Not many people will mention the San Antón Waterfall, or Salto de San Antón. Barely any visitors to the city know about it, and even many Cuernavaca locals have never been. But in our opinion, it is one of the most underrated and magical places in the city: an oasis within the urban area. It is the definition of a hidden gem.

How to Get to the San Antón Waterfall in Cuernavaca?

The San Antón Waterfall is located in the neighborhood of San Antón, one of Cuernavaca’s oldest and most traditional barrios. It is located just on the other side of the ravine (the barranca) from the city center. If you walk there from the main cathedral, it will take roughly 20 minutes, and if you drive, it is less than ten minutes. If it is your first time visiting and you don’t have your own car, we would recommend taking an Uber or taxi because it can be quite hard to find the first time you visit, although the walk is pleasant too if you are feeling adventurous. An Uber or taxi from the city center should cost less than $80 pesos.

What to Expect at the Salto de San Antón

The San Antón Waterfall is 40 meters high and is located in a steep-sided ravine. One side of the ravine is made of overhanging basaltic prisms, which are very impressive. The ravine is full of tropical trees, plants, and overhanging vines. It is also noticeably more humid there than elsewhere in Cuernavaca, so you really feel like you are in the jungle or some sort of terrarium when you are there.

To get to the San Antón Waterfall from the road, you need to descend several staircases, and then the path levels out and skirts around the edge of the cliff towards the waterfall. There are several viewing platforms where you can view the waterfall from different heights and angles. One of the coolest things about the architecture is that the path eventually leads you right around the back of the waterfall — at one point, you are so close to the water you can almost touch it.

Is There Anything Else to do Near the San Antón Waterfall?

The neighborhood near the waterfall is quiet and verdant and is famous in Cuernavaca for having lots of high-quality viveros (plant nurseries), where plants, shrubs, and trees are cultivated from seeds or cuttings and sold for homes and gardens. If you need any houseplants or beautiful ceramic plant pots, then these viveros are great to visit.

There are also several nice family-owned restaurants nearby, serving variations of Cuernavaca’s famous comida corrida lunches. Stopping for lunch and a drink afterwards, and maybe even practicing your Spanish with the local owners, is always a nice way to finish off an excursion to the San Antón Waterfall.

Is San Antón Waterfall Suitable for Families?

The waterfall is a wonderful, exciting place to come with children, as it really feels like you are entering another world when you descend down into the ravine. Near the waterfall, the path can get slippery from the water droplets that are often blown onto it by the wind, but as long as everyone takes care on the stairs and around the waterfall, it is a great place to explore as a family.

Sadly, the location is not accessible to wheelchair users or people with mobility issues due to the stairs.

The post A Hidden Gem in Cuernavaca: the Waterfall of San Antón appeared first on Iguana Abroad.

This is particularly important in tropical places like Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Sometimes these questions can lead to anxiety. Instead of enjoying your last few evenings in your home country before your flight you are sat at your computer nervously Googling:

“Are there scorpions in Cuernavaca, Mexico?”
“What diseases do mosquitoes carry in Cuernavaca?”
“Do I need malaria pills for Cuernavaca?”

If this is you, then don’t worry! This post is a local’s guide to the insects that you find here in Cuernavaca, Mexico, from someone who has lived here in Cuernavaca for the past decade.

Mexicans also eat some insects so we have included some of those at the start. But if you are just wanting to know the info about the ones to watch out for, that’s understandable – feel free to skip ahead. Hopefully this article will set your mind at ease before you fly out here.

The Good

Chapulines

Chapulines, or grasshoppers, are such a big part of Mexican culture that some of the most famous places in the Aztec empire were named after them. Have you heard of “Chapultepec Park” in Mexico City? Well this place literally means “Hill where you find the grasshoppers” in the Nahuatl language. The Aztecs used to eat huge quantities of cooked grasshoppers as part of their daily diet, and this culinary tradition has continued into modern Mexico. On every street corner in many Mexican towns you will find roast or fried chapulines, usually served either with chili seasoning or with freshly squeezed lime and salt. In my opinion they are delicious and absolutely worth trying when you are here. There is even a “Chapultepec Park” in Cuernavaca, which today is known for its reptile house where you can see Mexico’s iconic “axolotl” salamanders, as well as being a place where you can appreciate some of the most beautiful trees in the city.

Xumiles

Xumiles, sometimes called jumiles or chumiles (and pronounced HUM-il-es), are small edible bugs found in some states of south/central Mexico. In Cuernavaca they are quite popular. Unlike Chapulines, they are not eaten on their own as a street-food snack. They are almost always ground up in traditional Mexican volcanic-stone mortar and pestles (called a “Molcajetes”) to make delicious rich sauces. When used, the Xumiles add intensity and depth to the flavours of other ingredients. But don’t worry! If you don’t like the sound of eating Xumiles in your sauces, rest assured – nowadays, Xumil sauces are only found occasionally as a special gourmet offering in some of the most traditional restaurants in Cuernavaca – and the menu will always tell you when they are being used.

