Discover Calvillo

Architectural history, art in public spaces, crafts and guava products give Calvillo a range of distinct highlights. When planning your trip, it helps to consider these separately: the center is home to architecture and cultural attractions, while the Ruta del Artista is a guided tour with an approximate length and duration. Cascada El Garruño, in the surrounding area, is another destination in its own right, reached by an unpaved road followed by a walk.

Architectural history in the center

The Señor San José Temple, also known as Señor del Salitre, stands in the center of Calvillo; its main façade faces the garden. Construction began in 1772 on the grounds of the former Hacienda San Nicolás, which belonged to Señor José Calvillo. The dome is also part of the building’s history: the original dome above the central nave was completed in 1884. The current dome spans the three church naves.

Another landmark is Andador Matamoros, popularly known as Calle de las Graditas. It was laid out in 1980 and renovated in 2016. Calle de las Graditas is an attraction in Calvillo Pueblo Mágico. Together, these two places offer a glimpse of different aspects of the town’s public realm: the temple and its architectural history, and an andador whose original design and later renovation are part of its story.

Crafts and museum

Casa del Artesano Calvillo is located at Zaragoza 300 in the Centro. Covering 500 square meters, it displays and sells a range of works by Calvillo artisans. These include textiles, woodwork, willow basketry and saddlery, as well as costume jewelry, jewelry featuring semi-precious stones such as opal, and scented candles. The selection ranges from different materials and practical items to jewelry and smaller objects.

The Museo Nacional de los Pueblos Mágicos (MUNPUMA) is located at Juárez 312, also in Calvillo’s Centro. It preserves and presents the cultural heritage of Mexico’s 121 Pueblos Mágicos. Casa del Artesano and MUNPUMA offer different perspectives: the former focuses on works made in Calvillo, while the latter presents the cultural heritage of a nationwide network of towns. Both addresses also offer clear points of reference when planning your time in the Centro.

Walking routes and art in public spaces

From Calvillo’s main plaza, Andador Juárez offers an accessible walking route with shops and areas for a leisurely stroll. The Ruta del Artista offers a different way to experience art around town: this guided walking tour covers about 1.5 kilometers and takes approximately two hours. It visits 17 artworks, including murals and sculptures, located along various streets and in alleys near the bus station and the Santuario de Guadalupe. They are spread across the eastern, southeastern and southern parts of the center. Andador Juárez thus offers a different kind of stroll from the time-framed art tour. Check the Ruta del Artista’s condition and access before setting out.

Guava and local treats

In Calvillo, you can sample traditional Chamucos, guava cake and sorbets. A wide variety of guava products are also made here. These include sweets, jams, jellies and guava paste, as well as liqueurs, creams, empanadas, cookies and cakes. Other products include concentrates, guava in syrup, fresh guavas, flakes, extract and guava mole. Individual producers and available stock may vary; the range nevertheless gives a clear idea of the many forms guava takes in local cooking and production.

A destination nearby

Cascada El Garruño is in the Sierra del Laurel, south of Calvillo, on the border between Aguascalientes and Jalisco and a few hundred meters from the community of El Garruño. After traveling along an unpaved road, you leave your vehicle and continue on foot to the waterfall. This is quite different from walking around the center. Trail conditions may vary seasonally, so it is advisable to check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Las Crucitas, Aguascalientes, Peñuelas, El Llano, Jesús Gómez Portugal.

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