Attractions in Cuernavaca, Mexico: What to do and where to go

"Agua Hedionda" Bathing Resort

This place is considered one of the best resorts to spend the day swimming and enjoying the sunshine, due to the healing characteristics of its water. It is located on Felipe Neri's Street in Cuautla.

Cascada de Anton

The Anton falls rise well above the 45 meters and have been admired by national and international visitors since the end of the 19th century. In 1933 a stair case and hand rail were built, allowing visitors to admire the splendor and natural beauty of it. The interior includes beautiful flowers while the exterior displays beautiful ceramic crafts. It's definitively worth adding to your list of "places to visit" whilst on your vacation in Cuernavaca.

Cuernavaca's Cathedral

The Spaniards took over Cuernavaca in 1521 and started the construction of the cathedral in 1529. This fortress-like building is spacious, surrounded by stunning chapels and features several restored murals influenced by Oriental cultures, some think these murals were painted by artists brought from China or the Philippines. An interesting aspect of this cathedral is that it was finished in 1552, meaning that it took about 20 years to construct!

It is located in a place where earthquakes are quite common; however the construction is still standing strong. It forms a part of a group of convents that were added to the list of National Heritage Site of the UNESCO in 1994. It is considered one of the most important attractions in the city of Cuernavaca for its architectural and historic value.

Golf

The beautiful and famed flora of Cuernavaca is perfect for outdoor activities, especially sports. The surrounding areas feature a great number of plant species from different ecosystems that coexist harmoniously. There are also business people who are golf enthusiasts and have prompted a market for sport tourism into the spotlight of this paradise.

There are seven specialized golf courses that were designed by pros like Percy Clifford, Joe Finger and Mario Shjetnam. They offer challenging levels, surprising traps and beautiful greens that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Some of the best golf courses in the country can be found here and have hosted numerous national and international competitions. The courses include El Golf Club Cuernavaca, Tabachines, San Gaspar, Lomas de Cocoyoc, Hacienda de Cocoyoc, Santa Fe and Tlahuica. Whether you are an amateur or a pro, take advantage of your trip to Cuernavaca and enjoy competitions or practice rounds.

Borda Garden

A wonderful place, offering astonishing natural beauty, plus it's also a great location for strolling. Situated near the center of Cuernavaca, the garden was developed by and belonged to a silver magnate of the region Jose de Borda, around the 17th century. This beautiful place offers to the public an incalculable number of flowers and plants, as well as swimming pools and fountains. The cultural activities held here include photography workshops and literary events, conferences, dances, music, and cinematography exhibitions for children and adults, among many others. Inside these beautiful gardens there is also a small museum that presents arts and history exhibitions.

Jardin Etnobotanico

The Museum of Traditional Medicine and Herbology (or the Jardin Etnobotanico) is located within a country home that was also known as the Casa de la India Bonita (literally "the House of the Pretty Indian") and was said to have been built by the emperor Maximilian for a local woman. The interior garden has a small pavilion that is used as the Herbology Museum. On the rest of the land, which used to be an orchard, is the ethnobotanic garden, considered the most important in all of Latin America.

Jiutepec

Several elements belonging to the Tlahuica civilization have been found in this ancient town, including artifacts like machetes, stamps and arrows, all clear examples that this land witnessed multiple and important historical periods before the arrival of the Spaniards. Among the most important attractions, we find the ex-Franciscan convent from the 16th century, a structure and region influenced by the first colonial years. Jiutepec borders Yucatepec to the East, with Emiliano Zapata to the South and Cuernavaca to the North.

Ecological lake of Tequesquitengo

The lake of Tequesquitengo is located in the south of the city, between the municipalities of the Puente de Ixtla and Jojutla, 48 kilometers away from Cuernavaca. The beginnings of this attraction date back to 1650, when a small village was established in the crater of an extinct volcano. Due to reasons not yet clarified, the village flooded little by little until a new lake was formed, eventually covering it completely. Nowadays, the lake is a very popular place to water ski, however the real treasure is being able to dive and explore the ruins of the flooded village. At times when the water levels lower, it's possible to observe the tallest part of the church spire. The lake is a unique spectacle and thoroughly enjoyed by all visitors.

