Aguascalientes

Previously the land of the fearless Chichimecs who resisted the Spanish conquistadors, Aguascalientes is today one of Mexico’s most important colonial architectural sites. In recent years, the state has also attracted major industries and assembly plants, and its fields are now used as vineyards for fruits such as peach and guava.

The state is named after its numerous thermal hot water springs, which are fully equipped with first-class spas and rejuvenation facilities. As one of the most important recreational health and beauty centers in Mexico, Aguascalientes offers several options to suit every budget. The most popular spa in the state is Centro Deportivo Ojo Caliente, located on the east side of the city of Aguascalientes. Facilities include pools with a variety of temperatures, spas, tennis, volleyball and squash courts.

The city of Aguascalientes is the capital of Aguascalientes State and a historic center that has beautifully preserved its civil and religious buildings from the colonial era. Walking is a great way to enjoy the city’s architectural, artistic and cultural attractions. An ideal walk can begin at Parque de San Marcos and continue on to the pink stone Palacio de Gobierno. The 18th-century baroque cathedral on the west side of the main square, featuring paintings by Miguel Cabrera, is also worth a visit.

Camping, hiking, mountain-biking and ecotourism activities abound in the state of Aguascalientes, and Presa Los Alamitos, Huijolotes Canyon, Tunel de Potrerillo, Cerro de Muerto and Sierra Fria are just some of the popular destinations in the state for these activities.

Just 30 miles out of Aguascalientes City is the archaeological zone of El Ocote featuring cave paintings that offer a glimpse into the past. Human forms, four-legged animals and geometrical-form drawings dating back hundreds of years adorn the wall of the Tecuanes Hill. Recent digs have uncovered human remains, stone artifacts and a grinding tool impregnated with red pigment.

Aguascalientes is the chosen venue for one of Mexico’s most popular annual fairs, the San Marcos fair, held in April and showcased at the historic Teatro Morelos and Casa de la Cultura in Aguascalientes City. The fair, which began in 1828 as a cultural and livestock show, is a three-week extravaganza, featuring local and international artistic performances, attracting about a million people a year.

Traditional cuisine in Aguascalientes includes barbacoa de lomo (barbequed filet mignon), birria (lamb stew), mole (spicy chocolate sauce), roast kid and tamales. Wine is also produced in Aguascalientes and the Bodegas de Santo Tomas, just eight miles outside of Aguascalientes City, is one of the country’s leading wineries.

The state’s dry, semi-desert weather is pleasant year-round, adding to the attractiveness of this destination.