The “Camino de los Cristos” (Path of the Christs) tourist route is one of the most emblematic spiritual and cultural journeys in the state of Aguascalientes. Promoted by the State Government and the Aguascalientes City Council, this route invites visitors to discover the key sanctuaries, churches, and images of Christ that are integral to the faith, traditions, and religious heritage of the region. The route offers the opportunity to appreciate religious monuments, historic churches, and expressions of devotion that have been part of the lives of generations of Aguascalientes residents.
The route encompasses some of the state’s most important religious sites, notably the majestic *Cristo Roto* (Broken Christ) of San José de Gracia—considered one of Mexico’s most emblematic spiritual symbols—as well as the Sanctuary of *Señor del Encino* (home to the venerated Black Christ), *Señor del Salitre* in Calvillo, and the *Cristo de la Paz* (Christ of Peace), alongside various churches and chapels housing images deeply revered by the communities across the eleven municipalities. These locations serve as gathering points for pilgrimages, patron saint festivals, and deeply rooted cultural expressions.
More than just a religious route, the *Camino de los Cristos* (Path of the Christs) represents a journey through the history and traditions of Aguascalientes. Amidst natural landscapes, “Magical Towns,” and centuries-old churches, visitors have the opportunity to discover a fundamental aspect of the state’s cultural identity, blending spirituality, architecture, and tourism into a unique experience. This route reveals why Aguascalientes is considered one of the most important religious tourism destinations in central Mexico.
The history of the “Camino de los Cristos” (Path of the Christs) tourist route is rooted in the deep religious traditions that have accompanied the communities of Aguascalientes since the colonial era. Beginning in the 17th and 18th centuries, the process of evangelization spurred the construction of churches and shrines housing images of Christ; over time, these images became symbols of faith and devotion for the region’s inhabitants. They gave rise to pilgrimages, patron saint festivals, and religious observances that remain an integral part of the state’s cultural identity.
Over the years, images such as the Black Christ of the Señor del Encino, the Señor del Salitre in Calvillo, and—more recently—the monumental Cristo Roto in San José de Gracia, have gained great spiritual and tourism significance, attracting thousands of pilgrims and visitors from across Mexico. These expressions of faith have established Aguascalientes as a leading religious tourism destination in the country’s central region.
With the aim of preserving and promoting this spiritual, cultural, and architectural heritage, state tourism authorities established the “Camino de los Cristos” (Path of the Christs) route, which connects the main sanctuaries and churches dedicated to Christ across various municipalities. This route offers the opportunity to discover not only the religious sites themselves but also the traditions, festivities, and landscapes surrounding each of these sacred locations.
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