'''Aguascalientes'''[http://www.muniags.gob.mx/] means ''hot water'' in Spanish; the name comes from the abundance of hot springs in the area. Located in central Mexico, Aguascalientes borders the Mexican states of Zacatecas and Jalisco and is located about 537 km northwest of Mexico City. There are five trditional 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 the 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. In 1910 through 1920 the city of Aguascalientes was a major rail junction between Mexico City and the silver mines of Zacatecas. Natives call Aguascalientes "the perforated city" or La Ciudad Perforada due to its intertwining passages, or catacombs beneath it that the pre-colonial Indians carved from rock. Their origin and reason is unknown and is presently not open to the public.

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.

Get in

By Plane

'''Lic. Jesus Teran Peredo International Airport''' (IATA: AGU, ICAO: MMAS), also known as '''Aguascalientes International Airport'''. The airport is 10 miles out of the city.

Surrounding Airports

  • SLP - San Luis Potosi Airport
  • BJX - Leon-Guanajuato Airport
  • ZCL - Zacatecas Airport
  • GDL - Guadalajara Airport
  • TPQ - Tepic Airport
  • Airlines

  • Aeromexico (Los Angeles, Mexico City, Ontario (CA), Tijuana)
  • American Eagle (Dallas/Fort Worth)
  • Continental Express operated by ExpressJet Airlines (Houston-Intercontinental, Los Angeles [seasonal])
  • Viva Aerobus (Monterrey)
  • Volaris (Tijuana)
  • By Bus

    Central Camionera, The bus station is on the south side of the first ring, 3 miles from main square. 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 6am. This type of bus trip is perfect for those who just want to spend a full day in Aguascalientes.

    By Car

    To get to Aguascalientes from Mexico City by car you will need to take the MEX 57 as far as Queretaro, then take the MEX 45 via Salamanca. Aguascalientes is located on Federal Highway 57/45 in Mexico.

    Get around

    From AGU - Aguascalientes Airport there is ground transportation available to take you to your destination.

    Rent a Car - Since Aguascalientes is very accessible by road so renting a car is yoor best option to see all the historic sites and architecture that Aguascalientes and its surrounding areas has to offer.

    Taxi - Taxis are also a smart option for getting around in Aguascalientes. You can arrange a taxi from your hotel although street cabs are usually much cheaper. Also, if you speak Spansih you're in luck! Your ability to speak Spanish will give you an advantage when negotiating a price with the taxi driver.

    See

    Museums

  • '''Museo de Arte Moderno'''
  • '''Museo Interactivo descubre'''
  • '''Museo Jose Guadalupe Posada''' - People of Mexico consider Posada the founder of modern art in Mexico. Since his death nearly a century ago, Jose Guadalupe Posada's work has steadily gained popularity with art lovers and Dia de los Muertos celebrators alike. He is especially known for his calaveras images of whimsical skeletons. "La Catrina," is one such image.[http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/images/posada1.jpg] While the illustration of the high society woman is one of Posada's most highly regarded pieces, it's also arguably the most recognizable image of the Dia de los Muertos celebration.
  • '''Museo Nacional de la Muerte'''
  • '''Museum of Aguascalientes''' - built out of pink quarry. It ha a collection of 20th century arts including the works of Saturnio Herran, who was born in Aguascalientes. Herran's arts include portraits of the everydady citizen painted with a high degree of sensitivity toward his subjects. His work is very similar to art nouveau.
  • '''Museo Regional de Historia'''
  • Places that can have Temporal Exhibits

  • '''Casa de la Cultura''' - This is the forum for the National Plastic Arts contest during the San Marcos Fair.
  • '''Casa Teran'''
  • '''Centro Cultural los Arquitos'''
  • '''Parque Tres Centurias'''
  • Theatres

  • '''Teatro de la Ciudad'''
  • '''Teatro Morelos - The National Poetry Prize is presented during The San Marcos Fair.'''
  • Public Gardens

  • '''San Marcos Garden (Jardin de San Marcos)'''
  • '''Guadalupe (Jardin de Guadalupe)'''
  • '''El Encino (Jardin del Encino)'''
  • '''Zaragoza'''
  • Parks

  • '''Parque Hidalgo'''
  • '''Parque Heroes Mexicanos/Rodolfo Landeros Gallegos'''
  • '''Parque Mexico'''
  • '''Parque del Cedazo'''
  • Church Buildings

  • '''Baroque Style Main Cathedral'''
  • '''Purisima'''
  • '''San Marcos'''
  • '''Guadalupe'''
  • '''El Encino y Jardin de la Paz'''
  • '''San Antonio Temple'''
  • '''Religious Pinacotheca'''
  • Sports

  • '''Estadio Victoria''' Football, home of the Hidrorrayos
  • '''Estadio Cuarto Centenario''' Basketball, home of the Panteras
  • Architecture

    If your'e really interested in sights and architecture there are a blunder of places to see in Aguascalientes. First you can take a walk through the beautiful Parque de San Marcos, and then continue on to the gorgeous Palacio de Gobierno with its central courtyard and murals. This is the most outstanding colonial building in Aguascalientes. On the west side of the main square lies the 18th century baroque cathedral. This cathedral is filled with gorgeous paintings by colonial painter Miguel Cabrera. More interesting places to see include:
  • The Government Palace - Built of tezontle stone and gorgeous with its Neoclassical facade of red
  • The Municipal Palace - Built out of pink quarry
  • El Jardin de los Palacios (Palace Gardens)- A lovely fountain is on display here to honor the artist Jesus F. Contreras who was the creator of two of the relief sculptures decorating the square. Interesting to know is that Contreras sculptures represent the God of hunting "Camaxtli" and the God of Abundance "Centeotl."
  • La Plaza Patria - Holds spectacular views of an iron tower built in 1808.
  • Legislative Palace
  • Do

