About the city of Cuernavaca in the state of Morelos, Mexico

Cuernavaca is the capital and largest city in the state of Morelos, Mexico. Known as "The City of the Eternal Spring," Cuernavaca is a chosen destination by many because of it’s closeness to Mexico City, including the quietness and pleasantly warm temperature that it has throughout the entire year (yes "365" days a year). The city has been adopted as an amusement and relaxation destination  location for almost everyone who knows of it, from Aztec emperors, royalty, artists and retirees. The landscape of the city is full of color and many romas of the flowers that you will find everywhere.  

A brief history of Cuernavaca

The original inhabitants of the area around Cuernavaca were the Tlahuicas who are a sub group of the Nahuatl culture. They first settled into the region in the 10th to 11th century and were related to the Aztecs who arrived on the other side of the mountains in the valley of Mexico at a later date. It was this early culture that built the pyramids at Teopanzalco which is the downtown Cuernavaca.

In the first decades of the twentieth century, Cuernavaca became a place to vacation and gamble when the Hotel de la Sevla was converted into the "Casino de la Selva," which attracted many famous people to Cuernavaca, however gambling was shut down by Lazaro Cardenas in 1934. He was the same president of Mexico that declared this area a Forest Protection Zone. The casino hosted very important artistic works including murals of Alvarez Icaza, Messeguer and the architecture of Candela. The main vault was considered to be the Mexican Sistine Chapel by Noble Prize author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 

In the 1960’s the city was one of the centers of the psychedelic movement. In 1956 Erich Fromm founded the Sociedad Mexicana de Psiconanlisis from his home in Cuernavaca. Erich was known for promoting new ideas in the field of psychiatry. This helped attract many artists, composers, architects and counterculture types to the area. More recently the city has seen a very active society dedicated to preserving its environment and cultural heritage. For example, The Fente Civico is one of these organizations and is now also influential throughout the country.  The Fente Civico with about 150 other organizations promoted a boycott against Costco for having destroyed the Casion de la Selva to build a couple of warehouses. One of it’s members,  Professor Jamie Lagunez lobbied a general agreement in the national congress for the purpose of protecting it’s sixty archaeological sites, it’s vegetation, historic center and neighboring forests. The Fente Civico received the 2004 National Mendez Arceo Human Rights Award for having protected the world cultural heritage found in the city.

Cuernavaca tourism industry

The temperature in Cuernavaca stays a pleasant 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit (23-29 celsius) all year round. The city offers an eternal showcase of art, history, culture and tradition. The city was known as the “City behind Walls” to many famous people throughout history as it was a place that anyone could come to relax. When you visit Cuernavaca be sure to bring lightweight clothing,  sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable shoes.

The Palace of Cortes is a must see on your visit. This is extraordinary building is located next to the main square in the center of the city and is considered one of the oldest colonial civilian buildings in Cuernavaca. The former home (i.e. Palace) of the famous Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes today houses the Cauhnahuac Museum and preserves the states history, from pre-Hispanic times, to the agrarian revolution led by Emiliano Zapata. Here you will find  armors, coins, costumes, carriages, and the large clockwork brought from London, as well as a military cannon, guns and the remains of the pre-Hispanic burials. The main plaza in Cuernavaca is one of the only main plazas in Mexico that does not have a cathedral. Instead you will view magnificent colonial architecture. The Zolcalo (i.e. city center) offers an outdoor cafe as well as street vendors with food, drinks, books, crafts and park benches to sit and “people watch”. You can also catch the Tren Turistico which is a trolley like vehicle that will take you on a driving tour of the historical sites of Cuernavaca.
If  you are looking for something more exciting and outdoors then a stop at the Rivers of fun in Cuernacava is a must. Thanks to the warm weather, aquatic fun for young and old is guaranteed at this location. Only 10 miles from Cuernavaca park Beraka has a great variety of games for the entire family that will put their courage to the test. Some fun and popular activities include a climbing stadium, paintball  tournaments, zip line, parachute stimulator's and tracks for freestyle bikes. The water park Las Estacas is surrounded by plenty vegetation with transparent water pools. An underground river and set of springs is a great place to practice snorkeling or diving. 

Located in the  municipality of Tlaltizapan is the state ecological reserve. Here you will find the river Yautepec which provides crystalline waters rich in minerals. The aquatic park has all of the services needed, rental  equipment, instructors, restaurant, hotel and a spa.
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Have you ever traveled to place and you want to go back just to stay at all of the different hotels because you were so charmed by their character or design? That is the feeling that Cuernavaca will leave with you. Each hotel regardless of how big or small makes you want to walk inside and  have the experience of staying there. One suggestion if you are going to stay for a longer period of time to possibly break up your stay between 2 or 3 different hotels to experience more of the accomodations in the area. For example, if you are looking for a luxury hotel then look at Hotel La Casa de los Arboles. This is a holistic spa in which nature and the distinctive form of old Mexican haciendas come together in the middle of an ancient semitropical forest. Developed on five acres of land this property offers guests the opportunity to take long relaxing walks through a one of a kind botanical garden. You also have the choice of 60 guest rooms with 4 different styles. For a mid range hotel Las Villas de Bellavista is a unique and wonderful surprise. They offer eight fully furnished typical Mexican colonial style homes that come complete with a fully equipped kitchen on 1.5 acres of tropical gardens and a heated swimming pool. For a lower budget you have choices between many  hostels in the area, one which is the Idel Hostel. All rooms have their own  private bathroom, free wifi, the property offers a pool and BBQ area as well.
As you can see regardless of your budget and age there are many things to do in Cuernavaca. Make sure to add the City of the Eternal Spring to your list of must go places in Mexico.

Travel information for visiting Cuernavaca

Suggested Airport: Mexico City International Airport
Address: Av Capitan Carlos León S/N, Venustiano Carranza, Peñón de los Baños, 15620 Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
Local phone number: +52 55 2482 2400

Is a passport or travel visa required? This depends on your nationality and your country of origin.We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know what documents you need to travel to Cuernavaca. 
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