Tequila Worms

Most people have probably heard about the famous tequila worm that you supposedly find in bottles of Mexican mezcal. Well, from personal experience living in Cuernavaca, this sadly is more myth than reality. According to the myth, you can find a worm in the bottom of the bottle in of all good mezcals. But in reality, only some bottles of Mezcal have a worm in them, and it’s usually more of a marketing ploy rather than an authentic addition that adds to the flavour. Instead, many mezcal bars in Mexico will serve mezcal shots with a special type of red salt as an optional extra on the side – called “sal de gusano”, literally worm salt. This salt does contain ground-up Maguey worms, as well as smokey paprika spices – it really is delicious and definitely worth trying when you are here!

Stick Insects

One of the participants on one of our Spanish immersion programs in Cuernavaca found a wild stick insect on a tree when we were walking around the historical centre of Cuernavaca during an immersion activity. The insect was so gentle and friendly that it was happy to be picked up and held in our hands. It was the first time we had ever seen one of these strange creatures in the wild before, and we had no idea that they lived wild in Cuernavaca until that day. But I suppose it’s not surprising that stick insects are rarely seen in the wild – their camouflage is impeccable!

The Bad

Mosquitos

Mexico is famous for being the “City of Eternal Spring” and is well-known for its temperate “spring-like” weather all year round. This cooler climate means that Cuernavaca doesn’t have as many mosquitos as other famous Mexican travel destinations such as Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta or some parts of Oaxaca. That said, there are still some mosquitos here, so it is always worth coming prepared with your preferred insect spray. If you don’t have any repellant with you, don’t worry! You can buy good cheap insect repellant at any pharmacy or Walmart in the city. Malaria does not exist in Cuernavaca, so you don’t need to worry about that or bring malaria pills. Cases of Dengue fever and Zika are very rare but are occasionally reported so we always recommend using insect repellant when you are here, but the risk is so low that it is not something that you need to worry about. We have lived here for ten years and we have never heard about anyone we know getting dengue or zika fever, so it really isn’t common at all.

Kissing Bugs

Triatomine, or Kissing bugs, are a species of insect that lives all across North, South and Central America, from Nebraska to Argentina. In Cuernavaca they are not as common as places like Oaxaca but they do exist so it’s good to be aware of them. They mainly live around livestock but can occasionally enter houses and gardens. In the unlikely event that you see one in your house when you are in Cuernavaca it is important to go to the doctor to get checked because some of these bugs carry Chagas disease. Again, we have lived here for ten years and we have never heard of anyone getting bitten so it is rare to see these bugs, but it’s still something to be aware of.

Scorpions

We have left the scorpions to the end of the list because the bad reputation of scorpions is, in our opinion, quite overrated. In our ten years in Cuernavaca we do occasionally see scorpions (called “alacranes” in Mexico), but in our experience they are almost always tiny – literally as small as a nickel – and they are always more scared of you than you are of them. In the unlikely event that you see one here in Cuernavaca, don’t worry. You can just crush it with a shoe or carefully take it outside. But it’s generally nothing to worry about.

The Ugly

Cockroaches

I was once told that cockroaches could survive a nuclear war. I still don’t know if that’s true or not (I doubt it), but nevertheless it is undeniable that cockroaches are very good at surviving. Nearly 100% of the world’s countries have cockroaches – they have even been found in Northern Canada, just 500 miles south of the North Pole! Mexico, like the USA or Europe, is no different. These insects are ugly but they aren’t dangerous so if you do see one in your house or garden then then either kill it or leave it to continue on its way. In Mexican Spanish cockroaches are known as “cucarachas”.

The post What Bugs Do You Find in Cuernavaca, Mexico? A Local’s Guide to the Good, the Bad and the Ugly appeared first on Iguana Abroad.

Since our first Iguana Abroad Spanish immersion program back in February 2020 we’ve lost count of how many of our students have asked us for recommendations about ideas for what to do after their program ends. Of course, many Iguana Abroad participants like to return home after their Spanish immersion program finishes – either to return to their jobs, studies or families, or maybe simply to recharge their batteries and rest at home after an intense few weeks in Mexico – but many like to stay in Mexico, continue exploring this vibrant country and – most importantly – keep practicing their Spanish.

We have also noticed that many of our students have asked about recommendations for surf schools.

And as keen recreational surfers ourselves, with over a decade of experience exploring Mexico’s best beaches in our free time, we’ve certainly developed a few personal favorites.

So here goes – here is our personal selection of Mexico’s best surf schools. We hope that some of you may find this list useful!

These are some to consider, in no particular order.

Zicazteca Surf School, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

We love the Oaxacan coastline and you can’t mention Oaxaca’s surf culture without talking about playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido.

