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Cuernavaca Mexico

Photography by Bill Bell

Cuernavaca (Classical Nahuatl: Cuauhnāhuac IPA: [kʷaw̥.'naː.wak]) is the capital and largest city of the state of Morelos in Mexico. As of the 2005 census, the population of the city was 332,197; the municipality's entire population was 349,102 in an area of 151.2 km2 (58.4 sq mi) that includes numerous small localities outside the city, like Ocotepec, where interesting religious celebrations take place, like the Day of the Dead in the first days of November.

Cuernavaca is located about 85 km (53 mi) south of Mexico City on the M-95 freeway. It is known as "the city of eternal spring" because of its consistent 27°C (80°F) weather year round. Cuernavaca sits in the heart of central Mexico, and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the country.

The city's name comes from Nahuatl Cuauhnāhuac "place near trees" (pronounced [kʷawˈnaːwak]), the name of the pre-Columbian altepetl at the location. The name was altered to Cuernavaca by influence of the Spanish words cuerno "horn" and vaca "cow".

Locale
Cuernavaca lies about 700 metres (2,300 ft) lower than Mexico City, and therefore serves as a popular refuge from the cold for inhabitants of Mexico City. It attracts visitors from around the world for its art, history, and Spanish language schools. Several interesting excursions to nearby attractions are easily managed within a two-hour drive: North America's oldest and most populous city Mexico City to hovering 6,000-metre (20,000 ft) volcanoes topped by pre-columbian archaeological sites like those at Tepoztlán or Xochicalco— are just a couple of the possibilities within a short distance from the heart of this old, charming city.

Cuernavaca is appreciated for its historical richness, striking scenery, vibrant life, and delightful climate. Surrounded by undulating hills and cut by narrow, cobbled streets, Cuernavaca is a quaint colonial remnant. A wide variety of activities are available with all of the normal services of a modern city. This balance of ancient and new has protected the historical value of the city while offering modern amenities.