Aguascalientes

Introduction

Nestled in North-Central Mexico within the Bajío region of the central Mexican plateau, Aguascalientes serves as the capital and most populous city of its namesake state. You will find yourself situated in a valley characterized by a steppe climate at an elevation of 1880 meters.

The surrounding metropolitan area extends into the neighboring municipalities of Jesús María and San Francisco de los Romo.

Before you go

Prepare for a stay in a city with deep Spanish roots and a rich history as a former outpost and rail junction. You can explore five traditional neighborhoods, including La Estacion, La Salud, El Encino, Guadalupe, and San Marcos, where the annual fair takes place. The local culture is reflected in its renowned pottery, embroideries, and woven goods.

Experience a warm and dry climate throughout your visit. While there is a rainfall season, rain occurs rarely; when it does fall, it arrives as fierce and brief showers in the late afternoon that leave the evenings cool and dry. You can also explore the history of "the perforated city," known for its mysterious underground passages and catacombs.

Getting there

You can fly into the city at Lic. Jesús Terán Peredo International Airport, located outside of town. Direct flights from the United States are available via major hubs, while domestic carriers provide connections through Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tijuana. If your itinerary includes the surrounding Bajio region, nearby airports in Leon-Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas offer additional travel options.

For those traveling by bus, the central station is located on the south side of the first ring. You can choose from overnight buses departing from Mexico City to maximize your time in the city, or utilize various stops on the north side for different carriers. Once you arrive at the station, local buses marked "Centro" or combis on major thoroughfares will transport you into the heart of the city. If you prefer to drive, you can reach Aguascalientes via Federal Highway 57/45 from Mexico City.

Getting around

You can safely explore the downtown area and tourist districts on foot during both day and night when heading toward public transportation or taxis. Local residents are known for their hospitality and are often willing to provide directions or assistance with the language if you are traveling as a tourist.

For motorized transport, several e-hailing services operate throughout the city. You can also utilize the CMOV public bus system or choose a taxi; these vehicles are equipped with meters so you do not need to negotiate fares or speak Spanish to complete your journey. If you prefer a guided experience, the Tranvía streetcar departs from across the main square to take you past major sights while a guide provides descriptions in both English and Spanish. While renting a car allows you to reach historic sites and surrounding architecture, it is recommended that you have prior experience driving in Mexico due to varying local rules and customs.

Where to stay

Depending on your preference for comfort and location, you can choose from a variety of accommodations in the city center or nearby nature. For those seeking a more rustic experience, you can go camping in the mountains of El Pinal, Guajolote, Laurel, and Sierra Fria located just outside the city.

If you prefer a hotel stay, several options cater to different styles:

• Choose from budget-friendly options such as Hotel Monumental near the Parque de San Marcos, or others like Hotel San José, Hotel Allende, Hotel Rosales, Hotel Praga Centro, and Hotel Continental.
• For mid-range accommodations, stay at a historical hotel in the city center like Hotel Francia, or enjoy a rooftop pool with views of the cathedral at Hotel Real Plaza Aguascalientes. Quality Inn Aguascalientes offers an convenient location downtown with breakfast included.
• Indulge in a more luxurious experience at Fiesta Americana Aguascalientes, which features a large fruit bar and terrace pool, Quinta Real Aguascalientes with its formal dining area and sparkling pool, or the Marriott Hotel for high-caliber service and a monolithic tower.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Aguascalientes by sampling traditional treats such as barbacoa de olla, biznaga tamales, candied guava, caramel sweets, and ladrillos, a flaky pastry. In the city center, you can find markets offering roast lamb served with tacos or visit nearby spots for burritos. For a taste of regional diversity, seek out traditional cuisine from the state of Yucatán in the Jardín del Encino area, or enjoy a mix of Mexican and Spanish dishes on Avenue Aguascalientes Pte. If you prefer a more casual experience, find your way to a "hole in the wall" taco restaurant on Blvd Luis Donaldo Colosio.

When it comes to nightlife, join the local custom of heading out late to the bars and clubs. During the Feria de San Marcos, the city transforms into a massive open-air cantina where you can enjoy cocktails or beer in various sizes. You can also find intimate spaces with live music, low-key casual bars serving cold beer and snacks, or friendly spots offering micheladas and basic cocktails.

What to see and do

Explore the rich history and artistic heritage of this colonial town by visiting its numerous museums and cultural landmarks. You can admire the 18th-century Baroque architecture of the Catedral Basilica De Nuestra Señora De La Asunción or visit the Templo de la Purísima Concepción. For those interested in art, the Museo de Aguascalientes features works by Saturnio Herran, while the José Guadalupe Posada Museum showcases his famous calaveras images near a garden where you can find local snacks. The National Museum of Death offers an extensive look into Mexican traditions, and the Museo Espacio provides a unique experience within a repurposed locomotive workshop featuring rotating exhibits and glass floors over original tracks.

Stroll through the city's diverse public spaces and architectural sites:

• Explore the Palacio de Gobierno with its central courtyard and murals, or visit the Municipal Palace built from pink quarry.
• Walk through San Marcos Garden, a symbol of the city featured on its official crest.
• Visit the Teatro Morelos, a historic venue significant to the Mexican Revolution.
• Wander through Parque Heroes Mexicanos for natural scenery and a zoological park, or relax by the lagoon at Parque del Cedazo.
• Discover unique sites like the Ortega Castle, an intriguing residence with a moat inspired by Scottish architecture.
• Experience local culture at the Cultural Institute of Aguascalientes or attend performances at Casa Teran and Centro Cultural los Arquitos.

When to go

You can experience a warm and dry climate in Aguascalientes throughout the year. During the dry season, you will enjoy consistently warm conditions with virtually no rainfall and clear, cool evenings.

During the rainfall season, the weather remains warm, though you may encounter brief and fierce afternoon rains. These occasional showers typically leave the following evenings feeling cooler.

Three days in Aguascalientes

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of the city. Explore the Centro to experience the local atmosphere and immerse yourself in the culture of this region within the Bajío.

Day two, travel through the surrounding areas such as San Francisco or Guadalupe. You can enjoy the scenery while exploring these nearby locations to see more of the landscape.

Day three, you can take in the sights of the local area before your departure. Whether you are traveling from a nearby city or arriving via the Jesús Terán Peredo International Airport, you can spend your final moments enjoying the surroundings of Aguascalientes.