If you’re looking for a surf school with a genuinely local connection to Puerto Escondido, Zicazteca Surf School is a particularly interesting option. The school was founded by Julio Soto Noyola, a Puerto Escondido native whose family has lived in the area for generations, and Julio has spent his entire life surfing the waters around Zicatela. His own surfing story apparently began as a child, when he and his brother would catch waves on a broken piece of boogie-board foam — not a bad way to start a lifelong relationship with the ocean!

What we particularly like about Zicazteca is that it feels much more personal than a large commercial surf operation. Julio’s approach is centred around safe, friendly and enjoyable lessons, particularly for beginner and intermediate surfers, and he knows the local beaches and conditions extremely well. Lessons can also be conducted in either English or Spanish, which makes this an especially nice option for anyone coming to Mexico after an immersion programme and wanting to keep practising their Spanish while learning to surf.

And there is a nice creative side to Julio too: alongside surfing, he is an artist who has painted surfboards, murals and designs for local projects. So if you’re spending some time in Puerto Escondido after your Spanish immersion programme, Zicazteca offers a chance to learn from someone who isn’t simply running a surf business here — he’s a local surfer, artist and part of the community who has spent his whole life around these waves.

Visit the Zicazteca Surf School website to find out more.

Las Palmeras Surf Resort, Playa Brasil, Salina Cruz, Oaxaca

If you’re looking for somewhere that feels genuinely connected to the local surfing community, Las Palmeras Surf Resort is a particularly special option. It is the first locally owned and operated surf resort in Salina Cruz, and the story behind it is very much a family one. Head surf guide David Ramirez was born and raised in Salina Cruz and has been working as a surf guide since 1992. He now runs the resort alongside his wife, Karla, and their two sons, Dylan and Zion, with the family living right here in the area. Their philosophy is wonderfully simple: they want guests to feel more like friends than clients.

What we particularly like about Las Palmeras is the combination of local knowledge and the sheer variety of surfing around Salina Cruz. The resort sits directly on Playa Brasil, between the famous point breaks of Punta Conejo and Punta Chivo, and the team searches the coastline each day for the best conditions. With David having spent more than three decades guiding surfers here, you’re not simply being taken to the same beach every day — the guides know the coastline extremely well and can choose different waves depending on your experience and the day’s conditions.

And there is something particularly appealing about the atmosphere at Las Palmeras. This isn’t just somewhere to turn up, surf and leave again: the family has built a beachfront home and resort where guests eat together, spend time by the pool and get to know the people who live and work there. Karla is also passionate about cooking and dancing, and the resort provides three meals a day, including traditional Oaxacan food. For anyone finishing a Spanish immersion programme and wanting to experience a completely different part of Mexico while continuing to use their Spanish, a few days with the Ramirez family on the Oaxacan coast could be a pretty memorable way to finish your Mexican adventure.

Visit the Las Palmeras Surf Resort website to find out more.

La Cruz Surf School — La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit

If you’re looking for a surf school in the Banderas Bay area, La Cruz Surf School is a nice option for experiencing some of the area’s local surf culture without going for a large, commercial operation. The school works with local instructors who know the waves around the bay well, and lessons are kept relatively small, with private, two-person and small-group options available. What particularly appeals to us is the flexibility: rather than simply taking every student to the same beach, the instructors can choose the best available spot depending on the conditions and the surfer’s level.

What makes the area especially interesting is that La Cruz de Huanacaxtle sits right in the middle of the Riviera Nayarit surf scene. You’re within easy reach of several different breaks, including La Lancha near Punta de Mita, and the school offers a free shuttle with every lesson covering La Cruz, Bucerías, Sayulita and Punta Mita. La Lancha itself is particularly appealing for beginners, with gentler waves, warm water, a sandy beach and jungle-covered surroundings.

Another thing we like about this surf school is the way they keep the lessons small and personal. You can book a private lesson, go with a friend or partner, or join a small group of just three to five people, so you’re not simply thrown into a big class of beginners. They also provide the surfboard and equipment, and the instructors tailor the session to your level and goals. Most importantly, they say they’ll choose the best available surf spot depending on the conditions rather than sticking rigidly to one beach — a pretty useful approach when you’re learning to read the waves.

For someone who has just finished a Spanish immersion programme and wants to continue exploring Mexico, this could be a particularly fun way to spend a few days. You get the relaxed atmosphere of a Pacific coast town, plenty of opportunities to practise your Spanish, and the chance to learn a completely new skill while exploring some of the beautiful beaches around Banderas Bay.

Visit the La Cruz Surf School website to find out more.

Marea Surf School — Sayulita, Nayarit

If you’re looking for a surf school in Sayulita with a genuinely local and personal feel, Marea Surf School is one that caught our attention. The school started in Sayulita in 2015 with little more than an umbrella and four surfboards, with the idea that a surf school should feel more like a community than a transaction. A decade later, they’ve grown into a small surf shop in the centre of town, but they say they’ve deliberately kept the same family-owned approach and small-team atmosphere. We love that story — particularly because Sayulita is a place where it’s easy to see how surfing has become such an important part of the local culture.

