City Overview

Population: 1,000,000
Location: State of Morelos (Just South of Mexico City)

Cuernavaca is the capital and largest city in the state of Morelos. Despite its size, the city has a very small town feel to it. Known as "The City of Eternal Spring", Cuernavaca is one of the principal vacation centers in Central Mexico due to its temperate year round climate, prevailing sunshine, and abundance of flowering trees and bushes. The city is only 1 hour south of Mexico City and 3 hours from the ever popular Acapulco. Bus service between these and other locations are excellent.

The first-time visitor to Cuernavaca will immediately sense that the city has a vacation personality. That's because Cuernavaca has been a summer getaway destination since Pre-Hispanic times, when Indian nobility came here. Cortés followed this tradition in Colonial times. So did Emperor Maximilian and his Carlota, as well as many prominent silver barons.

Today, the city is still attracting those who want to enjoy its combinationofcivilized charms and natural beauty. The climate is perhaps its biggest draw. It offers spring like temperatures and lush tropical foliage and flowers virtually year 'round. And because of the city's urbane-but-mellow atmosphere, chances are you’ll find yourself feeling relaxed - even if you take in all the many sights in and around the city. These include sophisticated shopping and superb dining ; the Plateresque architecture of the Cathedral ; the Palace of Cortés – now the Cuauhnahuac Museum – with its magnificent Diego Rivera mural ; the Tianguis Artesanal - a market for folk art; the studio of artist David Alfaro Siqueiros ; the historic Borda Gardens ; the Palacio Municipal ; and three archaeological sites - Teopanzolco, Xochicalco, and Chalcatzingo. As you wander down small winding streets you will find sidewalk vendors, charming restaurants, lively bars, plus much more!

Since Cuernavaca has attracted the leisure crowd for centuries, quite naturally there are several spectacular resorts quite near the city. Some are so beautiful, they're worth a sightseeing trip. These include Cocoyoc, which was originally part of a Spanish land grant given to Cortés. Another is San José de Vista Hermosa, where Cortés built his retreat. Then there's Oaxtepec, which was a favorite of Moctezuma I, the builder of the Aztec empire.

Cuernavaca is a great jumping off points to many sites of interest withincentral Mexico. The road and bus service in this part of Mexico is excellent. As a result, getting to the various points of interest will be quick, easy, and most of all inexpensive!

Without a doubt, Cuernavaca is an ideal place to learn Spanish and experience Mexico!

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