Morelos

Morelos is the state of eternal Mexican summer: Cuernavaca, the capital, has been "the city of eternal spring" since Hernán Cortés built his retreat palace here in the sixteenth century, and emperors, presidents and artists followed his example. Just 85 kilometers away from the pollution and cold of Mexico City, Morelos' climate seems like another planet.

Tepoztlán, nestled between spectacular hills with an Aztec pyramid at the top of the Tepozteco, blends weekend tourism from the capital with an artistic and spiritual community that has made this town a reference point for alternative living in Mexico. The Tepoztlán market, the red mole restaurants and the connection to the legend of Quetzalcóatl give the town a magical atmosphere.

Xochicalco, an archaeological zone with a citadel of carved stone walls dominating an artificial hill 50 kilometers from Cuernavaca, is one of Mexico's most underrated pre-Hispanic sites: its Temple of the Feathered Serpent and its solar observatory display a sophistication that rivaled Teotihuacán in its heyday, between 700 and 900 A.D.

Las Estacas, a river of crystal-clear and warm waters surrounded by tropical vegetation, and Cuautla, with its sulfurous hot springs, are relaxation destinations that complete a state designed for immediate pleasure, cecina gastronomy and active rest less than two hours from the capital.