What particularly appeals to us about Marea is their emphasis on small groups and proper coaching. Groups are limited to a maximum of four surfers per instructor, while private and semi-private lessons are also available. Lessons take place on Sayulita’s main beach, which has a sandy beginner break as well as more challenging left and right waves for intermediate and experienced surfers. Marea also takes students out to La Lancha, a quieter beach about 25 minutes away, where the waves tend to be longer and there are fewer crowds.

And there’s something particularly nice about the way Marea describes what they want their students to experience: they want people to feel like family rather than customers. That seems to fit Sayulita particularly well. It’s the sort of place where you can spend the morning learning to surf, wander into town for lunch afterwards and then find yourself chatting to other travellers or locals over a drink as the sun goes down. For anyone finishing a Spanish immersion programme and wanting to keep exploring Mexico while practising their Spanish and learning something completely new, a few days surfing with a small local school like Marea could be a pretty perfect next chapter.

Visit the Marea Surf School website to find out more.

Mario Surf School — Los Cerritos Beach, El Pescadero (near Todos Santos), Baja California Sur

For a smaller, more low-key alternative to the bigger Cabo and Sayulita operations, Mario Surf School on Cerritos Beach (just outside Todos Santos, in the Pescadero area of Baja California Sur) is a solid option. It was founded in 2008 by Mario Becerril, and the school has stayed centred on his approach to personalized instruction — lessons are built around private and small private-group formats rather than large-scale group classes, with sessions tailored to whatever level the surfer is coming in at.

Cerritos itself is part of what makes this a nice pick if you’re after something quieter: it’s a smooth, sandy-bottomed beach with gentle, forgiving waves, a fair bit calmer and less commercial than the surf towns further south. The school also seems to take its role in the local community seriously — beyond lessons, they run the Mario Surf School Foundation, and their blog has documented local initiatives like community beach-cleanup days around Todos Santos, with local hotels and businesses pitching in alongside them.

It’s a more understated operation than some of the flashier schools nearby, but that’s part of the appeal — Mario Surf School reads like a small, owner-led business that’s been doing the same thing carefully, on the same beach, for close to two decades.

Visit the Mario Surf School website to find out more.

Ticla Surf School — La Ticla, Michoacán

If there’s one surf destination on this list that feels particularly different from the others, it’s Ticla Surf School. La Ticla is a small coastal community on Michoacán’s Costa Nahua, and what makes the place so special is that tourism here is closely connected with the Indigenous community of Santa María Ostula. Rather than being a conventional resort destination, La Ticla has developed a much more community-based approach to tourism, with local residents involved in accommodation, food, surfing and the protection of the surrounding environment.

The setting is spectacular. La Ticla sits where the Río Ostula meets the Pacific, with the river, jungle-covered hills and long stretches of relatively undeveloped coastline all coming together around the beach. It’s a world away from the big resort areas of Mexico’s Pacific coast, and that’s exactly what we love about it. The surf is the main attraction, with a famous point break that can produce long rides, while the beach itself remains wonderfully rustic. There are simple cabañas, camping areas, palapas and local restaurants rather than rows of hotels and apartment complexes.

What makes the surfing here particularly meaningful to us is that the community itself has embraced surf tourism while maintaining a strong connection to its land and traditions. The local community manages the tourist facilities and has developed ecotourism around the area, with an emphasis on protecting the natural environment. Surf lessons are also offered by instructors from the region, so learning to surf here means spending time in a place where surfing has become part of a much broader community-run tourism project.

For us, that’s what makes La Ticla such an interesting destination after a Spanish immersion programme. You’re not simply going somewhere beautiful to learn to surf; you’re experiencing a very different side of Mexico, meeting people from a local Indigenous community and spending time in a part of the country that has remained remarkably untouched by mass tourism. If you’re the sort of traveller who prefers a hammock, a simple beachfront cabaña and an incredible sunset to an all-inclusive resort, La Ticla is definitely worth putting on your list.

Visit the Ticla Surf School Facebook page to find out more.

Fuga Surf Camp — La Saladita, Guerrero

If you’re looking for somewhere that combines surfing with a really relaxed Pacific-coast experience, Fuga Surf Camp in La Saladita is an interesting option. La Saladita is famous for its exceptionally long left-hand wave, making it particularly well suited to longboarding, and Fuga has built one of its main experiences specifically around women who want to improve their longboarding in this beautiful part of Guerrero. Their Women’s Longboard Surf Retreat combines daily coaching with surf-skate sessions, video analysis and plenty of time in the water, while accommodation is right by the ocean.

What particularly caught our attention about Fuga is the women’s retreat concept. Rather than simply offering women-only surf lessons, the retreat is designed as a complete experience for women who want to spend several days surfing, improving their technique and enjoying La Saladita together. There’s something very appealing about the idea of waking up beside one of Mexico’s best longboard waves, spending the morning in the water and then having the rest of the day to relax and explore. And because La Saladita is a relatively small, laid-back surf community rather than a major resort destination, it feels a world away from the busier tourist areas further north on the Pacific coast.

