Tips for travel to Aguascalientes

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Introduction

Dining & Entertainment

Entry Requirements

Money & Emergency

Weather

Map

Fun Things To Do

Health & Safety Links

Flight Overview

Introduction

Aguascalientes, named after the local thermal springs, is one of the loveliest colonial jewels in Mexico, with an enviable climate and location. Ever since its foundation in 1575, at the crossroads between several major routes, its inhabitants have made their living from fruit growing, mining and trade. In recent years, Aguascalientes has attracted major industries and assembly plants, while its fields are now used as vineyards and for cultivating fruit trees such as peach and guava.

The city's historic center has preserved civil and religious buildings that reflect its greatness during the colonial era. The original layout was based on a square measuring 84 km on each side, flanked by important buildings such as the Cathedral, City Hall and Morelos, and the houses of the conquistadors. Traditional districts sprang up around these, with their churches, gardens and calm streets, which become a riot of color and noise during the celebration of the patron saint's day.

Strolling through this colonial city, enjoying its architectural, artistic and cultural expressions, discovering its traditions, exploring its corners and sampling its delicious, varied gastronomy is a gratifying experience.

What To Do

Colonial Centre
The centre of the city has been excellently preserved and has a great colonial feel and atmosphere about it. The Cathedral in the middle of town is a classic piece of colonial architecture, more so because the second bell tower (the one on the right as you face the Cathedral from the front) is actually a complete modern restoration of the original bell tower!

Don't miss the Plaza de Toros (Bull Ring) - even if you don't like bullfighting - the architecture is impressive and a good example of how modern colonial architecture can be blended in with the original works dating back hundreds of years.

The Palacio de Gobierno - (Government Palace) is where the local Governor's office resides and is also an impressive piece of architecture, inside and out. It is open to public.

Jardin de San Marcos (St Mark's Garden) is a popular park with locals and visitors alike - the four arches at each corner of the park welcome visitors to experience its green and relaxing atmosphere.

Museums & Art
The most famous museum is the one dedicated to Jose Guadalupe Posada, a man who was born and lived in Aguascalientes and who is credited as the 'founder of Modern Mexican art'. The museum hosts a whole collection of his work as well as temporary exhibitions featuring other Mexican artists.

Other museums, featuring art and the history in Aguascalientes include: Museo Regional de Historia (History Museum), Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (Contemporary Art Museum), Museo de Aguascalientes (Featuring art from Saturnino Heran) and the Templo de San Antonio (Refugio Reyes' Architecture).

Feria de San Marcos
Most people who come to visit Aguascalientes will come during the festival period of Feria de San Marcos (St. Mark's Fair) that runs from the last week in April through to May 10th. At this time of year, hotels are packed, parties go on forever, and the whole city buzzes with excitement. Local schools close for some of the period, and some local offices and factories also have holidays to celebrate.

The fair attracts around a million visitors a year, making it the largest fair in Mexico. The people come to see commercial and industrial exhibitions, bull-fights, concerts, rodeos, and to gamble at the fair's temporary casino. Gambling is currently illegal throughout Mexico, but the Feria de San Marcos opens a 'specially licensed' casino at the fair, where you can try your luck on the roulette wheel, or to test your Blackjack skills.

Other cultural events including art, theatre and dance are all prominent. There is also a funfair with mechanical rides; traditional food and drink is available everywhere, and parties go on throughout the night!

Golf in Aguascalientes
Some of the local hotels have agreements with golf courses in the area so that their guests can play on the courses.

Dining

Dinner and Upscale
The Hotel Francia's the Villa Andrea Restaurant, at the corner of Madero Ave, (449) 915-6080, is an excellent option featuring an extensive and original menu. The ambience inlcudes an impressive stained-glass ceiling, enhancing your dining experience with elegance and beauty.

Los Cisnes
At the corner of Alameda and Avenida Tecnológico, this is the restaurant of the De Andrea Alameda Hotel, which is housed in an old hacienda renovated in Porfirian style. Its restaurant offers good Mexican and International haute cuisine.

Bars
Foro La Querencia, although technically a restaurant, offers a bar atmosphere and no dress code, and often hosts alternative music performances by well-known entertainers from throughout Mexico. Find it at Alarcon 105.

