Cuernavaca Mexico: A Guide to the City of Eternal Spring
Cuernavaca Mexico: A Guide to the City of Eternal Spring
Welcome to Cuernavaca, the enchanting jewel nestled in the State of Morelos, renowned as the “City of Eternal Spring.”
As you traverse through its cobblestone streets and vibrant plazas, you’ll quickly discover why Cuernavaca has earned this poetic moniker.
Basking in a perpetual state of mild and temperate weather, this city captivates visitors with its lush landscapes, rich history, and a culture that seamlessly blends indigenous roots with colonial influences.
Join me on a virtual journey as I unveil the essence of Cuernavaca Mexico, providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this charming destination where every season feels like spring.
From historic landmarks to local treasures, culinary delights to cultural experiences, this exploration will unveil the many facets that make Cuernavaca a true haven for those seeking an unforgettable getaway. ¡Bienvenidos a Cuernavaca!
To travel from Mexico City to Cuernavaca, you have several transportation options, including bus, car, or even a combination of metro and bus.
Depending on traffic conditions, the ride takes around 1.5 hours.
Here are the common ways to make the journey:
- Bus: One of the most convenient and economical travel methods is by bus. Several bus companies run between Mexico City and Cuernavaca. The bus journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific bus service. Bus terminals in Mexico City that offer services to Cuernavaca include Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO) and Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de la Ciudad de México (Taxqueña).
- Car: If you prefer driving, you can take the Autopista del Sol (toll road) from Mexico City to Cuernavaca. The journey usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Make sure to consider the toll fees and check the current road conditions before starting your journey.
- Metro and Bus: You can take Line 2 of the Mexico City Metro to Tasqueña station. From there, you can catch a bus to Cuernavaca. The bus ride will take you to the terminal in Cuernavaca. This option may take longer than a direct bus or car, but it’s a more affordable choice.
Before making any travel plans, it’s advisable to check the current schedules, availability, and any travel restrictions.
You may want to read: Mexico City’s Magic: 45 Places You Can’t Afford to Miss
Additionally, consider the time of day you plan to travel, as traffic conditions can vary. Always check for the most up-to-date information on transportation options.
Because of its location, Cuernavaca offers endless things to do within the city and the surroundings.
But for now, I’ll leave you with what I consider the most popular things to do and see around here. Enjoy!
1. Visit Tepoztlán Magical Town
Tepoztlán is in the north of Morelos and due to its history and traditions it has been named a Magical Town since 2002.
It is about an hour and a half from Mexico City and 20 minutes from downtown Cuernavaca.
The main attraction is to climb the Tepozteco hill and visit the temple of Tepoztécatl, the admission fee is 50 pesos per person. It’s free on Sundays!
If you decide to go, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, sunscreen, and a hat because you are in for a long hike.
Read the full guide to Tepoztlan
On your visit to Tepoztlán, you can have a good time browsing the stalls of the famous tianguis of typical handicrafts (flea market) from the state of Morelos.
Also, if you like ice cream, this Magical Town is home to some of the best in the country!
2. Jardines de Mexico (The Gardens)
Exploring the Jardines de Mexico is a MUST in Cuernavaca, a flower theme park open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.
Inside you can go through each of its gardens with different themes.
Jardines de Mexico is an excellent place for families where children can play and learn about the environment.
Also, if you like to go out with your dogs you can take them paying their entrance fee.
Only one dog per adult on a leash is allowed during your visit.
Inside the park there’s a Mexican food restaurant, on weekends they have breakfast and lunch buffet. Eating here doesn’t include the entrance to the gardens.
The entrance fee is 275 pesos. Seniors and children pay 225 pesos. You get a discount if you purchase them online at https://www.jardinesdemexico.com
3. Explore Xochicalco
Xochicalco is an archaeological site in Cuernavaca and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1999.
The name Xochicalco is a Nahuatl word xochi-flor and cal-casa, meaning “place of the house of flowers.”
