Holiday-in-Mexico - Aguascalientes

Mexican States - Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes is one of the states of Mexico, situated in the Central Region of the country. The name Aguascalientes means "hot waters" in Spanish and originated from the abundance of hot springs in the region. The state capital is the city of the same name as the state - Aguascalientes from which the state took its name.

Aguascalientes city is about 300 miles from Mexico City - The state covers about 5,500 sq km but only has a population of little more than one million inhabitants - The state is not heavily populated. However, most of its inhabitants live in the densely populated metropolitan area of its capital city.

The state as it is now was created in 1835 when it was separated from neighbouring Zacatecas. It bears the name Aguascalientes taken from its largest city and capital also called Aguascalientes.

Aguascalientes originated around the times of Colonial Spanish influence.It is located in the middle of the country and is now beginning to make a name as an industrial powerhouse within Mexico. The state was once a major silver mining region and a major source of railroad transportation, the latter due to its strategic location in the very center of the country, almost midway between the three most populated areas, namely Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

In the rural area, Aguascalientes used to be the first national producer of grapes and wines. This tradition ceased gradually for it proved unreliable since in Mexico the culture of drinking wine does not have strong roots. Only a few wineries and wineyards remained producing, and mostly to supply wine for the Catholic religious institutions that still demand the product since it is consumed in small quantities during mass.

From then the economy of the State became mostly industralized, which proved to be a very successful move for Aguascalientes. Nowadays the state relies on its industial power, but lately it has been benefiting from heavier tourism, since the Capital City has gained prestige and status as a national destination for its colonial beauty and cleanliness. In addition, the haciendas and baths around the state hold historic and recreational importance.

Although this state was not often billed as a tourist center, Aguascalientes is well prestiged with national tourism. However international visitors and niche travelers are attracted mostly to the San Marcos Fair.

Recently, its capital city has gained the reputation as a great destination for its superb colonial architecture visible in the Colonial Centre; as well as the modernity and dynamism in the outskirts. The city hosts many conventions every year. Benefiting from its advantageous central location. The city is also famed for its relaxing environment, for its safety and cleanliness, as it is often described by people when traveling to this part of the country for conventions or tourism.

Most tourists would go to the capital. A few tourists will explore the former mining towns north of the State (in the municipalities of Asientos and Tepezala) which are almost ghost cities. The haciendas, hot springs, and baths scattered around the State are also of historical and recreational relevance for the national tourism.

The municipality of Calvillo has a semi tropical climate, Furthermore, it is the part of the state with most greenery. The premier producer of guava in Mexico, it also attracts some fans of watersports practiced on the local dams and for its natural scenery.

The state has a Natural Protected Reserve in the higher mountains called Sierra Fria. The Sierra Fría is a protected area. Located at a height of between 2,500 and 3,000 m above sea level, comprising oak and pine forests. Its attractions include observing the interesting landscapes and wide ravines, in which, there are many animals like pumas, lynxes, boar, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and raccoons etc.

There are steep-sided mountain-bike paths, camping and picnic areas as well as several hunting clubs. It is the mountain climate and fauna that attracts locals for camping activities. In winter, the temperature sometimes falls to 5°C below zero when the weather is poor. Usually, Sierra Fria is the only part of the state that gets snow during winter.

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