Cortez Palace (Cuaunahuac Regional Museum)

The Cortez Palace is a beautiful construction from the 15th century, built on top of an Aztec pyramid, which was destroyed prior to the construction of the new building. The palace served as the residence for the conqueror Hernan Cortez before his return to Spain in 1540. Presently, the interior of the castle is home to the Cuaunahuac Museum and it shelters a very important collection of pre-Hispanic and colonial artifacts, as well as some very important and well known murals painted by Diego Rivera in the 1930's. On them, one can follow a description about the history of Mexico since the time of the conquest up until the days of the Revolution. It is located in the center of Cuernavaca, next to the main square.

Papalote Cuernavaca

This museum is all about having fun. From the moment you get inside you'll start living an amazing adventure, where every activity, workshop, exposition or show is focused into playing and learning. Here, kids can make their own animated film in clay or participate in the creation of the collective mural among many other super fun activities. This museum in Cuernavaca is a sibling to the Papalote Museo del Nino in Mexico City, but is located in a building decorated with murals of great Mexican painters such as Diego Rivera and Alfaro Siqueiros. These museums are recognized among the most important Children's Museums of the world, and were created by an organization of important entrepreneurs who wanted to offer places for families to reach science and art in a fun way, while promoting the intellectual and emotional development of children.

Las Estacas Aquatic Park

The World Association of Aquatic Parks considers that the preservation and conservation techniques implemented here, have made this place a one-of-a-kind Natural park. Its name comes from the "estacas" (posts) that were placed by the edge of the rivers to control the raising level of the water. The park has been declared a natural reserve in the state of Morelos, and it's located in the municipality of Tlaltizapan, only a few minutes from Cuernavaca. The park offers excellent services for visitors, such as swimming areas, either in rapids of at least 1 km long, or rivers with crystal clear waters, camping grounds, a trailer park, cabin rentals, restaurants, bars and a whole lot more. It is important to emphasize that Las Estacas has designed an ecological program to protect its flora and fauna, as well as a water treatment program and forest restoration.

Touristic Trolley

This marvelous train ride has its fair share of stories and culture as you travel down the main streets of the historic center of Cuernavaca as well as other parts of the city. It's a lovely ride that will show you new ways to see the beauty in an already beautiful city. As the train progresses through the city, important aspects of the city are pointed out and the lives of important people, relevant to the history of the city are also told. Board the train from the General Carlos Pacheco Roundabout, in the center of the city.

Xochicalco

Situated only 38 kilometers South East of Cuernavaca, Xochicalco is considered one of the most beautiful and important archaeological sites in Mexico. It's renowned as a mystical place full of energy, as well as an incalculable archaeological gem. Once inside, don't forget to visit the onsite museum and the Ceremonial Plaza, where you will be able to admire the pyramid of Quetzalcoatl "the feathered snake", famous for being the location, some say, where a few wise men talked about the design of the famous and important Mesoamerican calendar. Xochicalco, a fortress like construction, was a religious-administrative center where important decisions were taken, and nowadays it is regarded by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site.

Archeological Zone of Teopanzolco

This beautiful archeological site, made up of a central pyramid and another 14 monuments of a smaller size, is famous for indicating, in a very interesting way, the beginning of the event known as the "Equinox" every March 21st. This site was considered of the utmost importance during the Cuauhnahuac dominion. The area is very similar to the contemporary center where the temple of Tenochtitlan sits, and also the Tlatelolco and Tena zones. The traces of what seems to be one of the most important adoratory centers of pre-Hispanic times can be found in the interior of one of the residencies in the city of Cuernavaca.

Zoofari

Zoofari offers a unique concept in zoos, where thousands of animals from 150 different species share the same space in this huge, wide open zoo. Visitors are able to observe the excellent living conditions of the animals, including species from Mexico and many other parts as well. All of this is done of course, under the most supervised and strictest conditions. The weather in Morelos allows the excellent growth and development of the flora and fauna of the zoo and all of this is supervised by a team of professionals, specializing in the development of this marvelous zoo.

Tepoztlan

Considered a mystical town full of energy, Tepoztlan is surrounded by mountains, and has been famous since pre-Hispanic times. This place is ideal for those who love hills and pyramids steeped in legend, as well as those who love to be in contact with the traditions and millenarian history of our country. Tepoztlan is on top of the Tepozteco hill, and it's considered the second most important area in the country for natural "energy", after the pyramids of Teotihuacan.

