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Aguascalientes Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about the state of Aguascalientes, Mexico
AGUASCALIENTES TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS
Quick Info | Aguascalientes Map | Places To Visit | Things To Do | Hotels | FAQ
Aguascalientes (Hot Springs), one of the smallest states in Mexico, is located in the northern part of the Bajío region. Zacatecas borders it to the north, east and west, and by Jalisco to the south.
Aguascalientes was historically known for its former railroad and textile industry. Currently, the state is known for its winemaking industry and San Marcos Fair (Feria Nacional de San Marcos), the biggest fair in Mexico and one of the largest in Latin America.
🇲🇽 Aguascalientes quick info
- 🇲🇽 Capital: Aguascalientes City
- ⏰ Timezone: Central Standard Time (GMT-6)
- ✈️ Airports: Aguascalientes International Airport
- 🌆 Major Cities (population): Aguascalientes (723,043) Jesús María (82,623) Calvillo (50,183) Rincón de Romos (45,471) Asientos (40,574)
- 🚩 Size/Area: 2,112 square miles
- 🧑🤝🧑 Population: 1,065,416 (2005 Census)
- 📅 Year of Statehood: 1853
🗺️ Aguascalientes Mexico Map
📍 Places to visit in Aguascalientes Mexico
🏄♀️ Things to do in Aguascalientes Mexico
🛏️ Aguascalientes Hotels and Accommodations
💡 Aguascalientes Fun Facts
- The name of the state Aguascalientes means “hot waters” in Spanish. The state got its name from the the numerous hot springs in the area.
- There is also an Aguascalientes in Peru (for Machu Picchu expeditions). Make sure to type “Aguascalientes Mexico” when researching for your trip so you won’t get search results from Peru.
- The state’s coat of arms has images of hot springs, coals, a fountain, and a cauldron. Aguascalientes is heavily represented by Our Lady of the Assumption, accompanied by two cherubs. A broken gold chain can be found at the top of the coat of arms which symbolizes freedom and statehood. On the lower ledt corner, you will find grapes (and a dam) which represents agriculture of the state. The bee with a wheel on the lower right represents the disciplined labor and work ethics of the people of Aguascalientes.
- The city of Aguascalientes features the Cerro del Muerto, a hill that is thought to resemble a man lying down.
- The city of Aguascalientes is called “the land of the good people“ because its inhabitants are so friendly.
- Aguascalientes is one of the smallest Mexican states with a land area of 2,112 square miles. Despite its small size, it is an important strategic location for the country. Aguascalientes is literally in the center of the country and is called “el corazon” (the heart).
- One of the state’s largest tourist attractions is La Feria de San Marcos is held to honor Saint Mark and is Aguascalientes’ largest tourist event. Saint Mark is the protector of Aguascalientes and is celebrated every April. During the event, you will see daily bullfights and cockfights.
- Regional dances such as La Pelea de Gallos (the cockfight dance), La Danza de Bordadoras (the dance of sewing ladies), and La Danza de Ferrocarrileros (the dance of the railroad operators) all originated in Aguascalientes. La Danza de Ferrocarrileros originated in the union of railroad operators; the dancers simulate a train with workers performing maintenance on it.
SOURCES: HISTORY.COM | BRITANNICA.COM
⁉️ Aguascalientes FAQ
Still have questions about Aguascalientes?
If you cannot find an answer to your question in our FAQ, you can always get in touch with our Mexico expert travel planners. You can also leave a comment below and we will get back to you right away!
Mike
Wednesday 8th of February 2023
what a cool mexican state. I had never heard of it (and we explore mexico by car a lot, to 11 states so far). thanks for opening us up to it. one question, is it still worth it to go if it's not the month of the San Marcos Fair (and is that fair lasting for a whole month? even during the weekdays?) Thanks!
Puloma Bhattacharya
Tuesday 7th of February 2023
I would love to visit the state of Agiascalientes in Mexico and definitely explore the "el corazon" or the heart of Mexico popular for it's hot springs and La Feria de San Marcos. I loved the way you described the state's coat of arms dedicated to the Lady of Assumption. I would love to explore the beautiful architecture of the state at Real de asiento and Cerrito chapel and definitely not to miss the intriguing Temezcal ceremony. And tasting authentic bread and the pacholas is also on my to do list.
Agnes
Monday 6th of February 2023
I hope to visit Aguascalientes during my next stay in Mexico, as it seems pretty exciting and close to Jalisco, which I plan to visit as well. It's a very detailed guide with handy tips on how to plan a trip. I would love to watch a bullfight, as I would like to compare it with the Spain traditions. I watched bullfights in Sevilla as well. As I love nature and hiking, I would like to visit el Sabinal Eco Park and explore Boca de Tunel. It's great to know that San Marcos Fair is the biggest fair in Mexico.
Pamela
Sunday 5th of February 2023
Aguascalientes looks so pretty. Mexico has definately a lot more to offer and I can see Aguascalientes is one of them. I would love to explore the places and enjoy the local delicacies here. Just curious is the bull fighting legal here as I heard it already ban from other countries? You clicked amazing shots for sure.
Joanna
Saturday 4th of February 2023
I have been to Aguascalientes, but the Peruvian one, when I hiked to Machu Picchu. I didn't know there was another city with the same name in Mexico. I like smaller places so I would love to visit Aguascalientes in Mexico some day. I would like to try a Temazcal ceremony there, that sounds very intriguing. As a foodie, I'd also like to try the local pacholas.