Cuernavaca

Mexico

Cuernavaca, City of Eternal Spring, is the capital of the Mexican state of Morelos. It is a city of 365,000 (820,000 metropolitan area) people 84 km (52 miles) south of Mexico City. Cathedral's side-chapel at dawn

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. Be prepared for many micro-climates inside the city and surroundings, where there have been variations of up to 10°C in less than a 8 km radius; while the lower zones can have very humid weather, the northern forest area will most certainly be cold by night.

The heart of the city is the central plaza and palace. Each night of the week you can enjoy dancers, musicians, acrobats and a lot of locals who use the plaza both by day and night as a place to hang out, meet friends and be entertained by many local artists and entertainers. The square and adjacent area is full of street vendors selling everything from bead work to maize on a stick and tacos.

  • Cuernavaca Cathedral, Miguel Hidalgo 17, Cuernavaca Centro. During a recent remodelling, murals and paintings, some dating to the 17th century, were found. Masses are celebrated in the open-air chapel or in side chapels. (March 4, 2019)
  • El Castillito. Home of the Photographic Museum of Cuernavaca. Open M-F 09:00-15:00 and Sa Su 10:00-16:00. Free.
  • Robert Brady Museum. This private museum has a large collection of primitive art in what was once the bishop's residence. Open Tuesday-Sunday. There is a charge.
  • Papolote Children's Museum. Open Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. M$60 for children, M$50 for adults. (March 4, 2019)
  • Xochicalco. Daily 10:00-17:00, observatory open from 12:00. 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.
  • Salto de San Anton. Waterfall.
  • Zocalo. In the town square, there is danzon every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday night from about 20:00 to 23:30. There are many cafes in the area, as well as museums and souvenirs.
  • Borda Garden, downtown across from the cathedral. 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. Open daily.
  • Juan Soriano Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum, dedicated to the artist, is located in Amatlan, Cuernavaca, near the main market. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Free.
  • Parish church of Tlateltango. 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.
  • Teopanzolco archaeological site, calle Río Balsas s.n., Colonia Vista Hermosa (four blocks east of Plaza Cuernavaca., +1 777 3 14 12 84. 09:00-17:30. 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. Temporarily closed due to 2017 earthquake. M$55.
  • Chapultepec Park is in eastern Cuernavaca near Plan de Ayala and IMSS, 3 km east of downtown. 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. Small admission fee. Open daily.
  • Solidarity Park (La Alameda) is located on Cuauhnahuac Blvd. east of the freeway. 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. Open daily, admission free.
  • San Miguel Ecological Park (Parque Ecológico San Miguel Acapantzingo) on Av. Atlacumulco in Colonia Acapatnzingo, 1 km southeast of the main market. 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. The park is open daily, 07:00-21:00 and admission is free. There is a small fee (M$10) to enter the museum. Tel. (777) 312 3979 ext. 6.
  • Palace of Cortes, +52 777 312-69-96 (ext. 258102). Tu-Su 09:00-18:00. 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, prehispanic 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. M$60.

Cuernavaca Cathedral, Miguel Hidalgo 17, Cuernavaca Centro. During a recent remodelling, murals and paintings, some dating to the 17th century, were found. Masses are celebrated in the open-air chapel or in side chapels. (March 4, 2019)

El Castillito. Home of the Photographic Museum of Cuernavaca. Open M-F 09:00-15:00 and Sa Su 10:00-16:00. Free.

Robert Brady Museum. This private museum has a large collection of primitive art in what was once the bishop's residence. Open Tuesday-Sunday. There is a charge.

Papolote Children's Museum. Open Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. M$60 for children, M$50 for adults. (March 4, 2019)

Xochicalco. Daily 10:00-17:00, observatory open from 12:00. 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.

Salto de San Anton. Waterfall.

Zocalo. In the town square, there is danzon every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday night from about 20:00 to 23:30. There are many cafes in the area, as well as museums and souvenirs.

Borda Garden, downtown across from the cathedral. 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. Open daily.

Juan Soriano Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum, dedicated to the artist, is located in Amatlan, Cuernavaca, near the main market. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Free.

Parish church of Tlateltango. 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.

