Guide To Cuernavaca

About Cuernavaca

During holiday weekends, and especially at Easter, the highway from Mexico City to Cuernavaca becomes packed with Mexico City folk, heading south to get away from the capital for a break. When Hernan Cortez ruled Mexico, people traveled south to this charming city to escape and relax. Today, nearly 400 years later, the ritual, in essence, hasn't changed. And for good reason.

Cuernavaca is a charming colonial city. It's year-round temperate climate makes it known locally as the "land of the eternal spring", although it's original name, "Cuauhnahuac" (kwow-NAH'-wak) translates into "place of great trees". Just as the British corrupted Gaelic place names in Ireland into English equivalents, so the Spaniards corrupted original Aztec or indigenous names in Mexico into a similar sounding Spanish equivalent. Cuauhnahuac sounded like "Cuernavaca," the present day name for this city, which literally translates to "horn of the cow."

A lot of Cuernavaca's architecture, gardens and attractions are hidden behind tall walls, inside houses and estates which host some marvelous scenes of perfectly preserved colonial life. Many of these houses are either hotels, spas, restaurants or museums open to the public. Be sure to spend some time experiencing the restaurants here. The food and atmosphere are amazing.

Semi-precious stones from the surrounding mountains, said to give energy, are sold in various typical markets all over Cuernavaca. In fact, this whole area is surrounded by natural energy sources: springs, rocks and volcanoes: one of the reasons why there are a number of top quality Health Spas here. See the Health Spa Section on Mexperience for more information about how you can enjoy a wonderful experience at one of these.

There is a lot of history in Cuernavaca - Cortez retired here and you can visit his estate today. Maximilian and Carlotta had a weekend retreat in Cuernavaca. And one of Mexico's oldest churches, built in 1592, is in Cuernavaca.

There is a large community of American expatriates here; many come to enjoy the great climate and facilities. Cuernavaca is also a major language study center. Many foreigners come here to live and study Spanish. You can read more about this with Mexperience's Learn Spanish Section.

Cuernavaca can be a day trip from Mexico City, or part of a colonial city tour. You could also stay here for a week, making it a base from which to explore and discover Mexico's southern regions, or as a stopover on your way to Acapulco. There are a number of top quality Health Spas here, too. Why not come and replenish yourself surrounded by one of Mexico's most renowned "energy centers"? Or make Spanish Learning fun and live here for a couple of weeks or even six months.

Whatever your plans are, Cuernavaca has something to offer you. It's a great place to visit for a day; it's a great place to stay and relax for longer.

[Return to Contents Table]

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

Leave your car parked and walk around the colonial center, or take one of the official guided tours.

Key attractions include the Cathedral, Catedral de la Asunción de María, one of the oldest churches in Mexico; started in 1529 and completed in 1552. The city Zocalo (Main Plaza) hosts some magnificent colonial architecture - including the Plaza de Armas, and Palacio de Gobierno - leading on from here is also the Palacio de Cortez, now also known as Museo Cuauhnahuac (see note above). This is the only Zocalo in Mexico that does not feature a Cathedral.

In 1987, the Gardens at Jardín Borda, were completely restored after years of decay. The house and gardens were originally commissioned by a wealthy silver magnate in the 1700s and this place was also host to Maximilian and Carlotta during the French reign in Mexico.

If you like art, go to the Museo Casa Robert Brady, which is actually a private house turned into a magnificent art gallery. Here, you'll find a permanent collection on display which includes works by Rufino Tamayo and a self portrait by Frida Kahlo. The house and collection belonged to Robert Brady, an American who resided in Cuernavaca from 1962 to 1986.

Art lovers may also enjoy a tour to the workshop (taller) at the Taller de Alfaro Siquieros, a very famous Mexican Muralist, which is also found here in Cuernavaca's colonial center.

Look up Cuernavaca in the mainstream Guidebooks for more information about these colonial attractions, or consult the local Tourist Information Office (see Practical Information).

Away from the Colonial Center

There are two main attractions to bring to your attention a couple of miles outside of the City's colonial center. The first is the Salto de San Antón, which is a small village hosting a magnificent waterfall. You can walk behind it and picnic there. The second is Casa Maximiliano (Maximilian's House), which was built in 1866 and also hosts the Museo de Medicina Tradicional (Traditional Medicine Museum) and a Herb Garden.

