Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes, one of Mexico’s smallest states, is located in the high central plain, bordered by the states of Zacatecas and Jalisco. The state consists of 11 municipalities, its capital being the city of Aguascalientes. As its name suggests, Aguascalientes boasts of thermal mineral springs, one of which is Ojo Caliente situated in the capital..

The highest elevation in the state is Sierra Fria, with an altitude of 3,050 meters (or 10,000 feet) above sea level. Climate is largely temperate semi-dry (winter) to sub-humid (summer) with average annual temperatures between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius (62.5 – 68 F)

Places of Interest

City of Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes, Mexico

• Catedral Basilica (Cathedral Basilica)
• Temple of San Marcos (Temple of Saint Mark)
• Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace)
• Museum of Aguascalientes, located on Zaragoza 507, Centro. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am – 7 pm
• Museo Regional de Historia (Regional History Museum), located on V. Carranza 118, Centro. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm
• Museo de Jose Guadalupe Posada, located at Jardin del Encino, Centro. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11am – 6pm. Exhibits works by renown the engraver and artist who is known particularly for his calaveras or skeleton figures which satirized political scenes up until the Mexican Revolution.
• Festivities for Ntra. Sra. de la Asuncion: The patron saint of the city of Aguascalientes is Ntra. Señora de la Asunción (Our Lady of the Assumption), and the whole city celebrates her from August 1st to 15th every year. Festivities include processions, dances (la danza de matlachines), music and parades.
• Feria Nacional de San Marcos – the annual Saint Marks Fair – a long-standing agricultural and culture exhibit and showcase, one of Mexico’s most important, brings thousands of people to the city every April and May.
• Isla San Marcos – Theme park situated on 44 hectares of land around an artificial lake. Family fun includes a myriad of outdoor activities, a zoo, the largest mechanical clock in Latin America (27 meters in diameter), a horse racing track, and as of 2008, the largest roller coaster in Latin America.

Hotels in the City of Aguascalientes, Mexico

Ex-Haciendas of Aguascalientes

After the conquest of 1521 the Spanish settled widely in central Mexico. Consequently, Aguascalientes is host to upwards of 35 ex-haciendas, some in almost ruins, others in various stages of restoration and repair, others in full use…. Read more about the Haciendas of Aguascalientes…

Asientos

• Parroquia de Ntra. Señora de Belen (Parish of Our Lady of Bethlehem)
• Casa del Minero (House of the Miner)
• Casa de Larrañaga (House of Larrañaga)

Rincon de Romos

• Basilica
• Parroquia del Señor de las Angustias (Parish of Our Lord of Anguish)
• Ex-Hacienda El Saucillo

Murals, Palacio Municipal

Gastronomy of Aguascalientes

Being in a rich livestock raising area, the food of Aguascalientes and bordering regions concentrates heavily on meats. Typical dishes include barbecued and stewed mutton, pozole (a hearty hominy soup), baked suckling pig, and the well-known Saint Mark’s Chicken (pollo de San Marcos). Aguascalientes boasts of its own style of mole and regional dishes such as nopales (prickly pear cactus) with beans, and tasty enchiladas rojas (enchiladas in red sauce). Aguascalientes is also a strong producer of grapes and therefore of wine, brandy and sweet liqueurs, as well as sweets made of locally-grown fruits and vegetables.