Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca, aka City of Eternal Spring, is a smallish urban center surrounded by sprawling haciendas, some of which date back to the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors. The sunny weather is absolutely divine and its warm temps stay steady all year. However, I’ll be real - there’s not much to do here.

And that’s what it’s a fantastic location for a weekend away from the chaotic metropolis of Mexico City.

Start your day at…
The pool at Hacienda de Cortes (or any hacienda that you choose). If you absolutely NEED a bevvie, order an Uber to Calle Comonfort in town (15 min) and try a cappuccino at Bons Cafe or Tauride Cafe in Plaza Gloria. Get your tarot cards read at Librería D-Void, located in the same charming plaza.

Visit a few museums …
The University Museum of Indigenous Art is tiny but full of color and worth the 15 peso entry. Meander to Museo Robert Brady. Since visiting, I have contemplated daily the idea of painting my kitchen orange. Then head to La Casona Spencer. It’s free and has great views of the Cathedral. Everything I’ve just mentioned is within walking distance in a clean, pretty, delightful part of town.

Have a local lunch at…
La Tía de las Muchachas, a surprising gem where I had one of the best, freshest salads I’ve had in the past year living in Mexico. Ugh I LOVED it. The restaurant is cute and the walls are covered in blue and white tiles. The tortillas are homemade, and the cold teas are delish.

Go to church…
Or at least peruse the Cathedral of Cuernavaca and the other churches in the same complex. Take an obligatory picture of the very random sheep living in the front yard.

Then have a tea across the street…
At El Motívo. The staff is sweet (I might be biased because the waiter hit on me and HE WAS 30!!) and the church view is lovely. I’m sure the food is terrible, so keep it to drinks and perhaps a dessert. On the same street is a no-name antique shop that is a TOTAL MESS. Pop in to feed your inner hoarder or your anxiety, but either way, it’s worth a look.

Shop at the Mercado de Artisanías or go to your hacienda’s pool…
Shop or lounge in the sun. Up to you. Neither will disappoint.

Return to Hacienda de Cortes for a sexy dinner…
The restaurant is S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G, the wine is delicious (and Mexican!) and when I finally marry my Mexican dream man, it’s going to be here.

Food & Drink:
*I tried none of these, but will upon my return.
Don Fer for cozy, easy, highly-rated dishes.
La India Bonita for the garden and the history.
Iguanas Greens for a traditional Mexican experience. Full of locals.
Casa Hidalgo for the prime location in front of the Cortes Palace and vibey outdoor seating.

Hotels:
Hotel & Spa Haciendo de Cortes was built FOR HERNAN CORTES in 1530 and there’s no reason not to stay here. The property is gorgeous, peaceful, probably full of ghosts. Splurge on a suite with a little patio.

Activity Suggestions:
-Jardín Borda: It was closed when I visited but sounds like a must-see.
-MMAPO: Because who doesn’t love a museum of brightly-colored regional pop art?
-Lay by the pool, take in the sun, read a book. Enjoy a Mexican town without a million things to do.

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Related articles & blogs:
TBC

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