Famous for its beautiful scenery, elegant colonial buildings, historical attractions and nearby spas and archaeological sites, the highland city of Cuernavaca in the middle of Mexico is a popular weekend getaway for Mexicans as well as a favorite destination for those who want to learn Spanish in Mexico. Also called the City of Eternal Spring, Cuernavaca has a pleasant climate throughout the year and a great location in the heart of some of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions in Mexico.
Charming colonial city located in the central highlands south of Mexico City, Cuernavaca is the capital of the Mexican state of Morelos. Its mild climate has attracted wealthy Mexicans to escape from the colder Mexico City since colonial times, and today, Cuernavaca continues to be more popular than ever with its old colonial charm. Once a center of Aztec and Tlahuica cultures, Cuernavaca is now home to many immigrants from elsewhere in Mexico that have been attracted here because of job opportunities brought by tourism.
Attractions around Cuernavaca. There is a sightseeing mini-train that you can use to see the historic sights in Cuernavaca if you are in a hurry. But there are also many things to see around the city. Water parks and spas in Cuernavaca area have natural hot springs and pools as well as several activities and treatments on offer. There is also a popular waterfall in Colonia San Antón in the outskirts of the city, and two major archaeological attractions nearby: Pyramids of Teopanzolco and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xochicalco. The nearby Tepozteco mountains, Lake Tequesquitengo and the towns of Tepoztlan and Taxco are also popular places to visit. There are several nice golf courses around Cuernavaca, and there are also a great number of Spanish language schools in Cuernavaca, where you can do intensive language study.
Charming colonial city located in the central highlands south of Mexico City, Cuernavaca is the capital of the Mexican state of Morelos. Its mild climate has attracted wealthy Mexicans to escape from the colder Mexico City since colonial times, and today, Cuernavaca continues to be more popular than ever with its old colonial charm. Once a center of Aztec and Tlahuica cultures, Cuernavaca is now home to many immigrants from elsewhere in Mexico that have been attracted here because of job opportunities brought by tourism.
Sights and activities in Cuernavaca: from colonial palaces to Spanish schools
Cuernavaca is well known for its pleasant climate, scenery and elegant colonial architecture, but it also hosts many museums, fine restaurants, museums, parks, nearby spas and ancient ruins of the Aztec and Tlahuica cultures. The main plaza in the city center features magnificent colonial buildings, and the local history museum is located in the Cortés Palace, built by the conquistador Hernán Cortés in the 1500s. The city cathedral is also from the 1500s. Cuernavaca has also many more interesting buildings, art galleries and museums, including the famous Muros Museum with Mexican art. Shopping in Cuernavaca is good with a variety of local and regional products. The city also hosts colorful carnivals in February/March and a Spring Fair in March/April.Attractions around Cuernavaca. There is a sightseeing mini-train that you can use to see the historic sights in Cuernavaca if you are in a hurry. But there are also many things to see around the city. Water parks and spas in Cuernavaca area have natural hot springs and pools as well as several activities and treatments on offer. There is also a popular waterfall in Colonia San Antón in the outskirts of the city, and two major archaeological attractions nearby: Pyramids of Teopanzolco and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xochicalco. The nearby Tepozteco mountains, Lake Tequesquitengo and the towns of Tepoztlan and Taxco are also popular places to visit. There are several nice golf courses around Cuernavaca, and there are also a great number of Spanish language schools in Cuernavaca, where you can do intensive language study.
Cuernavaca travel tips and practical information
The mild climate in Cuernevaca is excellent for year-round tourism.
Photo: hdaniel, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
It is drier and cooler than in the coastal lowlands of Mexico, but also warmer than in Mexico City, located in higher altitudes. Temperatures in Cuernavaca are consistently warm around the year, but they vary a lot depending on altitude. There is a rainy season during the summer from June to September, but even then, the rains are occasional.
Travel to Cuernavaca is easy by road from Mexico City. The city also has its own airport with some domestic flights to Cuernavaca from Tijuana and Monterrey. There are also frequent buses to Cuernavaca from Mexico City. Public transport in Cuernavaca includes local buses and taxis. The local taxis do not have meters, so you should always agree about the price before getting into one. Car rental in Cuernavaca is available, and there are many interesting destinations nearby to explore by car.
Accommodation & services. There are many nice hotels in Cuernavaca, and accommodation choices are available for every price category. There are also numerous great restaurants in Cuernavaca, serving mainly local Mexican cuisine. Nightlife in Cuernavaca is lively during the weekends. Most young people in the city speak some English.
Safety. Large amounts of tourism has brought some crime to Cuernavaca, and although the city remains a quite safe destination, it is recommended to keep good care of your belongings and not to wander into the back streets alone after dark.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Mexico City