Within the archaeological zone, you’ll find several structures in which the pyramid of the god Quetzalcoatl, also known as the feathered serpent stands out.
Also in Xochicalco, you can observe 3 fields where they used to play “ball game.”
How much does it cost to enter the pyramids of Xochicalco?
The entrance fee to the archaeological site is 90 pesos per person. Open every day from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
There’s also a site museum where various interesting pieces are showcased.
4. Relax in Agua Hedionda
Agua Hedionda is a “natural SPA” in Cuautla (about an hour from Cuernavaca) famous for its waters with mineral properties.
It is considered one of the most important natural springs in Mexico.
Some of the services available are public and private pools, water slides, and splash pads.
Also green areas, barbecue grills, soccer field, gym, locker rooms, and some additional services.
The entrance fee is 50 pesos and 30 pesos for children and seniors. Open every day from 7 am to 5 pm.
There’s also a nice restaurant and cafe if you want to get breakfast and/or lunch.
5. Jardin Borda (Borda Garden)
Visiting Jardin de Borda is another excellent option in the heart of Cuernavaca.
It is a colonial house built by José de la Borda. Inside it has several gardens and an artificial lake.
Besides being a botanical garden, it has a museum where cultural events are held, such as exhibitions, concerts, courses, and workshops on contemporary art.
Because it was one of Maximiliano and Carlota’s favorite summer destinations, the roads between Mexico City and Cuernavaca were improved.
It is undoubtedly a place full of nature, tranquility, and history that you cannot miss on your visit to the city of eternal spring.
6. Admire the Palace of Cortes
Now called Museo Regional Cuauhnáhuac, this palace boasts an impressive medieval-like construction from the 16th century and a lot of history.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is 90 pesos per person.
You probably know about Hernán Cortes (Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of what is now mainland Mexico under the rule of the king of Castile in the early 16th century).
Well, Mr. Cortes ordered the construction of a residence where the Palacio de Cortes is currently located.
Throughout history it has been used in different ways as the jail where José María Morelos was imprisoned, Maximilian’s office, and the seat of the Mexican government.
It is a museum where some objects related to different periods of the history of our country are exhibited. From the pre-Hispanic period to the present day.
This palace also has an emblematic clock located in one of its towers, and it has been witness to the history and some historical events of Cuernavaca.
7. Discover Teopanzolco
You are probably looking for another archaeological site to go to near Cuernavaca. Right?
Well, this is it! This mystical site, Teopanzolco (also known as the devil’s house because of the human sacrifices that took place there) is just north of the city.
The name Teopanzolco comes from the Nahuatl words teopan-temple, zolli-old so its meaning is “in the old temple.”
This archaeological site is located in the Vista Hermosa neighborhood. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The entrance fee is 85 pesos per person, I recommend you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes so you can enjoy your tour to the fullest.
This iconic luxurious boutique hotel is just 1 km from downtown Cuernavaca. It was built in an old colonial Hacienda and opened its doors in 1955.
Something very characteristic that you can appreciate inside the hotel is its gardens that transmit tranquility.
You can also see exotic and beautiful birds.
Not only does it offer lodging and its traditional gardens, but it also has a world-class restaurant, spa, and swimming pool.
Again, the restaurant is top-notch and has very good reviews, you can enjoy typical Mexican or international food. It also has a wine list with more than 200 international labels.
Learn more and get the best rates at Las Mañanitas.
The whole place is decorated in an elegant colonial style including an extensive art collection.
9. Casino de la Selva (Jungle Casino)
Continuing with the list of things to do in Cuernavaca, now it’s time to talk about a classic must-visit place.
In 1930 the plan to build a gambling house began and in 1931 the Hotel Casino de la Selva was inaugurated.
It seems that the proximity to Mexico City and the climate of Cuernavaca were two of the most important factors to build in this city.
Today this place no longer exists but due to the importance it took at the time it has become a landmark to the capital of Morelos.