Learn Spanish in Cuernavaca

There's no better way to learn Spanish than by becoming immersed in it at a language school in Mexico. Cuernavaca is well-known as a cultural and language center and there are number of fine language schools here. Read our guide to Learning Spanish in Mexico for more details and to find a language school in Cuernavaca.

Health Spas

Cuernavaca is host to good Mexican Spas. For more information about Health Spas, and how to benefit from a magnificent health spa experience in Mexico, connect to the Mexperience Section about Health Spas.

Museums & Art

See the section above on "Colonial Center" for a selection of notable museums and art galleries.

[Return to Contents Table]

Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - There's a small airport here, which receives some domestic flights although most people drive or take the bus from Mexico City.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines.

By Bus - You can travel to Cuernavaca on a luxury bus from Mexico City - the trip takes about an hour. Buses are frequent and this is the most common way of getting to Cuernavaca from Mexico City besides driving in a car. Buses can be boarded at the southern bus terminal (Central de Autobuses del Sur) , and now also directly from the airport in Mexico City.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses.

By Car - Driving to Cuernavaca is very fast and efficient with a six-lane toll highway direct to Cuernavaca from Mexico City. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - Taxis are available from the airport to the center of town.

Taxis - Cuernavaca taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their taxi rates on a board in the lobby. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price. Another good reason to Learn Spanish

Rent a Car - Cuernavaca is very accessible by road, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas. Renting a car would be a smart option if you're thinking about traveling around this region, as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to see more of the area and its surrounding attractions.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental

[Return to Contents Table]

Local Events Calendar

Cuernavaca Carnival - Held five days before Ash Wednesday, you can expect parties, foods, drink, dancing, exhibitions and performances during this local celebration.

Spring Fair - Feria de la Primavera: Starts March 21st and ends around April 10th - this two-week celebration includes parties, concerts, exhibitions, street performers, good food and artistic events.

[Return to Contents Table]

Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Cuernavaca. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Busy Times in Cuernavaca: All weekends are busy in Cuernavaca, and if you want to stay at one of the hotels, it's best to book ahead of time. Cuernavaca gets especially busy during Holiday weekends, and in particular, at Easter and during the Independence Day celebrations around September 16th.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

[Return to Contents Table]

Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Cuernavaca

[Return to Contents Table]

Restaurants

Las Mañanitas, Mexican, International Food. Ricardo Linares 107, Col. Centro. Tel: (777) 362 0000.

Casa Hidalgo. Mexican, International. Tel: (777) 3122749

Terrarium. European, Mediterranean. Av. San Diego 1305. Tel: (777) 5126873

Rincón del Bife. Argentine. Av. San Diego 1001. Tel: (777) 3164428

Hubert's Haus. German. Ajusco 31,Buena Vista. Tel: (777) 3178710

[Return to Contents Table]

When Night Falls

Cuernavaca's night life has something for those looking to stay up, sitting around, drinking and talking into morning hours, as well as those looking for some club-scene partying that will go on until the sun comes up...

Locally Hosted Parties - Check with yours and other Local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your stay. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out - the real Mexican way, and certainly on the eve of September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day! Hosted parties usually include dinner, dancing, a show and / or live music (usually authentic Mexican Mariachis) plus all drinks for a fixed fee and are always excellent value for money! Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene - Mexico's Colonial Cities do have lots of young people living in them, so just because they are steeped in history does not mean that you won't find an all-night club party happening somewhere in town! Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.

Night Bars / Restaurants - There's a good variety of Late Night Entertainment in Cuernavaca to keep you happy and entertained into the early hours.

[Return to Contents Table]

What to Buy in Cuernavaca

You'll find lots of traditional markets in Cuernavaca, selling a variety of authentic Mexican art and craftwork. Remember also that Cuernavaca is a centre of "natural energy" in Mexico, and the sale of "energy bearing" stones, including onyx, quartz and natural crystals which emanate from the nearby Tepozteco Mountains.

[Return to Contents Table]

Local Climate

Cuernavaca's climate is warm and very comfortable (spring-like) - all year round. It's a city at altitude, approximately 1,530 meters (just over 5,000 feet), and during the winter months, early mornings and later evenings can get cooler, so pack a couple of pullovers for these times.

Live Weather Report:

[Return to Contents Table]