Cuernavaca Review

Overall 4.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

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mrkstvns
Austin, TX

Relax in Mexico's "City of Eternal Spring"

into romantic getaways, love to travel, 5 star traveler, seeker of fun and interesting places, livin' la vida loca, history lover, exploring mexican culture

Pros

perfect weather, Palacio de Cortez, myriad spa resorts, gourmet restaurants, close to Mexico City

Cons

less scenic than colonial towns of Bajio

FEB

2009

Cuernavaca —

People in Mexico City sometimes refer to themselves informally as "chilangos". And when chilangos want to "get aways for the weekend", they often as not, head to Cuernavaca.

Cuernavaca is a great getaway option for Mexico City, and it's been that way since the times when Aztec kings ruled the city. When the Spanish conquistadors took up residence, they too adopted the habit of escaping the city to Cuernavaca.

Cuernavaca isn't very far from the city --- only an hour away by first-class bus --- and the big draw has always been it's spectacular climate with temperatures in the upper 70s 12 months a year. Mexico City gets brutally hot in the summer and it's at an elevation of more than a mile high, so it gets some chilly weather in the winter too.

Most people go to Cuernavaca for the spas. There are several well-known spa resorts where you never need to leave your hotel. Walk the manicured lawns and gardens for relaxation when you're not getting your facials and massages and mineral soaks, and dine in the hotel's own restaurants (some of which are renowned gourmet kitchens).

There's a few museums around town, but the sight most worth seeing is the Palacio de Cortez: the sprawling palace was built by the infamous conquistador in the early 16th century and today, it hosts a good historical museum in its many vast rooms and halls --- but the crowning jewel of the site is a series of murals depicting Mexican history, painted by Diego Rivera.

Last edited on Feb 04, 2009