El Cabús, (449) 973-0006, is a hot nightspot located in the high-end Hotel Las Trojes. It's about 15 minutes from the center, north of the city on the highway to Zacatecas.

Entertainment

Aguascalientes has a selection of good night spots to suit those looking for culture and those looking for a party!

Locally Hosted Parties - Check with yours and other Local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your stay. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out - the real Mexican way, and certainly on the eve of September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day! Hosted parties usually include dinner, dancing, a show and / or live music (usually authentic Mexican Mariachis) plus all drinks for a fixed fee and are always excellent value for money! Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene: Mexico's Colonial Cities do have lots of young people living in them, so just because they are steeped in history does not mean that you won't find an all-night club party happening somewhere in town! Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.

Night Bars / Restaurants - There's a good variety of Late Night Entertainment in Aguascalientes to keep you happy and entertained into the early hours.

Money

Banks & ATMs
Banks in Mexico are rapidly expanding and improving services. They tend to be open weekdays from 9am until 5pm, and often for at least a half day on Saturday. In larger resorts and cities, they can generally accommodate the exchange of dollars (which used to stop at noon) anytime during business hours. During times when the currency is in flux, a particular bank may not exchange dollars, so check before standing in line. Some, but not all, banks charge a service fee of about 1% to exchange traveler's checks. However, you can pay for most purchases directly with traveler's checks at the establishment's stated exchange rate. Don't even bother with personal checks drawn on a U.S. bank -- the bank will wait for your check to clear, which can take weeks, before giving you your money.

Travelers to Mexico can easily withdraw money from ATMs (automated teller machine) in most major cities and resort areas. In most resorts in Mexico, the use of ATMs is perfectly safe -- just use the same precautions you would at any ATM. Universal bank cards (such as the Cirrus and PLUS systems) can be used. This is a convenient way to withdraw money and avoid carrying too much with you at any time. The exchange rate is generally more favorable than that at a casas de cambio. Most machines offer Spanish/English menus and dispense pesos, but some offer the option of withdrawing dollars. The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) before you leave home and be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Also keep in mind that many banks impose a fee every time a card is used at a different bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they're rarely more than $1.50). On top of this, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee.

Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks are something of an anachronism from the days before the ATM made cash accessible at any time. Traveler's checks used to be the only sound alternative to traveling with dangerously large amounts of cash. They were as reliable as currency, but, unlike cash, could be replaced if lost or stolen.

You can get traveler's checks at almost any bank. You can also get American Express traveler's checks over the phone by calling tel. 800/221-7282.

Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide, as well as at several other banks. Call tel. 800/732-1322 for information. AAA members can obtain Visa checks without a fee at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378. MasterCard also offers traveler's checks. Call tel. 800/223-9920 for a location near you.

If you choose to carry traveler's checks, be sure to keep a record of their serial numbers separate from your checks in the event that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if you know the numbers.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are a safe way to carry money: They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates. You can also withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN. If you've forgotten yours, or didn't even know you had one, call the number on the back of your credit card and ask the bank to send it to you. It usually takes 5 to 7 business days, though some banks will provide the number over the phone if you tell them your mother's maiden name or some other personal information.

Charges will be made in pesos, then converted into dollars by the bank issuing the credit card. Generally you receive the favorable bank rate when paying by credit card. However, be aware that some establishments in Mexico add a 5% to 7% surcharge when you pay with a credit card. This is especially true when using American Express. Many times, advertised discounts will not apply if you pay with a credit card.

Dear Visa: I'm Off to Aguascalientes! -- Some credit card companies recommend that you notify them of any impending trip abroad so that they don't become suspicious and block your charges when the card is used numerous times in a foreign destination. Even if you don't call your credit card company in advance, you can always call the toll-free emergency number if a charge is refused -- a good reason to carry the phone number with you. But perhaps the most important lesson is to carry more than one card on your trip; if one card doesn't work for any number of reasons, you'll have a backup.