And La Saladita itself is a big part of the attraction. The wave can peel for hundreds of metres along the point, and the warm water, palm trees and relatively undeveloped coastline give the whole place a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Fuga also offers experiences beyond surfing, including trips to less-crowded nearby breaks and fishing adventures with local fishermen, which gives you an opportunity to see a little more of the area beyond the main surf break.

For someone finishing a Spanish immersion programme and wanting to continue exploring Mexico, La Saladita would be a fantastic place to slow down for a few days. You can spend your mornings practising your longboarding, your afternoons relaxing beside the Pacific and, if you’re staying longer, get out and explore some of the smaller coastal communities and beaches around Guerrero.

Visit the Fuga Surf Camp website to find out more.

Catcha L’Ola Surf School — Ixtapa, Guerrero

If you’re looking for a surf school with deep roots in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area, Catcha L’Ola is a particularly interesting one. The school has been teaching people to surf here since 1990 and is run by Leonel Pérez, who has been an important part of the local surf community for decades. Catcha L’Ola isn’t just about lessons either — Leonel has also been involved in organising local surf events, including the annual Ruco Surf Contest at Playa Linda, which brings together surfers from the local area and visitors from further afield.

One of the things we particularly like about Catcha L’Ola is that Ixtapa is really just the starting point for exploring the area’s surfing. Their usual lessons take place at Playa Linda, but the school also organises surf trips to places such as La Saladita, El Rancho, Troncones, Playa Manzanillo and other breaks along the Guerrero coast. That means you can use Ixtapa as a base while gradually discovering some of the less-developed beaches further along the coast. And with the warm Pacific water, jungle-covered hills and long stretches of coastline around Zihuatanejo, there is plenty to explore when you’re not in the water.

Another thing that appeals to us is the small, local feel of the school. Catcha L’Ola offers private lessons as well as small group sessions, and the instructors work with everyone from complete beginners to more experienced surfers. Playa Linda is particularly convenient for beginners, while the more adventurous can arrange trips to some of the area’s better-known breaks. There’s also a nice tradition behind the business: the Ruco Surf Contest is specifically aimed at older surfers and is as much about friendship and having fun as it is about competition.

For someone finishing a Spanish immersion programme and wanting to continue travelling through Mexico, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo could make a fantastic next stop. You can spend your mornings learning to surf, explore the beautiful beaches and fishing communities around the coast, and then head further south towards La Saladita and Troncones if you want to keep chasing waves. Catcha L’Ola has been part of that local surf scene for more than three decades, which makes it a particularly interesting place to start.

Visit the Catcha L’Ola Surf School website to find out more.

The post 8 Best Surf Schools in Mexico to Consider After Doing Your Spanish Immersion Program in Cuernavaca appeared first on Iguana Abroad.

Coming from a country like England, Mexican weather is extremely predictable. In England it can rain on any day of the year. It can rain for four weeks in August without warning, right in the middle of the school summer holidays, and then in March, when it’s supposed to be mild, there can be an unexpected four week heatwave. In Cuernavaca, Mexico, everything is more predictable. Here we have a dry season that generally runs from October to May and a rainy season that begins in late May or early June and lasts until September.. Easy. No surprises. For an Englishman, this is bliss.

The City of Eternal Spring

When Alexander Von Humbolt, the German Naturalist, passed through Cuernavaca in 1803, he was so impressed with the year-round climate that he nicknamed the city “The City of Eternal Spring“. And it really is. Daytime temperatures are generally somewhere between 70°F and 85°F (21–29°C) all year round; at night this may drop a bit but usually not by much. Unlike Mexico City to the north, in winter it’s never unpleasantly cold, and unlike coastal cities like Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Escondido or Cancun, in summer it’s never oppressively hot. The temperature always hovers around that perfect “spring-like” level.

This also means that all the way through the year, there is an enormous variety of fresh fruit and vegetables that grow in the city. Every week you can go to the market in the city centre and find new species of fruit that you didn’t see the week before. This has a knock-on effect on the gastronomy of the city. Local restaurants change their menus depending on the season, to accommodate for the ever-changing variety of fresh produce that you find in the local area. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites in our guide to the best restaurants in Cuernavaca.

Cuernavaca is so famous for the abundance of fresh fruit that you find here that residents of Cuernavaca are known all across Mexico by the affectionate nickname of “guayabos” – the people of the guava.

Is there really a “rainy season”?

Coming from England, when you hear the phrases “rainy season” you imagine grey days full of cold drizzly rain from morning to night. Thankfully, this is not the case in Cuernavaca. In Cuernavaca during the rainy season (from late May to September), it almost always rains only at night.

A typical day in rainy season is like this: bright blue skies and sunshine all day, from dawn til dusk. Then, at night, usually around 8pm or 9pm, there is a big tropical storm which lasts for several hours, usually finishing just after midnight. Could it get any better? No rain in the day, only at night. Perfect.

