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City in Morelos, Mexico
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Cuernavaca, City of Eternal Spring, is the capital of the Mexican state of Morelos. A popular vacation place due to its comfortable year-round climate, beautiful parks and gardens, and its convenient location within the country. This state capital comes to life on weekends, where local life is combined with the presence of the floating population that comes, mostly, from Mexico City. It's also home to many foreign people who come to learn Spanish, and most young people will have a fairly big understanding of English because of this.
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Catedral de la Asunción de María
Beautiful colonial cathedral full of murals and paintings, many dating to the 17th century. Masses are celebrated in the main cathedral and sometimes in the open-air chapel or in side chapels.
Home of the Photographic Museum of Cuernavaca.
This private museum has a large collection of primitive art in what was once the bishop's residence.
The architecture and iconography of Xochicalco show affinities with Teotihuacan, the Maya area, and the Matlatzinca culture of the Toluca Valley. The main ceremonial center is atop an artificially leveled hill, with remains of residential structures, mostly unexcavated, on long terraces covering the slopes. The site was first occupied by 200 BC, but did not develop into an urban center until the Epiclassic period (AD 700 – 900). Nearly all the standing architecture at the site was built at this time. At its peak, the city may have had a population of up to 20,000 people.
Waterfall
There are many cafes in the area, as well as museums and souvenirs.
This 18th-century mansion has been converted to a cultural center and botanical garden. There are regular art exhibits, concerts, and folk dances as well.
This museum, dedicated to the artist.
This 16th-century church, which served as the chapel of Hernan Cortes's first hacienda, is said to be the oldest on the American continent. There is an interesting mural outside, and there is a fair in September.
Zona Arqueologica Teopanzolco
This is a Tlauhica and Aztec pyramid site dating to AD 1300 or earlier. It features a pyramid built on top of another pyramid, which was abandoned and forgotten during the Spanish Conquest and rediscovered in 1914. There are also several smaller ceremonial platforms.
There are crystal streams that flow into a small artificial lake. There is an exhibition hall, lush vegetation, paddle boats, a planetarium, and a petting zoo. There is a butterfly sanctuary and there are birds such as peacocks and ducks. The park is popular with joggers in the morning and families in the afternoon.
La Alameda
The park is popular with families, especially on Sundays. There is a fountain reminiscent of a pre-colonial ballpark, a large mural depicting the history of Morelos, playgrounds, soccer fields, roller skating rink, and artificial lakes with paddle boats. Parking available.
Parque Ecológico San Miguel Acapantzingo
Built on the site of the former state penitentiary, the park features a jogging path, playground, dancing fountain, Byzantine-type mural showing the geography of the state, and a science museum with hands-on activities and workshops for children.
Museo Regional Cuauhnáhuac
The Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes built this palace in 1533; his wife lived there, and his children were born there. Over the years, the palace has been expanded and used as a prison and a city hall. Today it is the regional museum, telling the history of the state of Morelos. There are rooms devoted to prehistoric finds, pre-Hispanic settlements, colonial history, and the independence and revolutionary movements. There is an excellent view of downtown Cuernavaca from the second-floor balcony. In 1929-1930, Mexican muralist Diego Rivera painted the second-floor terrace. There are a souvenir store and rooms for temporary exhibitions. Guided tours in English are available, but you would be wise to call ahead.
Affordable and varied 4-course real-Mexican meal: includes water, soup, a small dish of pasta, an entrée and a dessert (typically ice cream).
Mexican, Latin cuisines. Vegetarian. Certificate of Excellence 2016, 2018 Winner. Tortilla soup and Chiles en Nogada recommended. This restaurant is popular with locals. Interesting decor.
"Arrachera" refers to skirt steak, a thicker cut of meat than "bistec." which is what one gets at most taco places. At Rey de Reyes you'll pay a little more than some other places, but the taste is far superior. They offer a wide variety of tacos, sausages, and other Mexican specialties. Located 3 km from downtown; take Ruta 6 to Diaz Ordaz. There are branches at Boulevard Cuauhnahuac Km. 3.5, Col. Tarianes, Jiutepec; Av. Par Vial No. 34, Col. Begonias, José G. Parres, Jiutepec; and one is proposed for Temixco.
Special price on pozole Tuesday and Thursday for M$53 (March 2019), discount on beer on Sundays. Delivery service. House specialties are "Alambre al Pastor" and "Alambre Vegetariano". Branches at Calle Orquídea No. 19 Esq. Nardo Col. Satélite and Av. Centenario 31, Col. Las Torres de CIVAC. Credit cards accepted.
Clean, good service, good food.
This well-known restaurant offers Mexican, International, and Vegetarian food; Gluten free. Kid friendly. Free parking, wheelchair access, accepts credit cards. Wine list. Large garden.
More than 150 brands, including both international and local craft beers. Very small, but a good place to talk to a friend. They advertise entertainment, but the place is so small it must be a flea circus. Free parking. Despite advertised hours, they actually close quite early.
dinner (and drinks?), friendly service, economical.
Mexican and prehispanic food
An old house full of art and colors, real Mexican food and pre-Hispanic dishes like iguana, wild pig, and snake. Local beers and pulque.
All rooms with private bathroom free Wi-Fi, parking, barbecue area, swimming pool, 15 minutes walk from main plaza
Offers clean rooms starting at US$29. All rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, parking, swimming pool, jacuzzi, kitchen area. Air conditioning available.
Tabachin 133 Colonia Bellavista (off of Ave Zapata). Has eight fully furnished typical Mexican colonial-style homes complete with fully equipped kitchens all on 1.5 acres of tropical gardens with heated 40°C swimming pool and pool house. Daily, weekly and monthly rates with cleaning, free Wi-Fi, garage, off-street parking, hotel-like service.
They tout their facilities, services, rooms and restaurant.
Las Casas BB
Michelin Key boutique hotel (2024 & 2025) in the heart of Cuernavaca's Historic Center. With just 11 modern rooms, the hotel features upscale amenitirs, facilities include the White Spa, and the House Restaurant. The restaurant provides complimentary signature à la carte breakfast for two included in the room rate. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers Mexican-Mediterranean cuisine in one of the city's most opulent dining rooms with a full bar and an extensive wine list. The White Spa features massages, facials, couples treatments, reflexology and hot stone therapy. and has a heated outdoor swimming pool.
Buses cover most of the city and surrounding areas and cost M$8 per trip, more for longer distances.
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