Teopanzolco archaeological site, calle Río Balsas s.n., Colonia Vista Hermosa (four blocks east of Plaza Cuernavaca., +1 777 3 14 12 84. 09:00-17:30. 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. Temporarily closed due to 2017 earthquake. M$55.

Chapultepec Park is in eastern Cuernavaca near Plan de Ayala and IMSS, 3 km east of downtown. 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. Small admission fee. Open daily.

Solidarity Park (La Alameda) is located on Cuauhnahuac Blvd. east of the freeway. 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. Open daily, admission free.

San Miguel Ecological Park (Parque Ecológico San Miguel Acapantzingo) on Av. Atlacumulco in Colonia Acapatnzingo, 1 km southeast of the main market. 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. The park is open daily, 07:00-21:00 and admission is free. There is a small fee (M$10) to enter the museum. Tel. (777) 312 3979 ext. 6.

Palace of Cortes, +52 777 312-69-96 (ext. 258102). Tu-Su 09:00-18:00. 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, prehispanic 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. M$60.

Cuernavaca has many local and nearby tourist attractions. Water parks are very popular and range from basic water holes such as "Las Huertas" with thermal waters, natural rivers as "Las Estacas" and large, multi-facility parks as "El Rollo" and "Six Flags Oaxtepec." You may also camp in many parks some of which feature other services such as hot baths, cabins and restaurants. About 16 km (10 miles) south of the city is Xochicalco, a large, beautiful and well-restored archeological site; other archaeological sites are in Coatetelco and Chalcatzingo. The nearby Tepozteco mountains and the village of Tepoztlan are very popular destinations for locals and tourists with attractions that include a 16th-century Dominican convent, museum, many restaurants and handicrafts. Fourteen 16th-century monasteries in Morelos have been declared World Heritage Sites, including those in Tlayacapan, Yecapiztla, Atlatlahucan, Tetela del Volcán, Hueyapan, and Ocuituco. Most were damaged during the 2017 earthquake and are closed to the public (March 2019), but visitors can appreciate the main features such as the facade, chapels, and atrium, as well as local food (cecina in Yecapixtla) and handicrafts (black pottery in Tlayacapan).

Cuautla is 55 km east of Cuernavaca. This city was the site of a major battle in 1812, during the War of Independence; the hero of the battle was Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, who gave his name to the state. Not far from there, in Ayala, one can visit Anneculco and Chinameca, where Revolutionary General Emiliano Zapata was born and assassinated (1919).

There are several former haciendas in the area, many of which have been converted to hotels and/or restaurants. Ex-hacienda de Cortes, in Atlacumolco, Jiutepec, is just outside Cuernavaca. Also worth visiting in Jiutepec is the hotel/restaurant Sumiya, built by Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton as a home in the 1930s. This is a replica of a Japanese Tea House.

Also only in season (check to see if it is available) is Rafting at the Amacuzac River with class III & IV white water rapids operated by [Raft Mexico Home Page: http://www.raftmexico.com Raft Mexico] - Plaza Dafne, Av. Morelos Sur #1602 int 8, Col. Chipitlan, Cuernavaca Tel. (777) 3 22 6555 and 01 800 728 4312.

  • Palacio de Cortes Handicraft Market. To one side of the Palacio de Cortés is a market selling a variety of Mexican souvenirs, particularly silver from Taxco. Among the cheap souvenirs aimed at tourists there are some pleasant items to take home with you.
  • Galerías Cuernavaca opened in October 2005. This mall, just off the motorway, contains a variety of shops, restaurants and a cinema and is proving popular and is often very busy.
  • Plaza Cuernavaca on Plan de Ayala Street is an open-air mall is that is still going strong and has a variety of shops, restaurants, and a cinema.
  • Averanda is the newest modern mall, opened in 2018. It is located next to the freeway, near Galerias.

  • Los Colorines, Av. Emiliano Zapata 598, Col Tlatetango (north of traffic circle on Zapata, +52 777 364 5567. breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night. 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. moderate.

  • Las Iguanas Green's, Morelos 190, Colonia Centro (2 blocks from the Zocalo, in the corner between Rayon Street and Morelos Avenue, +52 777 341-0613, +52 777 241-0613. 08:00-23:00. Affordable and varied 4-course real-Mexican meal: includes water, soup, a small dish of pasta, an entrée and a dessert (typically ice cream). US$5-9.