Thanks to the storms, Cuernavaca is one of the greenest cities in Mexico. In summer, after a night-time rainstorm, you wake up in the morning and everything smells fresh, all the plants are watered and all the rivers are full. The ravines in the city are bursting with vines and flowers; the forests are full of life. Then, in the daytime, from dawn til dusk, it’s beautiful bright warm sunshine again.

You really couldn’t design it better if you tried.

What should I pack if I join an Iguana Abroad Spanish immersion program in Cuernavaca?

Here’s the in-detail weather advice for the month you are planning to visit Cuernavaca.

September–May (Dry Season)

If you’re joining us during the dry season, you’ll spend most days in shorts, T-shirts, summer dresses or other lightweight clothing. Daytime temperatures are warm without being oppressive, making Cuernavaca ideal for walking around the historic centre or taking part in afternoon activities.

Evenings, particularly between December and February, can sometimes feel cool, so I’d recommend bringing:

• a light jumper or fleece
• a thin jacket
• comfortable walking shoes
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• a hat

Late May–September (Rainy Season)

Don’t let the name “rainy season” put you off.

Most days are still bright, warm and sunny, with heavy tropical rain arriving in the evening after most activities have finished.

For this time of year I’d pack:

• lightweight summer clothes
• a compact umbrella
• a waterproof jacket
• trainers or shoes you don’t mind getting wet
• a small backpack for excursions

If you do forget something, don’t worry. Cuernavaca has plenty of supermarkets, pharmacies and shopping centres, so it’s easy to buy anything you’ve left at home.

Pack light, bring comfortable shoes and an open mind, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Planning your trip? Our free Why Study in Cuernavaca? booklet covers everything from the city’s neighbourhoods and climate to local culture, accommodation and what to expect during your stay.

The post When Is the Best Time to Visit Cuernavaca? A Local’s Guide appeared first on Iguana Abroad.

In the 10 years that we have lived in Mexico, we have travelled extensively throughout the country, visiting almost every region from Yucatán and Chiapas in the south to Tamaulipas and Tijuana in the north. Mexico is a country with one of the world’s greatest culinary traditions, and every state has something unique to offer.

But we can honestly say that Cuernavaca’s food scene is something special.

One of the things that makes eating in Cuernavaca unique is the city’s vibrant “comida corrida” culture.

For those unfamiliar with the term, “comida corrida” is a traditional Mexican lunchtime meal, usually served Monday to Friday, where restaurants offer a set menu at an affordable price. A typical comida corrida includes a soup or starter, a main course, a drink (a homemade agua fresca made with fresh seasonal fruit), and sometimes dessert.

Comida corrida is one of the best ways to experience authentic Mexican food. These restaurants are not designed for tourists — they are where local people go for a delicious, homemade meal during the day.

Of course, Cuernavaca also has plenty of excellent options for a longer dinner, from relaxed neighbourhood restaurants to some of the most elegant dining experiences in Morelos.

Whether you are visiting Cuernavaca for a weekend, living here as an expat, or joining a Spanish immersion programme, these are some of the best restaurants in Cuernavaca in 2026.

Budget Daytime Options: The Best Comida Corrida Restaurants in Cuernavaca

Casa Tikal

If you want to experience the very best comida corrida in Cuernavaca, Casa Tikal would be my number one recommendation.

The menu is exceptional. You’ll find traditional favourites such as enchiladas suizas and puerco en salsa verde alongside more creative dishes, like their outstanding lomo de cerdo en mole guerrense con romeritos. The menu changes regularly to make the most of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, so there’s always something new to try.

The service is quick, the dining room is full of quirky artistic touches, and the quality of the food is remarkable considering the price. If you only have one opportunity to try a traditional comida corrida while you’re in Cuernavaca, make it Casa Tikal.

Iguanas Greens

Iguanas Greens is something of a Cuernavaca institution.

The restaurant has been serving comida corrida since 1985, making it one of the longest-running restaurants in the city’s historic centre. It’s particularly popular with locals, many of whom have been coming here for years.

The building itself has an interesting history. Dating back to the 1800s, it has served many purposes over the years, including, for a time, as the city’s local prison.

The food is simple, honest Mexican cooking done well. Portions are generous, prices are excellent, and it’s a fantastic place to experience the kind of lunch that many Cuernavaca residents enjoy every day.

La Tía de las Muchachas

Strictly speaking, La Tía de las Muchachas isn’t a comida corrida restaurant, but it deserves a place on this list because it’s one of the best lunchtime restaurants in Cuernavaca.

The prices are comparable to many comida corrida restaurants, yet the presentation would not look out of place in a fine dining establishment.

Chef Ana Karina Rodríguez has created one of the most original menus in Cuernavaca, using locally sourced ingredients and imaginative twists on classic Mexican dishes. Many plates are beautifully finished with edible flowers, while some of the ingredients are so unusual that even my Mexican friends have had to look them up afterwards.

Eating here is as much about the experience as it is about the food, and every visit feels like discovering something new.