  • '''San Marcos Fair or in Spanish Feria de San Marcos ''', [http://www.feriadesanmarcos.com/]. The oldest and largest state fair in Mexico begins annually around mid-April and ends in early May. One of the largest fairs in Mexico, attracting millions of visitors for the Casino, the bullfighting, cockfighting and nightlife. The San Marcos Fair also has nightly fireworks, amusement rides,art, theater, dance, commercial and industrial exhibitions, concerts,rodeos, and of course a variety of cuisine. This is the most busy time of year for Aguascalientes. Local schools close for a period of time during the fair as well as local offices.
  • '''Centro Deportivo Ojo Caliente Spa''' On the East side of town featuring thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, squash, and tennis courts.
  • '''Camping and the Outdoors''' WIth only a short distance from the city of Aguascalientes tourists and locals can go camping in the mountains of El Pinal, Guajolote, Laurel, and Sierra Fria. The best sites to hike and climb are at Antorcha, Laurel, La Ardilla, and Los Gallos. A few kilometers outside of Aguascalientes is where the best fishing occurs. The Jocoqui, El Llanero, and Abelardo Rodriguez Reservoirs are the best places for sport fishing. IN the surrounding areas in places such as El Tunel Porterillo, a walking and hiking trail runs through the Huejucar Canyon. There is also the Plutarco Elias Calles Dam which is ideal for fishing as well. The Ejido Ecoturistco El Ojote is a perfect place for someone who is very into adventure-sports. These exciting recreational sports include rock climbing and rappelling.
  • '''Ecotourism''' Aguascalieentes also has beautiful natural scenery in which people can walk through. Visit the Parque Ecologico Heroes Mexicanos in Aguascalientes which is wonderfully abundant of natural scenery.
  • '''Golf''' If you like to gold Aguascalientes has two golf clubs. The Country Club Pulgas Pandas has a 6,420 yard long course, while The Club Campestre de Aguascalientes has a 9 hole course with a 6,722 yard long course.
  • ''' History''' Aguascalientes is a colonial town full of history. If history is one of your main interests the Teatro Morelos should be on your list of stops. Here is where the supporters of Carranza, Villa and Zapata, gathered after defeating Victoriano Huerto upon drawing up a program for the government which led to the Revolutionary Convention and the Plan of Ayala. It was represented by men such as Alvaro Obregon, Felipe Angeles, and Francisco Villa. The Teatro Morelas is where Eulalio Gutierrez was appointed president in 1914 also.
  • Buy

    Malls an Markets

  • '''Mercado Teran'''
  • '''Mercado Revolucion'''
  • '''El Parian'''
  • '''Plaza Patria'''
  • '''Expo Plaza'''
  • '''Plaza Vestir'''
  • '''Centro Comercial El Dorado'''
  • '''Centro Comercail Villa Asuncion'''
  • '''Centro Comercial Galerias'''
  • '''The Centro Comercial Plaza de Vestir''' This shopping center carries blouses and tablecloths produced by local craftsmen, puppets, wooden toys, and ornaments.
  • Flea Markets

  • '''Tianguis de la Purisima'''
  • '''Linea de Fuego''' (on Sundays) mainly for used items, tools.
  • Eat

  • '''La China Hilaria'''- Located on Blvd Luis Donaldo Colosio this restaurant sells delicious regional food.
  • '''Meson del Taco'''- Located on Avenue Aguascalientes Pte. this restaurant sells traditional and authentic Mexican food including their famous Tacos.
  • '''Applebee's Grill and Bar''' Located on Avenue Independencia 2351 this restaurant is for those who want a taste of the U.S. while in Mexico. Applebees serves steak, chicken, salads, and seafood.
  • '''De Andrea Alameda''' Located on Avenue Tecnologico one can come to this restaurant for a taste of all types of international food.
  • 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.
  • Drink

    There are many nightclubs/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!

    Sleep

    There are a variety of hotels in Aguascalientes.
  • '''Calinda Francia'''
  • '''Quinta Real'''
  • '''Medrano Best Western'''
  • '''Mision Aguascalientes'''
  • '''Aranzazu Plaza Krystal Hotel'''
  • '''Fiesta Americana'''
  • Lukas Hostel. alentin Gomez Farias #541 Barrio Guadalupe. isit website at http://www.lukashostel.com. 52 (449) 9 179 123. ttp://lukashostel.com. 4 hours. oon. 00 pesos. Lukas Hostel is an international hostel in Aguascalientes. They are right downtown between the Plaza and the Jardin de San Marcos. They offer dormitory beds and private rooms. As of May, 2009, the rates are 100 pesos per person per night for a dormitory bed and 250 pesos for one or two people in a private room. Rates go up during the Feria de San Marcos and other times. Check the website for updated information.

    They cater to classic backpackers and to groups and university conferences but they are open to all travelers. They offer a full kitchen, terrace with hammocks, free coffee tea and purified water and more. The website is at http://www.lukashostel.com.</sleep>

    Worth a detour places

    These places below are easily accessible by car: El Tunel Porterillo, a walking and hiking trail runs through the Huejucar Canyon. There is also the Plutarco Elias Calles Dam and the Jocoque Presa which is ideal for water skiing, and fishing as well. The Ejido Ecoturistco El Ojote is a perfect place for someone who is very into adventure-sports. These exciting recreational sports include rock climbing and rappelling.