Antiguo Convento de la Natividad

This convent was built in the 16th century by Dominican friars to worship the Virgin of Nativity. This massive construction consists of a huge atrium, an open chapel, and a shrine, as well as smaller recesses for special services and a charming convent. Nowadays, it is a cultural center that promotes local folklore, historical heritage, sponsors research, and showcases the work of local artists. It also houses the History Museum of Tepoztlan, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1994, and features an invaluable archive of historical documents and records. When you travel to Tepoztlan, don't miss the breathtaking view of the Tepozteco mountain range from the top of the convent as you experience the magic of this incredible environment, perfect for reflection and spiritual contemplation.

Barranca de Amanalco

Barranca de Amanalco, which translates to Amanalco Gorge, is an awesome geological formation that can be visited while on one of the oldest and most popular tours in the area. This 370-meter hike takes you through exotic vegetation, along boardwalks beside the stream at the bottom of the ravine, and over hanging bridges. There are many lookout points along the way, from where you'll have incredible views of the whole area. Here, at Barranca de Amanalco, they also have an impressive light and sound show, plays at the open-air theater, concerts, workshops, and guided tours. There is also a large exhibition hall where you can see a fantastic photographic collection of gorges and ravines.

Carlos Pellicer Camara Museum

Located behind the Antiguo Convento de la Natividad, this museum safeguards a fine collection of more than 1000 pieces of pre-Columbian art from the Mayan, Zapotec, Olmec and Mexica cultures, donated by the late writer and poet from Tabasco, Carlos Pellicer Camara. It features an incredible sculpture of the god Ometochtli Tepoztecatl, which was found on the outskirts of the Tepozteco.

Casa Zapata Museum

Built on the remains of what used to be General Emiliano Zapata Salazar's home in Anenecuilco, the Casa Zapata Museum is nowadays a charming cultural center. It features an open air amphitheater and an interactive mural, complete with a sound system that narrates the life of this celebrated man from Morelos. There is also a function room, a temporary exhibition hall and beautifully landscaped gardens. The museum houses a large collection of archaeological, colonial and historic items that have been preserved over the years, providing us with a unique insight into the lives of these people and their community. Learning about the life of this revolutionary leader teaches you an important part of Mexican history that you won't want to miss when you travel to Cuernavaca.

The Amatlan Museum of Quetzalcoatl

There is tale of a mythical town located east of Tepoztlan, where it is said Ce Acatl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl was born, who, as a young man, moved to the city of Tula and became prince of the Toltecs. The museum of Amatlan is set in what used to be the home of the famous archeologist Carmen Cook Leonard, who dedicated her life to investigating this fascinating legend. You can see original artifacts found in the area, as well as some belonging to other cultures, such as the Zapotec, Olmec, Teotihuacan, and Mayan.

El Castillito Antique Photography Museum

Built of compressed bricks, this manor was made to house the railroad porters, on the Mexico-Cuernavaca route, during the Mexican Revolution. Nowadays it houses wonderful photographic treasures that document important Mexican and world events from 1826 until now. The exhibit includes old newspapers, photographic experiments and countless images that epitomize the importance of photography in world history. While you are in Cuernavaca, a visit here really does come highly recommended.

Robert Brady Museum

Located next to the city's Cathedral, this museum houses a unique collection of paintings and fine art. The collection was donated by the late Robert Brady who managed to amass an amazing number of pieces, which he gathered on his many trips around the world. The museum features more than 1300 items and includes colonial furniture, pre-Columbian figurines, as well as art from Africa, the Americas, the South Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand and the Orient. Brady was a painter and designer, whose eye for detail can be appreciated in the rich tapestry of styles he was able to create. Fourteen colorful rooms make up this museum, kept exactly as Brady left them. The museum also has a charming courtyard and a garden with tropical plants and gorgeous sculptures.

El Tepozteco Archeological Site

A commanding view of the valley of Tepoztlan can be appreciated from the top of the Tepozteco pyramid. It was constructed between 1150 and 1350 by the descendants of the Xochimilca tribe, as a temple to worship the God Tepoztecatl, the lord of pulque. The climb to the top of the hill, which takes about an hour or so on foot, is a popular pastime among tourists and weekend visitors to Tepoztlan, who are looking for a challenge and an invigorating, energetic walk.