala. It was represented by men such as Alvaro Obregón, Felipe Angeles, and Francisco Villa. The Teatro Morelos is where Eulalio Gutiérrez was appointed president in 1914 also.
- 1 Baños Termales de Ojocaliente, Av Tecnológico 102, ☏ 52 449 970 0721. Daily 08ː00-18ː30. It's good to have some hot springs when the name of your city literally means 'hot water'. Enjoy some swimming pools and private baths.
Buy
Malls and markets
You can check out little curios along the main plaza (Plaza Patria).
- Mercado Teran
- El Parian
- Centro Comercial El Dorado
- Centro Comercial Villasunción
- Centro Comercial Galerias
- The Centro Comercial Plaza de Vestir - This shopping center carries blouses and tablecloths produced by local craftsmen, puppets, wooden toys, and ornaments.
- Centro Comercial Altaria. The mall is in the northern part of the city and is modeled after the typical shopping center in the U.S., main stores include Sears, Liverpool, Radio Shack, Levi´s store, Nike, GNC, and Aéropostale among others. Banks, ATMs, restaurants including Chili's, Burger King and Carl's Jr., and a Cinema complex with VIP theaters. The Marriott hotel is a few yards away from the mall and Centro Comericial Galerías shopping center is also walking distance from here.
- Centro Comericial Espacio opened in April 2015, is a mall located in the eastern part of the city, includes a cinema complex, food court and stores like Office Depot and Soriana supermarket. It sits right beside the Ojo Caliente spa.
Flea markets
- Tianguis de la Purisima
- Linea de Fuego (on Sundays) mainly for used items, tools.
Eat
- Rincón Maya - High quality authentic traditional Mexican cuisine from the state of Yucatán. Located in the Jardín del Encino (Encino garden), downtown area.
- Mesón del Taco- Located on Avenue Aguascalientes Pte. this restaurant sells traditional Mexican and Spanish food.
- Applebee's Grill and Bar - Located on Avenue Independencia 2351 this restaurant is for those who want a taste of the U.S. while in Mexico. Applebee's serves steak, chicken, salads, and seafood.
- De Andrea Alameda Located on Avenue Tecnológico one can come to this restaurant for a taste of all types of international food.
- Los Mixes- Located on Blvd Luis Donaldo Colosio this "hole in the whole" taco restaurant serves the best tacos in town.
- The best food to try while in Aguascalientes include the barbacoa de olla, biznaga tamales, candied guava, caramel sweets, and ladrillos; which is a delicious flaky pastry.
There is a mercado near 5 de Mayo specialising in delicious roast lamb served with tacos, or try Mercado Teran for cheap eats such as burritos.
Drink
There are many nightclubs and bars in Aguascalientes. But don't head there early. Locals usually begin to show up at the bars around 11pm. They don't leave or even start dancing until 5am through 7am. So if you want to drink and party like a local do not head home early!
If you want to party visit Aguas during la Feria de San Marcos. The city transforms into the largest open-air cantina in Mexico, with an abundance of places selling cocktails (M$50) or 2L beers (also M$50). You are also able to buy beer in cans, bottles, 16 oz and 1L varieties. Usually drinking on the street in Mexico would be problematic, However, during the Feria many enterprising people open public bathroom, all costing M$5.
Clubs and a casino also open specially for the Feria.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
- 1 Hotel Francia, Av. Francisco I. Madero #113-A, ☏ 52 449 910 3050. Historical hotel, built in 1915, located in the city centre. M$ 634.
- 2 Hotel Real Plaza Aguascalientes, Lic. Adolfo López Mateos # 320 Ote, ☏ 52 449 968 2727. Big atrium, nice restaurant serving breakfast, and a rooftop pool from which you can look at the Ags. cathedral downtown. M$ 713.
- 3 Fiesta Americana Aguascalientes, Calle, Los Laureles S/N, ☏ 52 449 910 0500. This one is really special with an oversized pool set in a tasteful terrace and a big fruit bar on the breakfast menu in the morning. M$ 653.
- 4 Quality Inn Aguascalientes, Nieto 102, ☏ 52 449 994 6670. This might be a good choice if you need to stay downtown because it's almost at your doorstep. Plus free breakfast. M$ 792.
Splurge
- 5 Quinta Real Aguascalientes, Av Aguascalientes Sur 601, ☏ 52 449 978 5818. Sparkly pool and arcades and a formal dining area with large paintings to gaze upon as you enjoy your meal. MX$ 832.
- 6 Marriott Hotel, Boulevard Zacatecas Norte S/N, Col Trojes de Alonso Aguascalientes, Mexico 20116, ☏ 52 449-1394060. A Marriott property that doesn't disappoint with its monolithic tower and pool area, restaurant with paid breakfast available, and caliber of service. MX$ 1148.