Aguascalientes

Population: 1,030,000
Size: 2,036 square miles
Location: Central Mexico
Borders: Zacatecas and Jalisco states
Important cities/sites within the state: Aguascalientes (capital), El Chichimeco, El Ocote, Garabato, Los Cuartos, San Blas de Pabellon Time zone: Central Standard Time

The centrally located, with a pleasant semi-desert climate, Aguascalientes is one of Mexico's most important colonial architectural sites. The state is named after its numerous thermal hot water springs, which are fully equipped with first-class spas. It's main highways are state 70, 45, 45D(toll).

The city of Aguascalientes has beautifully preserved its civil and religious buildings from the colonial era. After enjoying the pleasant semi-desert driving, 115 miles from Guadalajara (either by state 50 then east on state 70 or via the toll highway to Lagos de Moreno then north on 45D) and 76 miles (state 70) from San Luis, relax in one of the many spas.

Strap your bike to your RV, and bring along your hiking boots. Camping, hiking, mountain-biking and ecotourism activities. Presa Los Alamitos, Huijolotes Canyon, Tunel de Potrerillo, Cerro de Muerto and Sierra Fria are just some of the popular destinations in the state for these activities.

Just 30 miles out of Aguascalientes City is the archaeological zone of El Ocote featuring cave paintings.