by Bella Valentin

Created on: November 30, 2009   Last Updated: December 01, 2009

CUERNAVACA

With the reputation of being an escape for the rich and a popular weekend spot for Mexico City, Cuernavaca offers a wide range of hotels, fine dining as well as a relaxing break in the city of eternal spring.

Famous for its pleasant climate, beautiful mansions, small and narrow cobble stoned streets and evergreen gardens, the city is very welcoming and it is easy to understand why so many Mexicans flee the Federal District to the quieter Cuernavaca.

The many language schools have also put Cuernavaca on the map. Students from all over the world choose to come here to spend a couple of weeks or months learning the Spanish language.

GETTING TO CUERNAVACA

Located just 1 hour south of the busy capital, arriving to Cuernavaca is easy, either with bus or driving your own car. All the major bus companies have daily routes from Mexico City, offering 1st class ticket or the cheaper economic version. The price difference is next to nothing, so for a direct route and if you are not desperate for saving a couple of pesos the 1st class tickets are to recommend. Pullman and Estrella are two companies with departures every hour.

WHAT TO DO

Plaza de Armas

The main square; Plaza de Armas, also known as Zocalo, is the heart of the city. A place where the locals meet to discuss the news of the day, spend time with the family or to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants surrounding the square. A visit to the Zocalo is a pure pleasure for the eyes as well as for the taste buds. Balloons and candy floss in all the colors of the rainbow, salesmen claiming to have the best deal, and the not to be forgotten ice cream, sold from small stands around the square. Exotic flavors, such as coconut, tamarind fruit or even chili flavored ice cream can be tried here.

Get your bearings right during your Cuernavaca visit and pick up a free city map from The Tourist information stand located on the corner of Zocalo.

Palacio de Cortes

Palacio de Cortes is found at Ave. Juarez, at the far end of the Zocalo. As the name reveals, this impressing palace was built by Hernan Cortes, and this became his home until he returned to Spain 1540. After serving as a prison and later on government offices the palace is now housing the Mueso Regional Cuauhnahac. Apart from the impressive building, the museum gives the visitor a great insight into the Mexican history from pre Hispanic to modern history, making it a great place to visit at the beginning of your visit to get a better understanding

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