Morelos Coat-of-Arms
The State of Morelos is one of Mexico’s smaller states, with an area of only about 4,950 sq. kms, (1,820 sq. mi.) which translates into just 0 .25% of the extension of the entire Mexican Republic.
Despite its diminutive size, the terrain and resources of Morelos are extremely diverse, varying from high, cool, pine-forested mountains to hot, humid sub-tropical areas replete with mineral springs, and then again to dry, desert-like hillsides covered with cacti.
Morelos is bordered by the States of Mexico and the Federal District to the north, the State of Guerrero to the south and the State of Puebla to the east.
 Tepoztlan hills |
 Cuernavaca church cupola |
 Xochicalco view |
Places of Interest in Morelos
Cuernavaca: Capital of the State of Morelos. Because of its fabulous climate and profusion of flowers and lush vegetation year-round, Cuernavaca lives up to its reputation as the “City of the Eternal Spring”.
Chalcatzingo, oil on canvas by M. Angel Guerrero Garro
Chalcatzingo: Archaeological site featuring rock carvings and sculpture.
Cuautla: The 2nd most important city of the State of Morelos, Cuautla attracts many visitors to it’s healing mineral hotsprings under the shadow of the Popocatepetl volcano.
Hacienda Cocoyoc: Elegant spa resort in a restored 16th century colonial hacienda on 22 acres of land. The resort offers pools, tennis courts, golf courses close at hand, health spa, various restaurants and bars, and more, all ensconced in an old-world atmosphere in which the acueduct and stone structures of the sugar mill still remain. Hacienda Cocoyoc, Morelos Mexico
Hacienda San Gabriel: Located off the Mexico City-Acapulco highway south of Cuernavaca, the hacienda has been converted into an exclusive hotel amidst lush gardens, with massive stone buildings dating from 1529.
Hacienda Vista Hermosa: A sixteenth century hacienda with all the feel and decor of the colonial era. A total of 105 rooms, extensive gardens, pool, small lake; luxury amid total historical ambiance.
Huitzilac, oil on canvas by M. Angel Guerrero Garro
Huitzilac: A small village perched on a hillside above the city. A great place to enjoy some of the local food including such specialties as barbecued mutton, turkey mole and fruit-flavored pulque. In Huitzilac one can visit the San Juan Bautista church with an inscription dating from 1690. Festivities in honor of patron saint St. John the Baptist take place on June 24th and on September 1st are celebrations to commemorate the return of their patron to the village after the image of the saint, which had disappeared in the era of Porfirio Diaz, was recuperated from a house in Mexico City in 1921 and brought back to its proper place of rest.
Las Estacas: Fresh water springs from the earth at Las Estacas, where you can enjoy swimming in the river or pools, horseback riding, canoeing, minigolf and other sports and activities.
Las Lagunas de Zempoala: A National Park in the mountains above Cuernavaca at an altitude of some 2,900 meters above sea level. The park encompasses seven small lakes of which three, Zempoala, Tonathiua and Prieta, contain water year-round and the other four are seasonal. The surrounding hillsides are covered in forests of pine and other evergreens. The mean temperature hovers between 5 and 12º C. Rowing and sailing can be undertaken on the lakes; there is horseback riding and camping as well as plenty of footpaths to walk and cliffs to scale for the more adventurous. Access is via the Mexico-Cuernavaca highway, either the old highway or the new toll road, turning off at Tres Marias and proceeding toward and past Huitzilac village.
Oaxtepec Resort: A hotel and resort community. The resort area offers pools and sports facilities, installations for conventions as well as a variety of lodging and dining possibilities. A 16th C. Dominican Church and Convent are located in Oaxtepec.
Tepoztlan: A small village surrounded by craggy mountains and overlooked by the Tepozteco pyramid. Of note also are its market, Church and Convent.
Lake Tequesquitengo: Located only 48 kms. from Cuernavaca, Tequesquitengo village in times past was a center for production of tequesquite, a substance used in the manufacture of soaps. The lake is the largest in the state and measures some 4 km across at its widest point. Available activities include variety of water sports and activities such as water skiing, diving, jet skis, boat tours, banana boats, parasailing and ultralight tours. On its shores there are also a variety of hotels, beach clubs and restaurants.
Tlayacapan: Village near Tepoztlan and place of origin of the Chinelo dancers; known for its pottery.
Xochicalco: Pre-columbian archaeological site and museum south of Cuernavaca.
Morelos Weather
Though Morelos is one of Mexico’s smallest states, there are distinct differences in climate due to a variance in elevation ranging from 1,000 to about 3,300 mts (2,900-9,800 ft).
In the higher north-western part of the state, into the mountains near Cuernavaca, temperatures can be substantially lower, both during the daytime and at night, than in the sub-tropical southern and south-eastern areas around Cuautla and Jojutla. During the winter months, Cuernavaca itself and the elevated areas in its vicinity, with high everygreen forests and a mountain atmosphere, can get surprisingly chilly at night and in the early morning. Be prepared with jackets, sweaters, socks and appropriate footwear.
The rainy season usually extends from June through October, often bringing energizing thunderstorms and massive rainfall in the evenings and nights. Days are generally warm and sunny, with the temperature rising significantly in May, just before the rains begin.
Originally posted 2009-08-17 14:00:31.