Emergency

Tourist information is available at the Delegacion de Turismo del Estado de Aguascalientes (449-915-1155), beside the Palacio de Gobierno on Plaza de la Patria. Open daily (except holidays) from 10 am to 8 pm, it gives out free city maps and information on the city and state of Aguascalientes.

Fun Things To Do in Aguascalientes

Attractions & Activities

Aguascalientes Attractions

Architecture

A good way to start your visit it to wander through the delightful Parque de San Marcos, before you take a look at the beautiful, well-proportioned, pink stone Palacio de Gobierno, the most outstanding colonial building in Aguascalientes, with its striking central courtyard and murals. The 18th century baroque cathedral on the west side of the main square was restored and its interior is more impressive than its exterior, with magnificent paintings by the colonial painter Miguel Cabrera.

Arts and Crafts
Beautiful garments and table linen such as blouses, dresses, tablecloths, napkins, as well as curtains and table covers, stitched by skilful hands can be purchased in the streets in the Center, such as Calle Nieto or in some of the shops in the malls.

Camping
In Aguascalientes, a short distance from the city, visitors can explore the mountains of El Pinal, Guajolote, Laurel and Sierra Fría, which are perfect for camping.

Ecotourism
Those who enjoy walking through beautiful natural scenery should visit the wonderful Parque Ecológico Héroes Mexicanos, in Aguascalientes City.

Extreme Sports
Every year, Aguascalientes issues an invitation to participate in the State Cup Championship in the ascent, descent and cross-country sections. All those who enjoy mountain biking are welcome to apply.

Festivals
The San Marcos Fair starts on April 25 and, according to many, is the most important event of its kind in Mexico. It includes bullfights, the crowning of the Fair beauty queen, as well as exhibitions on agricultural, industrial, commercial, cultural and tourist themes.

Historical Interests
The supporters of Carranza, Villa and Zapata, represented by men such as Alvaro Obregón, Felipe Angeles and Francisco Villa, gathered in the Teatro Morelos after defeating Victoriano Huerto to draw up a program for the government, which resulted in the creation of the Revolutionary Convention and the Plan of Ayala. Eulalio Gutiérrez was appointed president there in 1914.

Museums
The José Guadalupe Posada Museum is dedicated to the renowned artist and caricaturist born in Aguascalientes (1852-1913) who was for many the founder of modern Mexican art. His satirical cartoons, as well as his engravings, produced during Porfirio Diaz' dictatorship, increased international interest in art in Mexico.

The Aguascalientes Museum contains a permanent exhibition of work by Saturnino Herrán (1887-1918), another great artist born in Aguascalientes. Executed in a style that is reminiscent of art nouveau, his portraits and illustrations depict the Mexican people with great technical skill and sensitivity.

The Interactive Museum of Science and Technology is an excellent place to experience virtual reality related to science and technology.

Aguascalientes Activities

Traditional Aguascalientes cuisine includes barbacoa de lomo, birria, mole, roast kid and tamales. There are several downtown restaurants where you can try these specialties.

Fishing
The Jocoqui, El Llanero and Abelardo Rodríguez Reservoirs, located a few kilometers outside Aguascalientes, are ideal for sport fishing.

Golf
Aguascalientes has two golf clubs. The Club Campestre de Aguascalientes has a 9 hole course, par 72, with a 6,722 yard long course, while the Country Club Pulgas Pandas has a 6,420 yard long course.

Hiking & Climbing
Climbers and mountaineers will find four major sites in Aguascalientes: Antorcha, Laurel, La Ardilla and Los Gallos.

Night Life
The city offers a wide range of discotheques such as Disco El Cabús, IOS and Jubilee.

Performing arts
One of Mexico's most famous fairs is the San Marcos fair, held in April. It provides an opportunity to see performance art, which is also often staged at the historic Teatro Morelos and Casa de la Cultura.

Shopping
The Centro Comercial Plaza de Vestir carries blouses and tablecloths produced by local craftsmen, as well as puppets and wooden toys and ornaments.

Spas
It is hardly surprising that a place called Aguascalientes, meaning hot water in Spanish, should have several thermal springs. The best known is the Centro Deportivo Ojo Caliente, located on the east side of the city. Facilities include pools with water at various temperatures, tennis, volleyball and squash courts.