Guide To Aguascalientes

About Aguascalientes

Approximately 300 miles northwest of Mexico City, in the heart of Mexico's central region is the city of Aguascalientes, the capital of the state o fthe same name. The city's principal attraction is its famous annual fair - La Feria de San Marcos - which lasts 3 weeks and attracts over a million visitors every year. Read the Key Attractions section for more details.

Aguascalientes has experienced some of the most rapid commercial and industrial development of any city in Mexico during the last decade. Many large international companies now have factories here, although the Colonial Center has been well preserved and is well worth a visit.

Besides the hot spring baths on the outskirts of town, and the fabulous colonial architecture still visible in the Colonial Center of the city, Aguascalientes also offers visitors a selection of parks, museums, a famous art gallery, and modern shopping facilities.

Textiles is one of Aguascalientes' main industries. As a result, many of the shops here sell an excellent assortment of locally made textile goods, ranging from placemats to curtains.

Although this city is not often billed as a tourist center, Aguascalientes is well worth a visit when you're traveling in this part of the country. Experience Aguascalientes and you'll witness the emerging face of Mexico: where an old colonial town atmosphere meets a modern, but comfortable and easy-going city undergoing rapid and positive change.

[Return to Contents Table]

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The center of the city has been excellently preserved and has a great colonial feel and atmosphere about it. The Cathedral in the middle of town is a classic piece of colonial architecture, more so because the second bell tower (the one on the right as you face the Cathedral from the front) is actually a complete modern restoration of the original bell tower.

Don't miss the Plaza de Toros (Bull Ring) - even if you don't like bullfighting - the architecture is impressive and a good example of how modern colonial architecture can be blended in with the original works dating back hundreds of years.

The Palacio de Gobierno - (Government Palace) is where the local Governor's office resides and is also an impressive piece of architecture, inside and out. It's open to public.

Jardin de San Marcos (St Mark's Garden) is a popular park with locals and visitors alike - the four arches at each corner of the park welcome visitors to experience its green and relaxing atmosphere.

Museums & Art

The most famous museum is the one dedicated to José Guadalupe Posada, a man who was born and lived in Aguascalientes and who is credited as the "founder of Modern Mexican art." The museum hosts a whole collection of his work as well as temporary exhibitions featuring other Mexican artists.

Other museums, featuring art and the history in Aguascalientes include: Museo Regional de Historia (History Museum), Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Contemporary Art Museum), Museo de Aguascalientes (Featuring art from Saturnino Heran) and the Templo de San Antonio (Refugio Reyes' Architecture).

Look up Aguascalientes in the mainstream Guidebooks for more information about these museums, or consult the local Tourist Information Office (see Practical Information).

Feria de San Marcos

Most people who come to visit Aguascalientes will come during the festival period of Feria de San Marcos (St. Mark's Fair). Exact dates vary each year but usually start around mid April and end three (or some years, four) weeks later. At this time of year, hotels are packed, parties go on forever and the whole city buzzes with excitement. Local schools close for some of the period, and some local offices and factories also have holidays to celebrate.

The fair attracts around a million visitors a year, making it the largest fair in Mexico. The people come to see commercial and industrial exhibitions, bull-fights, concerts, rodeos, and to gamble at the fair's temporary casino. Gambling is currently illegal throughout Mexico, but the Feria de San Marcos opens a 'specially licensed' casino at the fair, where you can try your luck on the roulette wheel, or to test your Blackjack skills.

Other cultural events including art, theatre and dance are all prominent. There is also a funfair with mechanical rides; traditional food and drink is available everywhere, and parties go on throughout the night!

Details of the programs scheduled for the fair are available from the Local Tourist Office, see Practical Information, below.

[Return to Contents Table]

Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can fly to Aguascalientes from Dallas in the USA and and other points in Mexico including Mexico City and Monterrey.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines.

By Bus - You can travel to Aguascalientes on a luxury bus from Mexico City - the trip takes 6 hours. An overnight bus does run from Mexico City to Aguascalientes, leaving at around midnight, and arriving in Aguascalientes at 6am, in time to enjoy the day there.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses.

By Car - Driving to Aguascalientes is very fast and efficient using the many high-speed roads that connect this region.  See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport is not far from Aguascalientes on the south side of the city and ground transportation is available.

Taxis - Taxis in Aguascalientes now have taxi meters; they are economical and very good value for money. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; keep in mind that taxis from hotels are often more expensive than street cabs. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price in these circumstances! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

Rent a Car - Aguascalientes is very accessible by road, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas - including no less than 3 other colonial cities! Renting a car would be a smart option you're thinking about traveling around this region, as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to see more of the area and its surrounding attractions effectively.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in Aguascalientes.

[Return to Contents Table]

Local Events Calendar

The Feria de San Marcos - Mexico's biggest festival, with over 1 million visitors each year. The festival begins around the 3rd week of April each year and lasts for 22 days: This is Aguascalientes' busiest time; an important event for the city, the state of Aguascalientes, and Mexico! See Feria de San Marcos in Key Attractions above for more information.

[Return to Contents Table]

Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found throughout the downtown area of Aguascalientes. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

[Return to Contents Table]

Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Aguascalientes

[Return to Contents Table]

Restaurants

Applebee's Grill and Bar: Steak, chicken, salads, seafood. Ave. Independencia 2351, Col Jardines de la Concepción. Tel: (449) 9961333.

La China Hilaria: Regional Food. Blvd. Luis Donaldo Colosio N° 502, Fracc. Valle de las Trojes. Tel: (449) 9960700.

Mesón del Taco: Tacos. Av. Aguascalientes Pte. N° 508 Col. Colinas del Río. Tel: (449) 9145465.

De Andrea Alameda: International. Alameda Esq. Av. Tecnológico. Tel: (449) 9703800.

[Return to Contents Table]

When Night Falls

Aguascalientes has a selection of good night spots to suit those looking for culture and those looking for a party!

Locally Hosted Parties - Check with yours and other Local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your stay. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out - the real Mexican way, and certainly on the eve of September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day! Hosted parties usually include dinner, dancing, a show and / or live music (usually authentic Mexican Mariachis) plus all drinks for a fixed fee and are always excellent value for money! Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene - Mexico's Colonial Cities do have lots of young people living in them, so just because they are steeped in history does not mean that you won't find an all-night club party happening somewhere in town! Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.

Night Bars / Restaurants - There's a good variety of Late Night Entertainment in Aguascalientes to keep you happy and entertained into the early hours.

[Return to Contents Table]

What to Buy in Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes has a variety of modern and classic Shopping Centers to choose from. Plaza Vestir ("Dress Plaza") is a mall dedicated to clothing, including those made from locally produced textiles.

[Return to Contents Table]

Local Climate

Aguascalientes enjoys year-round, hot & dry weather. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rain is seldom a feature here; when the rains do come they tend to be during the months of May thru November, but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off.

Live Weather Report:

[Return to Contents Table]