Aguascalientes

Beyond its colonial core, Aguascalientes offers a fascinating glimpse into Mexico's industrial and artistic heritage. The city is the birthplace of José Guadalupe Posada, the engraver famous for his "La Catrina" skeleton figure, and the National Museum of Death here is a unique cultural tribute to this tradition. The "Tres Centurias" Railway Park highlights the city's past as a major railroad hub with restored locomotives and dancing fountains. Adventure seekers can explore the hidden tunnels underneath the city or take a short trip to the magical town of Calvillo, the capital of guava sweets.

Reasons to Visit

• Experience the San Marcos National Fair, a three-week-long cultural explosion of bullfights, concerts, and nightlife.
• Relax in the historic Ojocaliente thermal baths, which have been serving visitors for over a century.
• Explore the rich railway heritage at the Tres Centurias Park, featuring beautiful gardens and historic trains.
• Discover unique museums like the National Museum of Death and the Jose Guadalupe Posada Museum.
• Enjoy a safe, walkable city center with well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant plazas.

Things to Avoid

• Driving at night on highways bordering the states of Zacatecas and Jalisco due to safety concerns in those border regions.
• Drinking tap water; always opt for bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
• Visiting during the San Marcos Fair if you dislike large crowds and loud noise, as the city becomes extremely busy.
• Assuming English is spoken everywhere, knowing basic Spanish is very helpful outside major hotels.

Local Transportation Tips

Aguascalientes has a reliable and affordable public transportation system. The "YoVoy" bus system covers most of the city, and a prepaid card is often required. Taxis are plentiful and generally safe, but it is recommended to agree on a fare before starting the ride or to check if the meter is running. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Didi are widely available, safe, and often more convenient for tourists than hailing street taxis.

Travel Etiquette

• Greet people with a friendly "Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes" when entering shops or getting into taxis.
• Tipping 10-15% is standard in restaurants; for baggage handlers or hotel staff, a small tip of 20-50 pesos is appreciated.
• Dress comfortably but neatly; locals tend to dress somewhat formally for dinner or church visits.
• Be patient and polite; rushing or showing frustration is considered rude in the relaxed local culture.

Did You Know?

Did you know? Aguascalientes is often called the "Perforated City" because of a mysterious labyrinth of catacombs and tunnels dug beneath the city by pre-Columbian inhabitants and later used during the colonial era.

Cool Aguascalientes Stats

• Fair Giant: The San Marcos National Fair attracts over 8 million visitors annually, making it one of the largest fairs in the Americas.

• Auto Hub: Aguascalientes is home to the second-largest Nissan manufacturing plant in the Americas, producing a car every 55 seconds.

• Clear Skies: The state enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, earning it the nickname "The Clear Sky City."

Recommended Age Group

Aguascalientes is most suitable for Adults and Teens, with its vibrant nightlife during the fair and rich cultural history.

• Babies (0-2 years): Challenging due to crowds during festivals and non-stroller-friendly cobblestone streets, though parks are nice.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended; the Railway Park, Museo Descubre (Science Museum), and green spaces offer great family fun.
• Teens (13-19 years): Highly recommended, especially during the fair for the rides, concerts, and lively atmosphere.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly recommended for the history, tequila/mezcal tastings, thermal baths, and nightlife.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended for the relaxed pace of the museums and thermal springs, though uneven pavements require caution.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Major hotels offer accessible rooms.
• Modern shopping malls and the Tres Centurias Park have ramps and smooth paths.
• Many sidewalks in the historic center are narrow or uneven, making wheelchair navigation difficult.
• Standard taxis are not wheelchair accessible; book specialized transport in advance.