Calvillo is one of the leading Pueblos Magicos in Aguascalientes. With just over 20,000 permanent residents, Calvillo is actually the second biggest town in the tiny state. And people come for the charm!
The town dates back to the foundation of the San José de Huejúcar parish, which was made up of something like 80% Nahuatl people at the time. Huejúcar means place of willows in Nahuatl. Calvillo is named for the José Calvillo who donated the land to grow the town as part of the Sierra Madre Occidental province way back in 1778. It was renamed for him in 1848.
Today, Calvillo boasts attractions of all kinds. The Malpaso Dam and the Sierra del Laurel Mountains are just the biggest and most natural. Cultural and historical attractions include the National Museum of Magical Towns, that is, of Pubelos Magicos. The Temple of San José, the parish church of Señor del Salitre, and the Santa Cruz Complex all make up some of the tallest religious buildings in the area.
Local cuisine is characterized by chamuco and cinnamon sema, sweets and preserves made from guava, cheese, and guava mole. A number of eateries stand out, but visitors will walk the charming central streets and are advised to venture out into the surrounding valley where all kinds of places await them.
Much of the center of town is given over to the sale of artisan works, and the two-story Mercado Guel Jiménez is particularly recommended for visitors hoping to eat.
