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. 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

This bullring was built in a record time of 48 days. It was inaugurated on April 24, 1846, featuring an excellent line up of matadors and a sold out plaza. Since then, the San Marcos Fair has been closely tied to bullfighting. It is located on one side of the Jardin de San Marcos.

In 1974, the Monumental Bullfighting Plaza was constructed in a place which was more accessible and with the capacity of accommodating 9,000 spectators. Now, the plaza can comfortably seat 15,000 people in a ring where the best in bullfighting in the country can be seen.

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.