Las Iguanas Green's, Morelos 190, Colonia Centro (2 blocks from the Zocalo, in the corner between Rayon Street and Morelos Avenue, +52 777 341-0613, +52 777 241-0613. 08:00-23:00. Affordable and varied 4-course real-Mexican meal: includes water, soup, a small dish of pasta, an entrée and a dessert (typically ice cream). US$5-9.

If you are looking for a true Mexican meal be sure to try tacos where the locals eat them. Try the calle de los tacos (street of tacos), Nueva Inglaterra. This street is lined with taquerias with Grano del Oro being particularly good. On Plan de Ayala try the tacos at Los Orientales or have a torta (sandwich) at La Cubana. La Princesa has two locations on Teopanzolco plus a location within Plaza Cuernavaca and one near the village of Parres close to Mision del Sol and Camino Real Sumiya. A taco al Pastor (pork) will cost between M$3 and $8. Traditional Tacos accorizados, which are large tacos served with chicken or beef and rice, are offered at a number of family restaurants.

  • Arrachera Rey de Reyes, Blvd. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz 117, Acapantzingo, +52 777 289 29 26, +52 777 100 10 60. "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. Mains M$40-125, steaks (for 4 people) M$270-350.
  • Tacos Acorazados, Narciso Mendoza 23, San Miguel Acapantzingo (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/18.9382656,-99.2395264/tacos+en+cuernavaca/@18.9191178,-99.2479041,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x85cddf0edde34c93:0xeda88a971c1f48c5!2m2!1d-99.2200046!2d18.9035152. This offers the traditional-style taco from Morelos--two tacos, rice, bifstec or chicken, usually served with fruit-flavored water and dessert such as flan. moderate.
  • El Rincon Mazatleco "Tacos & Ceviches", Rufino Tamayo 52, Local 2, Acapantzingo (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/18.9382656,-99.2395264/tacos+en+cuernavaca/@18.9252798,-99.2487077,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x85cddf07f4851fa9:0x12be8882cc642acf!2m2!1d-99.224394!2d18.910287, +52 777 404 8110. Tu W 13:00-19:00, Th 13:00-20:00, F Sa 13:00-21:00. This is a Sinaloa-style seafood restaurant. "Ceviche" is a seafood cocktail. M$77-308.
  • Cecinas de Yecapixtla, Av. Adolfo Ruiz Cortines 117, Acapantzingo (https://www.google.com/maps/dir//tacos+en+cuernavaca/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x85cddf0ec2daae05:0x4832b2b0f5d691f6?ved=2ahUKEwjL7e3JwevgAhVLRK0KHRWhCzUQ9RcwAHoECAEQCA, +52 735 135 7554. M-F 08:00 -17:00. "Cecina" is salted beef; Yecapixtla makes the best cecina in the world. It is served with sour cream and sauce. inexpensive.

Arrachera Rey de Reyes, Blvd. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz 117, Acapantzingo, +52 777 289 29 26, +52 777 100 10 60. "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. Mains M$40-125, steaks (for 4 people) M$270-350.

Tacos Acorazados, Narciso Mendoza 23, San Miguel Acapantzingo (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/18.9382656,-99.2395264/tacos+en+cuernavaca/@18.9191178,-99.2479041,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x85cddf0edde34c93:0xeda88a971c1f48c5!2m2!1d-99.2200046!2d18.9035152. This offers the traditional-style taco from Morelos--two tacos, rice, bifstec or chicken, usually served with fruit-flavored water and dessert such as flan. moderate.

El Rincon Mazatleco "Tacos & Ceviches", Rufino Tamayo 52, Local 2, Acapantzingo (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/18.9382656,-99.2395264/tacos+en+cuernavaca/@18.9252798,-99.2487077,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x85cddf07f4851fa9:0x12be8882cc642acf!2m2!1d-99.224394!2d18.910287, +52 777 404 8110. Tu W 13:00-19:00, Th 13:00-20:00, F Sa 13:00-21:00. This is a Sinaloa-style seafood restaurant. "Ceviche" is a seafood cocktail. M$77-308.

