State · Centro do México (arredores da capital)

Morelos

Morelos, the city of eternal spring and surroundings: Cuernavaca and the Palace of Cortés, the Tepozteco in Tepoztlán, Xochicalco and the 16th-century monasteries.

In the photo: Temple of the Feathered Serpent, Xochicalco

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The state

Get to know Morelos

Morelos lies south of Mexico City, on the other side of the mountains, in a lower, warmer valley. The mild climate year-round made Cuernavaca, the capital, a retreat for city residents since Aztec times, earning it the nickname city of eternal spring.

In Cuernavaca, the Palace of Cortés, built by the conquistador in the 16th century, houses the Museo Regional Cuauhnáhuac, with Diego Rivera murals about the history of Morelos. The 18th-century Jardín Borda and the cathedral with the former Franciscan convent are in the center.

Tepoztlán is a village at the foot of rugged hills. A steep trail climbs to the Tepozteco, a small temple atop the hill, and the old Dominican convent in the center is one of the 16th-century monasteries on the slopes of Popocatépetl, a World Heritage site. Weekend markets fill the streets.

Southwest of Cuernavaca, Xochicalco, also a World Heritage site, is a fortified city on a hilltop, with the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent and an observatory in a cave. The state also has spring-water resorts. On the table, the cecina of Yecapixtla.

When to go

The climate is mild year-round. From October to May days are usually dry and sunny; from June to September it rains in the afternoons. On weekends and holidays, Cuernavaca and Tepoztlán receive many visitors from the capital. Morelos is 3 hours behind Brasília.

Getting there

Arrival is via Mexico City: Cuernavaca is about 85 km away, roughly 1.5 hours by bus or car, and Tepoztlán about 1.5 hours from the capital. There are frequent buses from the South Terminal (Tasqueña). Xochicalco is about 40 minutes from Cuernavaca by car or on a tour.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Morelos

Can you make a day trip from Mexico City to Tepoztlán?

Yes. Tepoztlán is about 1.5 hours away, and the trip includes the climb to the Tepozteco and the market.

Is the climb to the Tepozteco difficult?

It is a short but steep trail with stone steps, about a 1-hour ascent. Start early and bring water.

Why is Cuernavaca called the city of eternal spring?

Because the climate is mild year-round, warmer than Mexico City, which is on the other side of the mountains.

What is Xochicalco?

An ancient fortified city on a hilltop near Cuernavaca, with the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent. It is a World Heritage site.

Tap a state to see its destinations. Limites: INEGI / geoBoundaries (CC BY 3.0 IGO). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.