Attractions in Aguascalientes, Mexico: What to do and where to go

Jardin and Templo of San Marcos

The construction, of San Marcos Garden, was finished in 1842 and has a neoclassic balustrade (a banister of small columns) of pink stone. The garden has access from all four sides and is finished off with beautiful vases full of flowers. Nowadays, this place is a symbol of the city.

The temple of San Marcos stands proudly on the west side of the garden. Construction for this temple was started before 1655 and was left unfinished for 100 years, when it was finally finished in 1765. Its facade is an example of a type of Spanish Baroque called Churrigueresco. The Main Altar is a piece of neoclassic design, with the Virgen del Carmen in the center and a sculpture of St. Mark behind.

La Feria Nacional de San Marcos (San Marcos' National Fair)

San Marcos' National Fair has become the most distinctive element when identifying the state of Aguascalientes, both nationally and internationally attracting over 7 million visitors. Held from April to May, it is the oldest and most famous fair in the country. It includes popular festivals and cockfights, which take place in the largest "Palenque" (cockfighting ring) in Latin America. The Fair also features an elegant casino, the only place in Mexico where gambling is allowed. When the cockfights are over, many national and international singers perform in this arena.

At the San Marcos' National Fair you will also find bullfights, a Ferris wheel, theater shows, the election of the Queen of the fair, the famous contest of traditional costume and interesting farming, cattle and industrial exhibitions. The National Young Artist Award, the National Poetry Award and many other cultural programs go hand in hand with the endless fun provided, to locals and visitors, by the fair.

Palacio de Gobierno (City Hall)

This beautiful building, located on the southern side of the main plaza, was constructed in 1665. Even though it has been used as a city council building, it was originally intended to be used as the residence of the Rincon family, noble people who were the holders of the Cienega de Mata heritage. This building has great historic value, it features a beautiful facade of red volcanic stone and it has more than a hundred arches, which surround both patios. In the back, murals made by Oswaldo Barra tell stories about local and national history.

San Marcos Bullfighting Plaza

In Aguascalientes, bullfighting tradition is carried through the generations as can be demonstrated in this old bullring built in 1896. It is currently used as a bullfighting academy, where children and teenagers learn the skills and movements necessary to face off these huge animals. The Plaza has become an integral part of the Feria de San Marcos, where they held several bullfights throughout the weeks. It is conveniently located next to the Garden and Temple of San Marcos.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral of Aguascalientes is dedicated to Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion (Our Lady of Ascension) and it is located in the same place as a chapel, which was originally founded in 1575. On its facade, Salomonic Baroque style decoration can be found.

El Caracol

This park is an interesting combination of paleontological mine field, the most important hydraulics system of the colonial period, an eco-park as well as a site of cultural heritage which includes legends and traditions. It is a one of a kind area that covers about 27 acres and is a tourist attraction that enriches the cultural, scientific and ecological heritage of Aguascalientes.

You can complement your visit with an interesting boat ride on El Cedazo Dam or on a train ride around the park. Visit El Caracol because it is definitely going to be a completely unique experience.

San Marcos Convention Center

This beautiful building was built completely out of pink limestone. It's normally used as a State Convention Center but during the National Fair of San Marcos, it's used as a casino for the duration of the event, one of the main attractions of San Marcos.

Encino Temple

This temple was built between 1773 and 1796 and the Black Christ is venerated here. This image first appeared in the area when lightning struck a tree. The commemoration of Black Christ is on November 13th. It is believed that bullfighters are the most devoted worshippers of this beautiful figure. A collection of paintings by the artist Andres Lopez, painted between 1798 and 1801, are displayed on the walls of this temple. The Encino Temple is located in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, known as Triana.

House of Culture

The House of Culture is located in a 17th century building that was first used as a family home and then turned into a convent. Among its valuable exhibitions, you will find six bronze plaques with motifs of ancient Aztec gods and kings. The patios, of this building, are used for book fairs and theater plays. If you enjoy art in any form, this is a place worth visiting.

Regional Museum of History

The Regional Museum of History will allow you to take an exciting journey through the evolution of Aguascalientes, from ancient times to the present day. In its 9 exhibition halls you will find regional paleontology exhibitions, diverse ceramic, archaeological and colonial pieces and some pieces dating back to the Revolutionary Convention of 1914. Inaugurated in 1988, by the state government and the INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History), it is a must see place during your visit to this beautiful city.

Legends, Myths and Tunnels

The city and its surrounding areas are full of legends dating back since over 200 years ago. Oral tradition is strongly cultivated and has preserved ancient stories of ghosts, apparitions and miracles from this warm land. Besides from that, beneath the city of Aguascalientes there are a lot of tunnels that served as hiding places for the early Spanish settlers who feared the attacks of the Indians and were later used by thieves, robbers and other smugglers. Stories abound of great treasures hidden in tunnels and caves waiting for the lucky enough to encounter them.

Plaza de Toros Monumental

Over time, the Plaza de Toros de San Marcos was not enough to house the growing number of visitors traveling from all corners of Mexico to witness the bullfighting events, so then the Plaza de Toros Monumental was created. This is one of the largest and most beautiful in Latin America. It holds up to 16,000 people and even has an elevator for the elderly and people with disabilities. Inside there is a private chapel where the "Black Christ of Encino," resides. He's the believed to be the patron figure of toreros and they entrusted themselves to the Black Christ just before the bullfight. The Plaza de Toros Monumental is located next to the Expoplaza, on Avenida Lopez Mateos.

Hunting Ranches

The hunting tourism has gained great popularity in Aguascalientes since some years ago. Northwest of the city lies the beautiful Sierra Fria, home to a great diversity of plants and wildlife. In this area there are several regulated ranch where you can experience the thrill of the hunt. You will find small species such as rabbits, quails, wild boars, foxes, turkeys and even deer. This adventure will test your five senses and skills with either modern weapons or bows.

Cristo Roto

This huge statue dominates the landscape of the Presa Calles. You can see a small island located in the middle of the lake right from the dock of the town of San Jose Garcia. El Cristo Roto attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year and because of that, the infrastructure of the town is growing in order to cope with the high demand for this tourist destination. El Cristo Roto is a must during your vacation in Aguascalientes!

Museo Nacional de la Muerte

La Catrina, La Huesuda, La Flaca. Death has many names in Mexican culture. Since pre-hispanic times, the people of Mexico had a special concept and a unique relationship with death and because of that, in 2007 founded the "National Museum of Death". Here you will find images, performances and tributes to death from different times (pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern). Every year during the "Festival de las Calaveras" (Skull Festival) in October and November, the museum holds many cultural and recreational activities for everyone to enjoy.

Outdoor Adventures

North of Aguascalientes you will find a wide range of outdoor activities in the Adventure Park Boca Tunnel. Among them you can enjoy zip lines, hanging bridges and mountain biking. Have lots of fun touring the Potrerillos Dam from above and slide down from the zip line. Let the adrenaline flow into your body and experience this amazing place!

Plaza de las Tres Centurias (Plaza of the Three Centuries)

This place is situated in what is now called "Barrio de la Estacion". The hot springs that gave its name to Aguascalientes were found in this area (literally "Hot-Waters"). The Plaza is a large park which houses buildings of the former railway station of Aguascalientes. Today is regarded as a railroad museum of national importance and is the ideal place to take the kids to have fun. It has a show of dancing fountains every hour and a mini-train ride through the facilities.