Mid-Range Restaurants in Cuernavaca

Casa Hidalgo

Few restaurants are as deeply woven into Cuernavaca’s history as Casa Hidalgo.

Serving traditional Mexican cuisine since 1877, it has earned its reputation as one of the city’s best-loved restaurants.

Its location, overlooking the Palacio de Cortés and the Jardín de Armas, is hard to beat. Upstairs you’ll also find a rooftop cocktail terrace where live music is often played in the evenings, making it an excellent place to relax after exploring the historic centre.

If you’re only visiting Cuernavaca for a short time, Casa Hidalgo is one of those classic restaurants that simply shouldn’t be missed.

Panzón Pizzería

Panzón is one of the newest additions to Cuernavaca’s restaurant scene, but it has quickly become one of its biggest success stories.

Reservations can be surprisingly difficult to get at weekends, which tells you everything you need to know about its popularity.

The pizzas are authentic Neapolitan style, with beautifully blistered crusts and high-quality ingredients, and are among the best you’ll find anywhere in central Mexico.

The interior has a relaxed but elegant atmosphere, somewhere between a hipster Madrid tapas restaurant and an underground New York speak-easy cocktail bar. Speaking of cocktails, don’t miss the Negronis — they’re among the best I’ve had in Cuernavaca.

Azulengo

If seafood is your thing, Azulengo should be high on your list.

The ceviches and aguachiles are among the freshest and most flavourful in Cuernavaca, and the prices remain refreshingly reasonable for the quality on offer.

There’s also a fully stocked oyster bar and a creative cocktail menu featuring drinks unique to the restaurant (including their famous “Pedorrita” cocktail), making it an excellent choice for a long lunch or an evening out with friends.

Upmarket Restaurants in Cuernavaca

Las Mañanitas

No list of Cuernavaca’s best restaurants would be complete without Las Mañanitas.

Since opening in 1955, it has been the city’s restaurant for special occasions. Generations of Cuernavaca families have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and milestones here, and it continues to serve some of the finest traditional Mexican cuisine in the region.

Its guest list over the decades reads like a history book. Politicians, actors, musicians and royalty have all dined here. One particularly fascinating regular was the Shah of Iran, who lived in exile in Cuernavaca during the 1970s. He visited so often that the restaurant permanently reserved Table 14 for him.

Today, you can still request that very table.

El Rincón del Bife

For steak lovers, it doesn’t get much better than Rincón del Bife.

The restaurant specialises in premium cortes finos, serving beautifully cooked steaks in exactly the way you like them. Whether you prefer rib-eye, sirloin or fillet, the quality of the meat is consistently excellent.

There’s also an impressive wine list, alongside one of the better selections of Mexican beers and tequilas in the city.

We’ve celebrated more birthdays here than we can remember, and it never disappoints.

El Madrigal

If you’re looking for an elegant evening out, El Madrigal is hard to beat.

The gardens are beautiful, filled with mature tropical trees and lush greenery that make the restaurant feel like a hidden oasis. Dining here feels like stepping back into another era of Cuernavaca’s history.

Every time we’ve been we’ve felt like we’ve been transported back to Cuernavaca’s golden era of the 1950s and 1960s when the City’s famous “Casino de la Selva” hotel was one of the most exclusive destinations in all of the Americas.

Some of our personal favourites are the steak tartare and the lechón, a beautifully cooked suckling pig that’s one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.

With its refined atmosphere, excellent service and memorable setting, El Madrigal remains one of the city’s finest dining experiences.

The post Best Restaurants in Cuernavaca (2026 Guide): From Local Comida Corrida to Fine Dining appeared first on Iguana Abroad.

While apps, textbooks, and online lessons can all help you build a foundation, the biggest progress often happens when you are surrounded by the language every day. This is the power of Spanish immersion.

Instead of only studying Spanish for a few hours a week, an immersion experience allows you to use Spanish in real-life situations — ordering food, exploring local markets, meeting new people, travelling, and becoming part of a community.

Mexico is one of the best places in the world to experience Spanish immersion. With its rich history, diverse cultures, welcoming people, and millions of native Spanish speakers, Mexico offers the perfect environment to improve your language skills while having an unforgettable experience.

At Iguana Abroad, our Spanish immersion programmes in Mexico combine professional Spanish classes with cultural activities, local experiences, and opportunities to practise Spanish every day.

Learn Spanish Faster Through Total Immersion

One of the greatest advantages of learning Spanish in Mexico is the amount of exposure you receive.

In a traditional classroom, you may spend a few hours each week learning grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. However, it can be difficult to develop confidence if you rarely use the language outside those lessons.

Immersion changes that.

When you live in Mexico, Spanish becomes part of your daily life. You hear it at breakfast, in shops, on the street, during activities, and in conversations with local people.

Every interaction becomes a learning opportunity.

Ordering a meal in a restaurant, asking for directions, chatting with your host family, or simply having a conversation with someone you meet during your travels all help reinforce what you learn in class.