Some time later the place was acquired by a company to create the commercial complex it is known today.
10. Robert Brady Museum
This museum was the house of American collector and artist Robert Brady who left a large collection of about 1400 pieces of art. It is also known as “Casa de la Torre.”
He collected them during his travels around the world.
Therefore, some of the pieces that you can find on your visit to the museum are furniture, works of art, pre-Hispanic pieces, sculptures, ceramics, and everything he collected.
After you finish touring the museum, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the main courtyard.
It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and has an entrance fee of 50 pesos.
11. Admire the San Anton Waterfall
The waterfall of San Anton is not to be missed on your next visit to Cuernavaca, Mexico. It is very close to downtown so there are no excuses.
To get to the viewpoint and appreciate the fall of approximately 40 meters surrounded by vegetation you will have to descend a 100-meter staircase.
The surrounding cliff is formed by basaltic prisms and igneous rocks, formed by the slow cooling of lava.
The entrance to the waterfall is free and opens every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
In the surroundings, besides appreciating the scenery you can find some stalls selling handicrafts and almost at the entrance there is a restaurant.
One of the most beautiful places in Cuernavaca that you may want to visit is the Cathedral of Cuernavaca (downtown).
It is built in a baroque-style building from the XVI century. It is considered one of the oldest cathedrals in the country.
The cathedral is part of the “first monasteries” on the slopes of Popocatepetl. It was also declared by Unesco as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
What was the use of the Cathedral of Cuernavaca?
It was established in 1525 by the first twelve friars who arrived in the country and has been occupied as the Diocese of Cuernavaca ever since.
It is currently known as the Cathedral of the Assumption.
13. The Chapitel and Temple of San Jose el Calvario
The “Chapitel” and “El Templo de San José el Calvario” are two religious buildings in the center of the capital of Morelos.
The first building is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe and is where people go every year on December 12th to celebrate her birthday.
The second building (San Jose el Calvario) was built to provide a regular church service for the residents of Cuernavaca.
So now you know, if you are in downtown Cuernavaca you can enjoy a walk outdoors and visit this set of buildings.
Do you know about David Alfaro Siqueiros? He is considered one of the three best Mexican muralists, along with Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco.
La Tallera (workshop) was one of Siqueiros’ homes where he created some of his works and spent the last years of his life.
It has 4 exhibition halls: Three of them permanently exhibit works of Siqueiros and other artists and in the fourth one there are temporary exhibitions.
This famous workshop museum is located at Venus St. 52 Col. Jardines de Cuernavaca and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6:00 pm with no entrance fee.
Also inside the museum, workshops in literature, painting, and photography are offered.
15. Eat at Casa Hidalgo
We are almost at the end of this article, but of course, we can’t miss a good place to eat in Cuernavaca.
I’m now going to talk about Casa Hidalgo, a famous terrace that has become an icon among the restaurants in the city.
In this restaurant, you can find different types of dishes either typical Mexican specialties or you can also choose from a variety of international foods.
An example of their menu is duck tacos, sopes with jerky, salads, black bean cream soup, fettuccini, pork loin with pipian, and many others.
Casa Hidalgo is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 am to midnight, and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm.
As you can see, Cuernavaca Mexico truly lives up to its title as the City of Eternal Spring.
From its year-round pleasant climate to its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Cuernavaca offers a unique and enchanting experience for visitors.
Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, indulging in delicious cuisine, or simply taking in the picturesque landscapes, this city has something to offer for every traveler.
As you navigate the cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, you’ll discover the warmth and hospitality of the people, making your stay in Cuernavaca an unforgettable journey.
With its diverse attractions, from the iconic Palacio de Cortés to the lush Jardín Borda, this city invites you to savor the essence of Mexico in a tranquil and charming setting.
Cuernavaca, the City of Eternal Spring, awaits with open arms, ready to share its beauty and warmth with those who venture into its welcoming embrace.
