Mexico won independence from Spain on September 16, 1810, and established a constitutional form of government on February 5, 1917. Mexico is divided into 31 states and one federal district.  Morelos, the smallest state, was once an agricultural area. Today its cities are developed and it is a place of international industry and scholarship.

Situated on a small plateau south of Mexico City, about one hour’s distance via highway, the area is separated from Mexico City by a narrow mountain range. In the north the climate is cooler, and in the south it is tropical.

There is evidence of the prehispanic culture of Mexico in this area, including the Tepozteco Pyramid, the ceremonial Center of Las Pilas, and other archeological sites including Chalcatzingo, Coatetelco, Yautepec and Olintepec.

There are 800 archeological zones in Morelos. One of the groups associated with some of the sites were the Nahua, who also occupied the central plain of Mexico and built the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Evidence of three centuries of Spanish rule is seen in the area’s colonial architecture.

TEPANZOLCO PYRAMID

THE CITY OF CUERNAVACA

Originally named "Cuauhnahuac" by the Nahuatl, which means "among the groves," the Spanish gave it the easier to pronounce name of Cuernavaca, literally "horn of the cow."  It is the capital city of the State of Morelos. Now with a population of about 1 million, it was founded in the 12th Century by a Chichimecan tribe. Its rich, pre-Columbian heritage can be seen in archaeological sites such as the pyramids of Teopanzolco. This city was the home of two of Mexico’s most important historical figures: the Aztec Emperor, Moctezuma, and later the Spanish Conquistador, Hernan Cortes.

Cuernavaca is known throughout the world as "The City of Eternal   Spring" due to its near perfect climate (average annual temperature 78 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit), and year-round supply of lush, vibrant flora. On rolling land next to the mountains, Cuernavaca is full of canyons and ravines. Its winding streets are shaded by trees and lined with many comfortable homes and luxuriant gardens.

The city offers sidewalk cafes, and shops specializing in shoes, silver, and hand blocked, hand loomed fabrics. For years tourist groups and a good proportion of Mexico City’s population have visited the city, as it compares favorably with resort centers anywhere in the world.

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