Cecinas de Yecapixtla, Av. Adolfo Ruiz Cortines 117, Acapantzingo (https://www.google.com/maps/dir//tacos+en+cuernavaca/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x85cddf0ec2daae05:0x4832b2b0f5d691f6?ved=2ahUKEwjL7e3JwevgAhVLRK0KHRWhCzUQ9RcwAHoECAEQCA, +52 735 135 7554. M-F 08:00 -17:00. "Cecina" is salted beef; Yecapixtla makes the best cecina in the world. It is served with sour cream and sauce. inexpensive.

Pozole is a rich broth with meat, corn, and other vegetables. Pozolería El Barco, one block away from the cathedral, serves very good green pozole (with pipián sauce). Try their tostadas de pata as well (crispy tortillas topped with pickled pig's feet).

  • Tacotitlan, Pozoleria y Taqueria, Av. Plan de Ayala No. 347 Col. Santa Veracruz, +52 777 316 98 27. Daily 11:00-01:00 (Sa until 02:00). Special price on pozole Tuesday and Thursday (M$53), 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. M$63-129.
  • Pozoleria Tixtla, Himno Naconal 26, Miguel Hidalgo (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/18.9382656,-99.2395264/pozole+en+cuernavaca/@18.9253653,-99.2513688,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x85cddfaa0ad45e11:0xf3a4c0ef2cc75c30!2m2!1d-99.2299489!2d18.9104579, +52 777 312 9560. Th-Su 14:00 to 19:00. Clean, good service, good food. moderate.

Tacotitlan, Pozoleria y Taqueria, Av. Plan de Ayala No. 347 Col. Santa Veracruz, +52 777 316 98 27. Daily 11:00-01:00 (Sa until 02:00). Special price on pozole Tuesday and Thursday (M$53), 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. M$63-129.

Pozoleria Tixtla, Himno Naconal 26, Miguel Hidalgo (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/18.9382656,-99.2395264/pozole+en+cuernavaca/@18.9253653,-99.2513688,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x85cddfaa0ad45e11:0xf3a4c0ef2cc75c30!2m2!1d-99.2299489!2d18.9104579, +52 777 312 9560. Th-Su 14:00 to 19:00. Clean, good service, good food. moderate.

The center of town has some excellent restaurants. Las Mañanitas is a Relais & Chateaux hotel with excellent if somewhat dated cuisine on a menu that never changes. Famous for its large garden with free-roaming peacocks and other large birds, Las Mañanitas is well worth a visit for cocktails or a meal. On the main square facing the Palacio de Cortes is Casa Hidalgo also serving excellent food. These restaurants serve a variety of dishes consisting of traditional Mexican and international fare. Trattoria Marco Polo, across the street from the cathedral, serves good Italian food and pizza. For about $60 US, Marco Polo offers a very large pizza (about 1 m/3 feet wide) loaded with everything. Definitely not something would find in Italy, it is, however, a sight to see and excellent to try if you are eating with a large group there. El Faisan on Emiliano Zapata and on Rio Mayo is another excellent high-end restaurant featuring Yucatecan food that is worthwhile visiting when in Cuernavaca. La Provence in a boutique hotel of the same name a short distance south of the zocolo is Cuernavaca's leading French restaurant.

In the downtown 30m down the street Calle Fray Bart De Las Casas from Plazuela del Zacate, on the right hand side on corner, there is a small nameless place with open grill that has indescribably delicious arrachera and tortas/hamburguesas. M$135 for arrachera as of March 2011. For the best hamburgers in town, however, you'll need to go to either La Casa de Hamburguesa on Teopanzolco (inexpensive) or Meson Gaucho (expensive), on Domingo Diez across from one of Cuernavaca's Walmart stores, which features Argentine steaks in addition to the great burgers.

