Cuernavaca has many local and nearby tourist attractions. Water parks are very popular and range from basic water holes such as "Las Huertas" with thermal waters, natural rivers as "Las Estacas" and large, multi-facility parks as "El Rollo" and "Six Flags Oaxtepec." You may also camp in many parks some of which feature other services such as hot baths, cabins and restaurants. About 16 km (10 miles) south of the city is Xochicalco, a large, beautiful and well-restored archeological site; other archaeological sites are in Coatetelco and Chalcatzingo. The nearby Tepozteco mountains and the village of Tepoztlan are very popular destinations for locals and tourists with attractions that include a 16th-century Dominican convent, museum, many restaurants and handicrafts. Fourteen 16th-century monasteries in Morelos have been declared World Heritage Sites, including those in Tlayacapan, Yecapiztla, Atlatlahucan, Tetela del Volcán, Hueyapan, and Ocuituco. Most were damaged during the 2017 earthquake and are closed to the public (March 2019), but visitors can appreciate the main features such as the facade, chapels, and atrium, as well as local food (cecina in Yecapixtla) and handicrafts (black pottery in Tlayacapan).
Cuautla is 55 km east of Cuernavaca. This city was the site of a major battle in 1812, during the War of Independence; the hero of the battle was Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, who gave his name to the state. Not far from there, in Ayala, one can visit Anneculco and Chinameca, where Revolutionary General Emiliano Zapata was born and assassinated (1919).
There are several former haciendas in the area, many of which have been converted to hotels and/or restaurants. Ex-hacienda de Cortes, is on the south side of Cuernavaca in the suburban municipality of Jiutepec.
Also worth visiting in Jiutepec is the hotel/restaurant Sumiya, built by Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton as a home in the 1930s. This is a replica of a Japanese Tea House. There are also some interesting colonial era churches, most notably Parroquia Santiago Apóstol, which dates from the 16th century. Unfortunately, the church suffered damage in a 2017 earthquake and has been closed for renovations since.
The south side of Cuernavaca is also where you'll find the suburban municipality of Temixco. The Hacienda de Temixco is a beautifully maintained 17th century hacienda that is used for weddings and social functions. It's not open to the public tours, but you may want to walk by for some photos. There are also some spas and waterparks in Temixco, and it's the part of Cuernavaca where the city's airport is located.
Also only in season (check to see if it is available) is Rafting at the Amacuzac River with class III & IV white water rapids operated by - Plaza Dafne, Av. Morelos Sur #1602 int 8, Col. Chipitlan, Cuernavaca Tel. +52 777 127 7165 and 01 800 728 4312.
Cuernavaca is known as a spa destination with several independent spas and several hotels with spa hotels with a range of wellness treatments.
