I Visited Mexico’s Most Underrated City – Here Are 5 Things That Surprised Me Most

Cancun. Paris. New York City.

Whether you’ve had the privilege to visit this trio of global icons and the likes or not, if you see things my way, then you feel like you already have given the pervasive level of publicity.

At Travel Off Path, we love to pinpoint the core of what makes the lesser-known outshine the household names we’ve grown to admire.

While my family thinks I’m a french fry short of a Happy Meal having visited a whopping 19 destinations in Mexico, an often mislabeled danger zone that has been nothing short of welcoming, aspiring, and captivating in my experiences, I’m at the point where I’m ready to shamelessly pat myself on the back for discovering Mexico’s most underrated city in my latest escapades South of the border.

It feels remarkably safe, mesmerizing, laid-back, embracing, delicious, and equally stunning both within the city limits, boasting a European-esque allure, and astounding wine country on the outskirts that would give California’s prized vineyards a run for their money, if only more travelers knew of its existence.

With nonstop flights from 3 major U.S. airports, it’s time to hoist the relatively unknown city of Aguascalientes into the limelight for your next authentic cultural getaway, far removed from Mexico’s curated coastlines.

Here are 5 things that surprised me most about Aguascalientes on my recent trip:

My Bank Balance Didn’t Change

Okay…it changed a little, but you know what I mean…

You visit a place like Cabo or Cancun, and you’ll come back home with fewer commas than when you arrived.

That’s not the case at all in Aguascalientes, an inland city a few hours from famed San Miguel and another of my favorites, Guanajuato.

In fact, I’d be willing to say Aguascalientes just might be Mexico’s most affordable city. Here are some examples:

A visit to one of Aguascaliente’s many sidewalk cafes will result in a hand-crafted latte for just $3. You know, a fraction of the price from that one mermaid brand that has us hooked…

Or, take the Museum of Death, a really unique attraction celebrating Mexico’s fascination with death in their culture — only $2 to enter!

How about the hot springs that gave this city its name of “Hot Waters”? I visited Baños Termales de Ojocaliente and rented a private bathhouse session for just $19 for 90 minutes.

My hotel? $45 per night for what seemed like a brand new Hampton Inn.

And the most expensive Uber ride (they also have DiDi) I spent all week was $11 to the airport, and that includes a ride 20 minutes outside the city on dirt roads to aforementioned wine country.

My biggest expense? “Mexican Caviar”, a delicacy that costs roughly $30 at the sensational Restaurant Antigua Hacienda la Noria, which also unexpectedly happened to have wild peacocks running around.

That’s right. My biggest expense all week (aside from my hotel) was $30.

Never Felt Safer In Mexico

Let’s cut to the heart of why many Americans are afraid to venture away from their posh Cancun resort to explore “real Mexico”.

Safety. It’s as simple as that.

I’ve been to some really off-path destinations such as Chisinau, Moldova and Belo Horizonte, Brazil and some places in Mexico likely deemed no-go zones for tourists, so I know what it feels like to stick out like a sore thumb.

Aguascalientes doesn’t fit that mold. Everyone was welcoming and did their best to accommodate with a language barrier, though many baristas and bartenders spoke legible English, including my new buddy Alan at the trendy Quinto Barrios food hall.

For what it’s worth, the U.S. State Department classifies Aguascalientes as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution but it felt safer than many American cities.

Take The Dirt Roads To A Wino’s Paradise

You know how it’s long been said, “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey”? Well, flip the script for this one because you’re in for a doozy of a ride!

That’s gotta explain why Aguascalientes is an under-hyped wine destination. As beautiful and delectable as it is, there’s no other valid reason to ignore it.

There’s a trio of vineyards east of the city about 20 minutes from the city center. Vinicola Santossaca, specializing in organic grape cultivation, was my go-to. They do speak English here — very well, in fact.

We ordered a tasting of 4 wines costing about $30 (remember what I said earlier?) and our server taught us proper techniques to maximize flavors.

Everything we ordered was immaculate, especially the tranquil scenery of endless rows of vines and a natural curtain of mountains for a backdrop.

It’s an undiscovered hideaway that’s just as memorable as California or Mexico’s most popular wine getaway, Valle de Guadalupe.

Plus, the city just revived the Grape Festival after a 40-year hiatus. It was a blast!

Aguascalientes is Spotlessly Clean For Mexico Standards

Major cities in Mexico often come with numerous eyesores, such as trash-laden streets from time to time.

Aguascalientes is just different in that regard. It seemed every block or so there were giant yellow bins that locals take pride in making use of, resulting in spotless streets.

As such, this made wandering around a lot more enjoyable to take in the mesmerizing architecture of numerous cathedrals and the vibrant historic streets and plazas oozing European vibes, especially the unmissable Catedral de Aguascalientes anchoring downtown.

Even bar-hopping past midnight, there were no signs of anybody having one too many, though I didn’t look at myself in the mirror…

A Digital Nomad Haven

Given a strong sense of safety, eye-popping affordability, ample cafes to make your “office”, friendly locals, fun bars, and wi-fi that never once spazzed out on me, why wouldn’t digital nomads want to make their home base in Aguascalientes?

Mexico allows tourists to stay 6 months. Pack your laptop, grab a $300 apartment on Airbnb, and you’re good to go for half a year.

Reaching Aguascalientes is easier to reach than you think too. There are direct flights from Dallas, Houston, and LA.