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We all know Mexico for its pristine Caribbean beaches, vast archaeological sites dotted with step pyramids, and clear-water cenotes.
How about the rest of the country, particularly the Morelo hinterlands, which are miles away from any coast and do not typically feature on your average travel brochure?
The capital and largest city of this overlooked state, Cuernavaca, is a secret Mexico destination boasting ancient charm and colonial sights. We’d even argue it feels far more authentic than your usual tourism hotspots—and it’s a short 1h23-minute drive from the capital!
Welcome To The Place Where Mexico Began
Cuernavaca is not a popular cultural city break by any standards, despite its undeniable historical relevance as one of the origins of the Mesoamerican civilization (yep, it all started here).
Its history spans at least 3,000 years, and comprises periods of native Tlahuica, Aztec, and Spanish rule, so it’s only natural that its diverse architectural ensemble is informed by the clash of cultures it was subjected to over these recent millennia.
Though not many pre-Columbian structures survived the last Spanish conquest, the city still features a Tlahuica pyramid in the archaeological zone of Teopanzolco, and many of the colonial buildings around the Historic Center were built over far older edifices.
One such example is Palacio de Cortés, the main landmark in town, and a Europe-style, Gothic fortress that replaced a native tribute collection center, built by none other than conqueror Cortés himself, the architect of the downfall of the Aztecs.
One of the oldest European buildings in all of Mexico, dating back to 1523, it served as Cortés’ and his aristocratic wife’s residence, a warehouse, a prison during the Mexico War of Independence, and finally the seat of Government before becoming a museum.
There Are Colonial Masterpieces Everywhere You Look
Right in the center of town, not far from the castle, Juárez and Morelos are a duo of lush public gardens lined with trees and ornate wrought-iron benches: between them, stands a monumental State Government Palace, distinguished by its unique tezontle facade.
Out of the gardens, Juárez is often said to be the most beautiful, not only because it forms the oldest public square in Cuernavaca but also due to its landmark kiosk, said to have been signed by Gustave Eiffel and brought from England to Mexico in the 19th century.
Contrary to other main squares, or zócalos, around Mexico, Cuernavaca’s does not directly face a cathedral.
Cuernavaca Cathedral, an imposing, single-belfry Baroque wonder looming over a peaceful, more miniature garden, is in fact located some blocks west of the zócalo.
Its adjacent 16th-century monastery is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its historical importance: during colonial times, it’s here that indigenous people would have been evangelized.
Cuernavaca is among Mexico’s most staunchly-Christian cities, so you can expect a plethora of equally-beautiful, minor churches and basilicas to be found around town.
One of the most noteworthy examples include the Tlatenango religious ensemble, housing the Temple of San José, believed to be the first church built in the American continent, the largest bell tower in the state of Morelos, and the 300-year-old Chapel of San Jerónimo.
Other hidden gems include the Parish of Los Tres Reyes Magos in Tetela, attributed to 16th-century Franciscan monks and with frescoes painted by Marcos Aldaña, and the picturesque Church of Tepetates, flanked by two cypress trees.
How Affordable Is Cuernavaca To Visit?
Like every Mexican city, Cuernavaca is also home to an Artisan Market, where you can browse local souvenirs and handicraft items for maybe half the price compared to larger cities, and if it’s inexpensive street food and fresh produce you’re after, there’s Mercado Adolfo López Mateos.
Street tacos here cost only a few cents, and all your takeout faves, from tamales to tortas, are usually under $2.
In general, this is a very affordable destination, where you can get fresh seafood in local restaurants for around $14, even though this isn’t a coastal location (La Envidiosa serves the best prawn cocktails in town), and mole negro-seasoned chicken for only $6 (check out Casa Tikal).
Accommodation in Cuernavaca is equally cheap, starting from as low as $66 for a double room in the Historic Center, and going as high as $325-a-night for a luxurious, adults-only Mision del Sol spa resort nestled in the Morelos hills overlooking the town.
According to Budget Your Trip, the average price for a 3-night stay in Cuernavaca is a very reasonable $207.
Taking these into account, it’s no wonder tourism is growing in Cuernavaca, as hotel occupancy rates currently sit at 76 percent, and so far this year, the city has received 26,800 visitors.
How To Visit Cuernavaca When Landing In Mexico City
Getting to Cuernavaca, you should know the city doesn’t have its own international airport, and getting there from the United States will likely involve flying first into Mexico City Airport (MEX), the closest hub roughly 60 miles away.
The good news is, there is a bus line (Pullman de Morelos) operating directly from within Mexico City Airport, with Cuernavaca and other Morelos towns as destination.
In terminal 1, the bus bay is located in the international area, between gates 7 and 8, and you can access it by going to the first level and exiting next the fast-food area.
For those landing in terminal 2, the bus leaves from right by the terminal building: access is possible either through room D, gate 4, or by exiting from the domestic arrival hall.
They depart every 30-90 minutes, and generally operate from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM, so you have plenty of options going to Cuernavaca and back.
As for the average price, that’s $120-380 Mexican pesos, or roughly US$6-22, depending on route, comfort, and off-peak or peak hour departures.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.