Many students arrive in Mexico knowing some Spanish but feeling nervous about speaking. Being surrounded by the language helps you move beyond memorised phrases and begin communicating naturally.

Experience Mexico Beyond the Tourist Attractions

One of the most rewarding parts of learning Spanish in Mexico is the opportunity to experience the country from the inside.

A typical holiday allows you to visit beautiful places, enjoy delicious food, and see famous landmarks. A Spanish immersion experience allows you to connect with the people, traditions, and everyday life behind those places.

Mexico has one of the richest cultural histories in the world. From ancient civilisations and colonial cities to modern art, music, and cuisine, every region has something unique to discover.

Learning Spanish gives you access to these experiences on a much deeper level.

Instead of simply visiting a market, you can chat with the vendors. Instead of only trying Mexican food, you can learn about the traditions behind it. Instead of observing local celebrations, you can understand their meaning.

Language transforms your experience from that of a visitor into that of a participant.

Build Confidence Speaking Spanish

Many Spanish learners experience the same challenge: they understand more than they can say.

You might know grammar rules, recognise words, and follow parts of conversations, but speaking can still feel intimidating.

This is completely normal.

Learning a language requires practice, and confidence comes from using Spanish in real situations. Immersion gives you countless opportunities to practise every day in a supportive environment.

You quickly learn that making mistakes is not something to fear. Mistakes are simply part of the process of improving.

Every conversation helps you develop the confidence to express yourself more naturally.

Whether you are ordering coffee, asking questions, talking with locals, or sharing stories with other students, each interaction helps you become a stronger Spanish speaker.

Make Friends From Around the World

A Spanish immersion programme is not only about learning a language. It is also about the people you meet along the way.

Students often arrive from different countries and backgrounds, but they share a common goal: improving their Spanish and experiencing Mexico.

The friendships formed during an immersion programme are often one of the most memorable parts of the experience.

You learn together, explore together, and support each other through the challenges of learning a new language.

Spanish immersion attracts people of all ages and backgrounds. University students, professionals, families, and retirees can all share the experience of discovering a new language and culture.

Why Choose Mexico for Spanish Immersion?

Spanish is spoken in many countries around the world, and each Spanish-speaking country has its own unique culture and traditions.

However, Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for Spanish learners — and for good reason.

Mexico has more Spanish speakers than any other country in the world, meaning there are endless opportunities to practise the language. The country is also known for its hospitality, incredible food, fascinating history, and cultural diversity.

For many learners, Mexican Spanish is also a great introduction to the language. The pronunciation is generally clear, and Mexico’s influence on the Spanish-speaking world means that the vocabulary and expressions you learn are widely useful.

Beyond the language itself, Mexico offers an incredible combination of culture, adventure, and value.

You can spend your mornings improving your Spanish and your afternoons exploring historic sites, trying traditional cuisine, discovering local traditions, or simply enjoying daily life in a Mexican community.

Why Learn Spanish in Cuernavaca?

Located just south of Mexico City, Cuernavaca is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its beautiful climate and lush surroundings.

For decades, Cuernavaca has been a popular destination for international visitors and Spanish students. It offers the perfect balance: a real Mexican city with authentic local life, while still being comfortable and accessible for international students.

The city provides many opportunities to practise Spanish outside the classroom. Students can explore local markets, visit historical sites, enjoy restaurants and cafés, and experience the rhythm of everyday Mexican life.

Cuernavaca is also ideally located for discovering more of Mexico. Its proximity to Mexico City and other important cultural destinations makes it an excellent base for exploring the country.

Spanish Immersion Is For Everyone

One of the biggest misconceptions about language immersion is that it is only for young students.

In reality, people of all ages choose to learn Spanish in Mexico.

University Students and Young Adults

For younger learners, a Spanish immersion programme can be an incredible opportunity to improve language skills, gain independence, experience another culture, and make international friendships.

Professionals

Spanish is one of the world’s most important languages. Improving your Spanish can help you communicate with colleagues, clients, and communities around the world.

Families

A Spanish immersion experience can be a unique way for families to travel together, learn together, and create lasting memories.

Retirees and Lifelong Learners

Many older adults choose Spanish immersion because they want to continue learning, challenge themselves, meet new people, and connect more deeply with the places they visit.

Learning a language is a lifelong journey, and there is never a wrong time to begin.

Start Your Spanish Immersion Experience in Mexico

Learning Spanish is about more than becoming better at a language. It is about opening doors to new experiences, friendships, and cultures.

A Spanish immersion programme in Mexico allows you to learn Spanish where it is spoken every day — surrounded by native speakers, local traditions, and unforgettable experiences.

At Iguana Abroad, we help students from around the world improve their Spanish through a combination of professional classes, cultural activities, authentic homestay accommodation, and real opportunities to practise the language.

Whether you are a university student, a professional, a family, or a retiree, Mexico offers the perfect environment to begin your Spanish learning journey.

Discover our Spanish immersion programmes in Mexico and start your adventure today.

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