Aguascalientes is one of Mexico's smallest and most industrialized states, a compact highland territory in the country's central Bajio region. Named for its thermal hot springs, it centers on the historic, walkable capital of the same name, famous for the exuberant Feria Nacional de San Marcos, Baroque colonial architecture, and the legacy of Day-of-the-Dead cartoonist Jose Guadalupe Posada. Beyond the capital, the state offers the Pueblos Magicos of Real de Asientos and Calvillo, an emerging wine region, and a strong charreria and rodeo tradition.
Aguascalientes state is regarded as one of the safer and more stable destinations in central Mexico, with crime rates well below those of many northern border states and parts of the wider Bajio region. Violent, cartel-related crime affecting tourists is rare. The realistic concerns for visitors are petty theft and pickpocketing in crowds (especially during the Feria Nacional de San Marcos), road safety on highways at night, and the same general precautions that apply throughout urban Mexico. Standard precautions make for a trouble-free visit for the large majority of travelers.
Current safety advisory
Low-Moderate
Last updated: 2026-09-03
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Us state dept
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution (national Mexico baseline); Aguascalientes state has no specific 'Do Not Travel' or 'Reconsider Travel' designation and no restrictions on US government employee travel, reflecting its lower crime profile relative to many other Mexican states
Uk fcdo
No area-specific advisory against travel to Aguascalientes state; standard nationwide Mexico travel advice applies
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Aguascalientes is considered one of the safer central Mexican states for visitors, with lower homicide and violent crime rates than many neighboring Bajio and northern states; the main risks for travelers are petty theft, pickpocketing, and traffic safety rather than organized crime
During the Feria Nacional de San Marcos (April-May), the city's population and crowds swell dramatically; pickpocketing and bag-snatching increase around the fairgrounds, Isla San Marcos, and crowded palenque and concert areas, so keep valuables secured and bags zipped
Use only licensed taxis (radio taxis called in advance) or ride-hailing apps such as Uber and DiDi rather than hailing unmarked cabs on the street, especially at night or near the bus terminal
Drive defensively on the Bajio's toll (cuota) highways rather than free (libre) roads after dark; well-lit, patrolled cuota routes between Aguascalientes, Leon, and Guadalajara are markedly safer than rural back roads
ATM and card skimming occur occasionally in tourist areas; use machines inside banks or shopping malls rather than freestanding street units, and cover the keypad when entering a PIN
Tap water is not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled or purified water, which is inexpensive and widely available
The Feria de San Marcos features cockfighting (palenques) and heavy alcohol consumption at night; exercise normal caution around late-night crowds and intoxicated fairgoers in the entertainment zones
Register with the nearest consulate's travel program if staying an extended period, and keep a photocopy of passport and visa documents separate from the originals
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Overpriced or unofficial taxis
Unmarked or unmetered taxis near the bus terminal, airport, and fairgrounds sometimes quote inflated fares to tourists unfamiliar with local pricing
How to avoid: Use Uber, DiDi, or a hotel-arranged radio taxi with an agreed or metered fare rather than hailing an unmarked cab on the street
Feria de San Marcos ticket resellers
Informal resellers outside the fairgrounds offer palenque or concert tickets at inflated prices, sometimes counterfeit
How to avoid: Buy tickets only through official Feria de San Marcos box offices or verified online ticketing platforms
ATM and card skimming
Occasional skimming devices are reported on freestanding street ATMs, particularly in busy commercial areas
How to avoid: Withdraw cash from ATMs located inside banks or shopping centers, and monitor bank statements for unfamiliar charges
Distraction theft in crowds
Pickpockets occasionally work dense crowds at the Feria de San Marcos and downtown markets, using distraction techniques to lift phones and wallets
How to avoid: Wear bags across the body in front, keep phones in zipped pockets, and stay alert in packed fair and market areas
Currency exchange shortchanging
Informal money changers or small shops occasionally shortchange tourists on exchange rates or give incorrect change for large bills
How to avoid: Exchange money at recognized banks or casas de cambio and count change before leaving the counter
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required for entry; routine vaccines should be current, and hepatitis A and typhoid are sometimes recommended by travel clinics for Mexico generally
- Water
- Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled or purified (garrafon) water is cheap and widely available in hotels, restaurants, and shops
- Food
- Street food from busy, high-turnover stalls and mercados is generally safe and a highlight of a visit; use common sense with hygiene at very quiet or unfamiliar stands, and be cautious with tap water-based ice at informal vendors
- Facilities
- Aguascalientes city has good private and public hospitals, including Hospital Hidalgo and Centenario Hospital Miguel Hidalgo; private hospitals offer faster, English-capable care for travelers with insurance, while public facilities can have long waits; pharmacies (farmacias) are widespread, including 24-hour chains like Farmacias Guadalajara and Farmacias del Ahorro
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911 (national emergency line) or 088 (anonymous crime reporting)
- Medical
- 911 or Cruz Roja Aguascalientes ambulance at (449) 970-3400
- Fire
- 911 (Bomberos)
- Tourist Police
- Aguascalientes Tourist Assistance/Angeles Verdes roadside program: dial 078 nationally for roadside breakdowns
- General Emergency
- 911 (works nationwide from any phone)
- Main Hospital
- Centenario Hospital Miguel Hidalgo, Galeana Sur, Aguascalientes city
- Embassy Us
- US Consular Agency Guadalajara (nearest to Aguascalientes): +52 33 3268 2145; US Embassy Mexico City: +52 55 5080 2000
- Embassy Uk
- UK Embassy Mexico City: +52 55 1670 3200