Adventure, excitement, festivals and fine wines await in this small but beautiful region, home to the jagged peaks of the Western Sierra Madre mountains.
A small mountainous state, Aguascalientes is a haven for adventure tourists and excitement seekers, but it also offers culture and history. Discover churches, monasteries and statues, bathe in hot springs and tour the local vineyards.
The state capital Aguascalientes is known for its hot springs, fine wines and relaxed provincial atmosphere. Wander the wide city streets radiating from the central plaza at the heart of the old city and visit the grand Cathedral Basilica and the Teatro Morelos. The city has a cluster of fascinating museums as well as ample parks and green spaces. Attend the annual festival of San Marcos, which involves music and locally produced wine.
Tour the 110 acres (45 hectares) of vineyards at the magical Hacienda de Letras Bodega in the town of San Luis de Letras, 20 miles (32 kilometres) from the city. Be sure to visit the hot spring baths at Ojocaliente.
Venture beyond the city to see breathtaking mountain landscapes and historical sites. Head for the mountainous region of La Sierra Fria to enjoy sports such as rock climbing, fishing, hunting and mountain biking. Get some excitement by zip lining at nearby Boca de Tunel Park. Other notable sites of natural beauty include the Huijolotes Canyon and Los Alamitos Reservoir.
Find historical religious sites in the region’s small towns and villages. Visit Asientos to see the Monasterio del Señor del Tepozan and the Guadalupe Church and Sanctuary.
Don’t miss the village of San Jose de Gracia, in an area settled since the 12th century. The village is known as the site of the Cristo Roto Sanctuary. Its 91-foot (28-metre) tall bronze-coated steel sculpture is the work of Aguascalientes sculptor Miguel Romo Santini. Surrounding the sculpture are 24 representations of Christ from around the state, offering a striking and unusual sight.
To reach Aguascalientes, fly into Aguascalientes International Airport. Alternatively, ride the bus from Mexico CityOpens in a new window. The journey should take about 6 hours.
