Morelos

Cuernavaca is the capital of Morelos and one of Mexico's best-known weekend getaways, nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring" for its mild, sunny climate. About 85 km south of Mexico City, it combines a relaxed garden-city atmosphere with a compact historic centre and a deep connection to the country's history.

Cuernavaca's story reaches back to the Nahua settlement of Cuauhnáhuac, and Spanish rule left a lasting mark: the Palace of Cortés, built in the 1530s, now houses the Cuauhnáhuac Regional Museum with Diego Rivera murals, while the Cathedral of the Assumption is among the oldest churches in the Americas. The state takes its name from independence leader José María Morelos, and the surrounding countryside was central to Emiliano Zapata's agrarian movement during the Mexican Revolution.

Central sights cluster around the Zócalo and Jardín Juárez, from the Borda Garden and the Robert Brady Museum to the Teopanzolco archaeological site. Historic districts such as Centro and Tlaltenango mix colonial architecture with markets, cafés and galleries, while leafy residential areas like Las Palmas and Vista Hermosa hold many of the city's hotels and restaurants.

Known for spas, haciendas and weekend homes, Cuernavaca serves both leisure travelers and business visitors, with universities, language schools and meeting venues adding to its profile. The magical town of Tepoztlán, the UNESCO-listed ruins of Xochicalco and the silver city of Taxco are all practical day trips.

With a year-round temperate climate, colonial landmarks and an easy connection to Mexico City, Cuernavaca offers a calm alternative to the capital while staying close to central Mexico's major business and cultural routes.