  • El Madrigal, Calle Rio Sonora #115, Col. Vista Hermosa, +52 777 100 7700. 08:00-22:30. 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. expensive.
  • House Restaurant, Calle Fray Bartalome de las Casas #110, Centro Esq. Benito Juarez (one block southeast of Palace of Cortes, +52 777-318-3782. 08:00-22:30. Inspired by Southern California’s laid-back vibe, House puts an unexpected Modern-Mexican twist on an upscale California bistro. As casual as it is beautiful, dining alfresco amidst the whitewashed wood, lush greenery, and a classic Cuernavaca pool. House passionately interprets Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine like the delectable Pork Belly in Lavender Honey and the Sea Bass Carpaccio. expensive.

El Madrigal, Calle Rio Sonora #115, Col. Vista Hermosa, +52 777 100 7700. 08:00-22:30. 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. expensive.

House Restaurant, Calle Fray Bartalome de las Casas #110, Centro Esq. Benito Juarez (one block southeast of Palace of Cortes, +52 777-318-3782. 08:00-22:30. Inspired by Southern California’s laid-back vibe, House puts an unexpected Modern-Mexican twist on an upscale California bistro. As casual as it is beautiful, dining alfresco amidst the whitewashed wood, lush greenery, and a classic Cuernavaca pool. House passionately interprets Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine like the delectable Pork Belly in Lavender Honey and the Sea Bass Carpaccio. expensive.

Cuernavaca isn't particularly known for seafood, but you might try Tia Lucha on Rio Mayo in Vista Hermosa or in Polvorin. Los Delfines is also popular.

Los Colorines, Av. Emiliano Zapata 598, Col Tlatetango (north of traffic circle on Zapata, +52 777 364 5567. breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night. 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. moderate.

Los Arcos on the Zocalo is popular on Tuesdays when students converge on the open bar/cafe with live salsa music and cheap drink. La Bola is a typical Mexican cantina with live Norteno and Mariachi music every night between 19:00 and 22:00. 2 for one promotions daily between 2 and 9PM and very cheap food/drink packages. On average M$400 buys a generous plate of food for the table to share and a bottle of alcohol or 20 bottles of beer. La Taurina and Crudalia are very simple bars that sell cheap booze by the litre. Expect plastic tables and chairs and very few frills but a good atmosphere.

McCarthy's Irish Pub on Avenida Diana in Delicias offers Irish and Mexican drinks and food. As might be expected, it gets boisterous.

Pulqueria La Guayaba on Juan Ruiz Alaracon (downtown, one block from the cathedral) offers this traditional drink at reasonable prices. Sunday afternoons are the best day to visit.

There are several informal bars that sell beer and snacks at La Plazuela, located between the cathedral; and the Cortes Palace. Traditionally, La Plazuela sold hay for muleteers on the Mexico City-Acapulco trade route, but hay hasn't been available since the opening of the railroad in 1890.

  • The Beer Company Cuernavaca, Local C, Calle Pericón 112, Miraval, +52 777 102 2831. M Tu 14:00-23:00, W Th 14:00-00:09, F Sa 14:00-02:00. 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.

The Beer Company Cuernavaca, Local C, Calle Pericón 112, Miraval, +52 777 102 2831. M Tu 14:00-23:00, W Th 14:00-00:09, F Sa 14:00-02:00. 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.

On the weekends an influx of visitors arrive in Cuernavaca from Mexico City and head to the night clubs. The door staff at high-end clubs are often quite difficult. Men arriving without female companionship at a club will generally have trouble getting although foreigners are often given preference. It is important to note that much of the violence associated with Cuernavaca takes place in its nightclubs.

  • Barbazul is a large indoor/outdoor venue with a cover charge of M$100 after midnight. Like Alebrije it is frequented by a young and wealthy crowd and many foreigners.
  • Taizz is the highest end club with a cover of M$200. As with the previous two it is frequented by a similar crowd.

Mambo Cafe is open Wednesday to Saturday with Salsa dance classes on Wednesdays between 6 and 9PM. The most popular night for Mambo cafe is Thursday when it is often very full.

The Store is a new club and very different from the first three. Very basic the club has no waiters and is self-service from the bar. It is popular and well attended.

In all the clubs either inside the grounds or directly outside are stalls selling hotdogs and hamburgers and tacos are never far away. Most clubs close their doors at 3AM and do not allow access after this hour. However, it is usual for the last person to leave the clubs at around 5 or 6AM. In most clubs in Cuernavaca women do not pay cover.

