Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca is a charming colonial city. It's year-round temperate climate makes it known locally as the "land of the eternal spring", although it's original name, "Cuauhnahuac" translates into "place of great trees". Just as the British corrupted Gaelic place names in Ireland into English equivalents, so the Spaniards corrupted original Aztec or indigenous names in Mexico into a similar sounding Spanish equivalent. Cuauhnahuac sounded like "Cuernavaca," the present day name for this city, which literally translates to "horn of the cow."

A lot of Cuernavaca's architecture, gardens and attractions are hidden behind tall walls, inside houses and estates which host some marvelous scenes of perfectly preserved colonial life. Many of these houses are either hotels, spas, restaurants or museums open to the public. Be sure to spend some time experiencing the restaurants here. The food and atmosphere are amazing. Key attractions include the Cathedral, Catedral de la Asunción de María, one of the oldest churches in Mexico; started in 1529 and completed in 1552. The city Zocalo (Main Plaza) hosts some magnificent colonial architecture including the Plaza de Armas, and Palacio de Gobierno - leading on from here is also the Palacio de Cortez, now also known as Museo Cuauhnahuac. This is the only Zocalo in Mexico that does not feature a Cathedral.
In 1987, the Gardens at Jardín Borda, were completely restored after years of decay. The house and gardens were originally commissioned by a wealthy silver magnate in the 1700's and this place was also host to Maximilian and Carlotta during the French reign in Mexico.
If you like art, go to the Museo Casa Robert Brady, which is actually a private house turned into a magnificent art gallery. Here, you'll find a permanent collection on display which includes works by Rufino Tamayo and a self portrait by Frida Kahlo. The house and collection belonged to Robert Brady, an American who resided in Cuernavaca from 1962 to 1986.
Art lovers may also enjoy a tour to the workshop at the Taller de Alfaro Siquieros, a very famous Mexican Muralist, which is also found here in Cuernavaca's colonial center.
Away from the Colonial Center there are two main attractions to bring to your attention a couple of miles outside of the City's colonial center. The first is the Salto de San Antón, which is a small village hosting a magnificent waterfall. You can walk behind it and picnic there. The second is Maximilian's House, which was built in 1866 and also hosts the Traditional Medicine Museum and a Herb Garden.