Aguascalientes Mexico San Marcos Fair and Calvillo Guava

Why visit Aguascalientes

The city takes its name from the hot springs the Spanish found when they founded it in 1575. It later became a major rail junction and the site of the Revolutionary Convention of 1914, and many of its best sights come from those chapters of history.

The historic centre grew from a few traditional neighbourhoods, each with a church and a character of its own.

The historic centre

Plaza de la Patria

The main square is the heart of the city. It is framed by the cathedral and the Palacio de Gobierno, and a tall column in the middle commemorates Mexican independence.

Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

The baroque cathedral on the west side of the square dates from the 18th century and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. The interior contains paintings by the colonial artist Miguel Cabrera.

Palacio de Gobierno

This is considered the most outstanding colonial building in the city. Built of red volcanic stone, it has a central courtyard with arches and murals that you can usually visit during the day. Allow half an hour and look up at the carved details.

Jardín de San Marcos and the Templo de San Marcos

The garden is shown on the city crest and is a favourite spot for poets, artists and couples. Next to it, the Baroque Templo de San Marcos, finished in 1763, has a tiled dome.

Museums and neighbourhoods

Barrio del Encino and the Museo José Guadalupe Posada

The Barrio del Encino is the oldest neighbourhood and has the Templo del Señor del Encino, built between 1773 and 1796, and a colonial square.

Museo Nacional de la Muerte

This museum celebrates the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead, with works from pre-Hispanic times to today. Many people visit Aguascalientes for this museum alone.

Museo de Aguascalientes

The art museum is housed in a Classical building by the architect Refugio Reyes and has works by Saturnino Herrán, who was born in the city.

Museo Espacio and the old railway workshops

The Museo Espacio occupies the old railway workshops, where glass floors reveal remnants of the original tracks, and it shows rotating contemporary exhibitions. The nearby La Estación area was once one of the largest rail hubs in Latin America.

Templo de Guadalupe

In the Guadalupe neighbourhood, long known for pottery, this church has an exuberant Spanish Baroque facade and a dome covered in Talavera tiles. Inside you will find flower and angel motifs.

Teatro Morelos

Opened in 1885, this theatre played a key role in the Mexican Revolution, because the Revolutionary Convention of 1914 met here. It is also the venue for the National Poetry Prize during the San Marcos Fair.

Hot springs and a day trip

Ojocaliente baths

The Ojocaliente is an original bathhouse still in use, fed by thermal springs, and it connects to the origins of the city's name. It is a good way to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Calvillo

About 52 kilometres from the city, Calvillo calls itself the world capital of guava and is the largest guava producer in Mexico. Its main square is known for orange trees, and the Temple of Our Lord of the Salitre has a remarkable dome.

Food and local flavors

Guava is the local flavour, especially from Calvillo, where it appears in sweets, preserves and liqueurs. Pollo placero is a typical local chicken dish found in market eateries and traditional restaurants, so ask how it is prepared. Aguascalientes wine reflects a grape and wine-making tradition that dates back to the colonial period and continues today, so look for a local bottle in restaurants, and ask about nearby wineries and tastings.

Where to stay

The Centro Histórico is the best base for first-time visitors, because the square, cathedral, museums and many restaurants are within walking distance. The Barrio de San Marcos suits fair visitors and garden lovers, with the Jardín de San Marcos, the church and lively evenings, though it is busiest in April and May. The Barrio del Encino suits art lovers and slow wanderers, with the Posada museum, a quiet square and a more local feel.

Best time to visit

The climate is semi-arid and warm, with rain concentrated from June to September. May and June are the hottest months, and winter nights can be cool. The big festival is the San Marcos Fair, held from mid-April to early May, with bullfighting, concerts and fireworks, and it draws millions of visitors. Day of the Dead events in late October and early November suit the museums.

Getting there and getting around

Aguascalientes International Airport lies about 16 kilometres from the city and has flights from Mexico City and from several US hubs. The bus station is about five kilometres from the main square, and buses from Mexico City take about six hours. By car, the city is on the federal highway network, and the drive from Mexico City is about five hours. In town, many sights are within walking distance of Plaza de la Patria.

A suggested itinerary

First day

Start at Plaza de la Patria, visit the cathedral and the Palacio de Gobierno, then relax in the Jardín de San Marcos in the afternoon.

Second day

Visit the Posada museum and the Museo Nacional de la Muerte in the morning, then the Museo de Aguascalientes and the Teatro Morelos.

Third day

Spend the morning at Museo Espacio and the old railway area, then take a day trip to Calvillo or end with a soak at the thermal baths.

Practical tips

• Check your government's current travel advisory before you go.
• Book hotels very early if you plan to visit during the San Marcos Fair.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the historic centre is best explored on foot.
• Carry cash for market stalls and small museums.
• Check each museum's closing day before you go, because some close one day a week.