About Cuernavaca
Cuernavaca (Cuauhnáhuac)Savor the “City of Eternal Spring”
Cuernavaca, where our Spanish language institute is located, has long been a favorite destination for Mexico City and foreign visitors alike because of its warm, stable climate and abundant vegetation.
Cuernavaca is the capital and largest city of the state of Morelos in Mexico. It is also an independent municipality. The population is estimated to be 500,000. This number increases on the weekends, when many Mexico City inhabitants, or Chilangos, visit.
[INSERT: Video de Cuernavaca]
Located south of Mexico City on the D-95 freeway, the city was nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” by Alexander von Humboldt in the 19th century.
However, its history reaches back much farther. Aztec emperors had summer residences here, and even today many famous people and Mexico City residents maintain homes here. Cuernavaca is also host to a large foreign resident population, including students who come to study at the ASLI Spanish language Institute.
The name “Cuernavaca” is derived from the Nahuatl phrase Cuauhnahuac, and means “surrounded by or close to trees.” The name eventually morphed to Cuernavaca because the Spanish could not pronounce the Nahuatl name. The coat-of-arms of the municipality consists of a tree trunk with three branches with foliage, and four roots colored red. There is a cut in the trunk in the form of a mouth.
Cuernavaca is a city that has everything
Everything is easily accessible from “El Centro” (the center of town), where you will find a large “Zocalo.” This is the meeting place for visiting, listening to the strolling mariachis, as well as the venue of all festivities and musical events. From here you can take the “tourist bus” with drivers sharing historical information and tips about the city. Enjoy the blooming trees and shrubs from bougainvillea, jacaranda, tabichines and much more.
Experience authentic food at one of the many local restaurants
The choices of restaurants are amazing, from a simple 40 peso “comida corrida” (a fixed price meal) to 5-star dining experiences. Make sure you try the famous “Las Mananitas” Hotel and Restaurant to see the peacocks strolling in the gardens, have a cocktail and enjoy the afternoon. Need a Starbucks fix? Not a problem. We have three!
Sights and sounds of Cuernavaca
The Jardin Borda is a gem with gardens, walking paths, a cafe and museum. In the summer, beautiful concerts are held outdoors. You will visit the famous 16th century cathedral on the corner of Avenida Morelos and Hidalgo. The renowned Robert Brady Museum is housed inside the walls of a former convent (Nezalhualcoyotl and Hidalgo – very close to the cathedral). The Palace of Cortes (the conquistador’s summer palace) is now a history museum and is walking distance from both the cathedral and the Robert Brady Museum. Don’t miss the Mercado – a huge market labyrinth filled with items ranging from shoelaces to wonderful fruits, vegetables, meats and flowers. Don’t forget to take a tour of the Route of Zapata or have a delicious lunch at an ex-hacienda such as ex-Hacienda de Cortes. Cuernavaca has been home to many stars of stage and screen as well as authors and artists such as Leonard Bernstein, Helen Hayes and Barbara Hutton.
Contact us today to learn more.