Aguascalientes
Discover Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes is a city of 950,000 people (2020) in the Bajío region of Mexico. 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.
What to Experience in Aguascalientes
Taste of Aguascalientes...
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 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. Within a short distance from the city of Aguascalientes you can go camping in the mountains of El Pinal, Guajolote, Laurel, and Sierra Fria. These budget hotels have decent ratings on Google Maps and cannot be reserved on booking.com:
Climate
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. 21.865381-102.2985372 Central de Autobuses The bus station, is on the south side of the first ring, 5 km (3 miles) from main square, at Av de la Convención de 1914 Sur 408, Las Américas. 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 06:00. This type of bus trip is perfect for those who just want to spend a full day in Aguascalientes. There are also stops on the north side for Omnibus de Mexico (on MEX 95, near the university) and Turistar (on MEX 45). First class services ETN and Primera Plus serve Aguas. Local buses M$6 (pesos) run from outside the bus station into the centre.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple Options21.865381-102.2985372 Central de Autobuses The bus station, is on the south side of the first ring, 5 km (3 miles) from main square, at Av de la Convención de 1914 Sur 408, Las Américas. 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 06:00. This type of bus trip is perfect for those who just want to spend a full day in Aguascalientes. There are also stops on the north side for Omnibus de Mexico (on MEX 95, near the university) and Turistar (on MEX 45). First class 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. Combis also operate on major thoroughfares in Aguas. To get to Aguascalientes from Mexico City by car, take the MEX 57 as far as Querétaro, then take the MEX 45 via Salamanca....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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. Aguascalientes has a public bus system known as CMOV. They operate 48 bus routes with nearly 2,000 stops. Schedules and costs are listed in the Moovit app. Taxis are 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 or less. Tranvía - Right across the main square, you can get a ride on a streetcar around the most important tourist sights with this government-provided service.
Where to Stay
Within a short distance from the city of Aguascalientes you can go camping in the mountains of El Pinal, Guajolote, Laurel, and Sierra Fria. These budget hotels have decent ratings on Google Maps and cannot be reserved on booking.com:
Money & Budget
You can check out little curios along the main plaza (Plaza Patria). 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 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.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Aguascalientes
Plaza de la Patria en Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes.
Reflejo atardecer por ventana
an old building with a tree in front of it
a large body of water surrounded by mountains
night market
a view of a mountain range with clouds in the sky
a body of water surrounded by mountains under a cloudy sky
Atardecer rojo
a large body of water surrounded by mountains
a stone building with red shutters and a gate
Plaza de la Patria en Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes.
Reflejo atardecer por ventana
an old building with a tree in front of it