  • Enrique, 2460 arbour trace terrace suwanee GA 30024, +52 6785163059. 08:00-22:00. if you want to have a cheap dinner,go to VIP's is just down the street from zocalo on Benito Juarez street,servise is good and friendly. M$60.
  • Pimuco, calle Ignacio Rayon 22 - pasaje Florencia (close to the Cathedral, +52 777-3105853. 12:00-23:00. 500 m from the Cathedral,close to the Cine Morelos, there is this nice art cafe in an old traditional house, with a beautiful and green courtyard.They prepare good sandwiches and pastas.Good music and a long list of cultural events(live jazz concert,theatre,literature). M$100.
  • casa frida, carretera fed a Mexico km 69 (close to glorieta buena vista, +52 7772795370. 10:00-20:00. an old house full of art and colors,real Mexican food and prehispanic dishes like,iguana,wild pig, snake, etc. Local beers and pulque

Enrique, 2460 arbour trace terrace suwanee GA 30024, +52 6785163059. 08:00-22:00. if you want to have a cheap dinner,go to VIP's is just down the street from zocalo on Benito Juarez street,servise is good and friendly. M$60.

Pimuco, calle Ignacio Rayon 22 - pasaje Florencia (close to the Cathedral, +52 777-3105853. 12:00-23:00. 500 m from the Cathedral,close to the Cine Morelos, there is this nice art cafe in an old traditional house, with a beautiful and green courtyard.They prepare good sandwiches and pastas.Good music and a long list of cultural events(live jazz concert,theatre,literature). M$100.

casa frida, carretera fed a Mexico km 69 (close to glorieta buena vista, +52 7772795370. 10:00-20:00. an old house full of art and colors,real Mexican food and prehispanic dishes like,iguana,wild pig, snake, etc. Local beers and pulque

  • Taxco, the famous silver town, is about 30 minutes' drive outside Cuernavaca. This town used to survive on silver mining, now it survives on the tourist industry with almost everybody involved. Taxco is full of silver shops and a very large silver market. Silver is often sold by weight in the markets, be sure it carries the .925 stamp and is not silver plated. On Saturdays, from about 8AM until noon or so, the silver vendors of Taxco sell silver jewelry and other silver wares in a "flea market" that snakes around the city under canopies for a mile or so. It's the same silver you'd buy at full price on all other days of the week, but on Saturdays it's sold at a considerable discount. Get there early! One bus leaves daily for Taxco from Cuernavaca in the mornings and returns around 16:00. Don't miss it, or you'll miss either the silver "flea market" or your ride back to Cuernavaca. Bring a toothbrush in case.
  • Tepoztlan is about 15 minutes outside Cuernavaca and very pleasant to visit particularly on market day. A must-see is the Tepoztec pyramid at the end of a rather long and steep walk up a mountain but the reward is well worth it.
  • Xochicalco is about an hour from Cuernavaca and is the 4th most visited archeological site in Mexico. An early visit is recommended so as to not get too sunburnt. Be sure to enter the observatory.
  • Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is a large cave system in a national park 74 km (1 hr 13 min) south of Cuernavaca near Taxco. There are well-illuminated paths with stalactites and stalagmites. The more adventurous can swim an underground river from February to April.Las Grutas official page
  • Zoofari Safari Park is a zoo in Amacuzac. There are over 1500 species, many in a natural setting. It is 1 hour south of Cuernavaca along the highway to Taxco. Entrance is by automobile only, although you can hire a taxi in Amacuzac or Puente de Ixtla. Open 365 days, cost M$199.http://www.zoofari.com.mx/ (in Spanish)

Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is a large cave system in a national park 74 km (1 hr 13 min) south of Cuernavaca near Taxco. There are well-illuminated paths with stalactites and stalagmites. The more adventurous can swim an underground river from February to April.Las Grutas official page

Zoofari Safari Park is a zoo in Amacuzac. There are over 1500 species, many in a natural setting. It is 1 hour south of Cuernavaca along the highway to Taxco. Entrance is by automobile only, although you can hire a taxi in Amacuzac or Puente de Ixtla. Open 365 days, cost M$199.http://www.zoofari.com.mx/ (in Spanish)