Charles Binns - Landscape Photography, Nature Photography, Travel Photography

Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca is the capital and largest city of the state of Morelos in Mexico. It is the municipal seat of the municipality of Cuernavaca.

Cuernavaca is located about 85 km. (50 miles) south of Mexico City. It is known as "the city of eternal spring" because of its consistent 27 °C year-round weather. Cuernavaca is truly in the heart of 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", 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".

Cuernavaca has always been a popular vacation destination for people from the Mexico City valley and is a favorite spot for its historical richness, striking scenery, colorful life, and delightful climate. The terrain is hilly and the streets are narrow and quaint.

The city has examples of ancient Aztec and Tlahuica cultures and of colonial buildings such as the Palacio de Cortés. Cuernavaca has historical sites from the Revolution, workshops of important artists, and more. Unfortunately, however, a rapidly-increasing population in the last couple of decades and a hugely-increased volume of traffic on the city's streets have brought problems of severe congestion and air contamination to large parts of the municipality.

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