Mexico’s Calvillo satisfies cravings for all issues guava

I nonetheless keep in mind my first style of guava. I used to be 12, and it got here in juice type, from a pink can — that first sip was candy and vivid. It tasted precisely the way you’d suppose the colour pink tastes.

Nowadays my palate has grown out of the overly candy juice concentrates, however my love of guava stays.

For these like me who cannot get sufficient of the fruit, a go to to the Mexican metropolis of Calvillo within the state of Aguascalientes is a should. The town is sometimes called the guava capital of the world, producing tons of the fruit yearly.

Guava is all over the place in Calvillo, as I discovered on my latest go to to town, considered one of Mexico’s pleasant Pueblos Magicos, or Magical Cities. It is in pastries and candies. It is brewed in beer and utilized in mole. It is present in cocktails and atop pizza; even the air smells candy with guava.

Calvillo is a beautiful place splashed with colourful buildings, webbed with outdated stone streets and framed between the Sierra Fria and the Sierra del Laurel mountains. With a inhabitants of lower than 20,000, it has a small-village vibe, tucked up within the mountains and away from the big-city vitality of close by Aguascalientes, the state’s capital.

However for such a small city, it definitely makes a dent on the worldwide scale, given its manufacturing of guava. 

Candies and moles appear to be the most well-liked makes use of of guava. And there’s no higher place to attempt the guava mole of Calvillo than at Alebrije. This charming, hole-in-the-wall restaurant has an enormous all-day menu, however its specialty is the mole Alebrije. (Be aware: Guava in Spanish is guayaba, so search for that phrase on the menu.)

The mole Alebrije is slathered atop hen, enchiladas or anything, actually, and moreover guava, is made with many alternative chiles, salt, garlic and onion. It is fantastically candy with a light-weight spice and is greatest washed down with an artisanal beer. Strive the Chula Guayaba (after all!).

Afterward, a stroll down Calle 5 de Mayo will stir the senses with the scent of pastries and sweets wafting from the bakeries and sweet retailers. Seize a cookie at Don Emiliano, an establishment since 1958, or replenish on guava candies at Dulceria La Tradicional.

Las Graditas is a sequence of steps in Calvillo, Mexico, rewarding climbers with spectacular panoramic views of town in Aguascalientes. Picture Credit score: Meagan Drillinger

Past sweets

However Calvillo has a lot to supply all vacationers who wish to get off the vacationer path, not simply these with a style for guava. The state of Aguascalientes continues to be a little bit of a problem to succeed in for U.S. vacationers, with restricted direct flights from the U.S., although that is altering because the capital metropolis grows.

Calvillo is much more eliminated, about 45 minutes from the capital, which means that vacationers who wish to discover cultural Mexico will discover a treasure trove of experiences right here. Wreathed in mountains, it is usually a major vacation spot for actions like climbing, mountain climbing and rafting.

Vacationers who’re fascinated with Magical Cities will love Calvillo. Not solely is it considered one of Aguascalientes’ authentic Magical Cities, it is usually residence to the Nationwide Museum of Magical Cities, which highlights every of the 177 Pueblos Magicos throughout Mexico via vibrant and colourful displays.

For one of the best views on the town, climb Las Graditas, a sequence of steps that ascend a metropolis hillside. Flanking both facet of the staircase are colourful flowers and brightly painted buildings. On the high are breathtaking views of Calvillo. On the way in which down, cease at Grada Noventa & Seis for a fantastically ready cocktail and extra gorgeous views out over the rooftops.

The view from Grada Noventa & Seis pairs completely with its menu of inventive cocktails. Picture Credit score: Meagan Drillinger

Cantina connoisseur

Talking of cocktails, Calvillo occurs to be residence to the Ruta de las Cantinas, which is a night bar crawl tour.

The libation-fueled journey takes place each Friday and Saturday aboard El Guayequito, a vacationer tram. The tram visits a number of cantinas and taverns all through the city, with a specialty home drink served at every cease. If a cease contains Chuy Bombas Bar, you should definitely order their signature drink, the Bomba. Made with grenadine, pink wine, two sorts of brandy, Bacardi white rum, Oso Negro vodka, lime juice, Squirt (a grapefruit-flavored soda) and ice, it is not a cocktail for the faint of coronary heart.

The rooftop spa pool at Casa Bugambilias presents views of town and the mountains within the distance. Picture Credit score: Meagan Drillinger

The place to remain

When it is time to flip in, Casa Bugambilias is a gorgeous boutique lodge with eight individually embellished rooms; Jacinta was my private favourite for its deep soaking tub, turquoise colour palette and personal pool.

The rooftop spa pool has spectacular views of town and mountains. The lodge has two eating places: Rosa Mexicano Cocina and Pietra Cucina. Pietra Cucina serves elegant Italian delicacies alfresco on terraced patios, whereas Rosa Mexicano Cocina is understood for its conventional Mexican delicacies and artistic cocktails. Do not forget dessert — the guava cheesecake is a should. That is Calvillo, in spite of everything.