Teach English in Cuernavaca
Information on Cuernavaca
History
Cuernavaca is the capital city of the State of Morelos, located only 45 minutes from Mexico City (one hour and thirty minutes from the international airport) by way of the Mexico-Acapulco expressway.
The city is known world-wide as “The City of Eternal Spring” due to its excellent climate with an annual average of 20C.
The Aztecs called it Cuauhnahuac, meaning “place by the woods”. In 1532, after Hernan Cortes seized and destroyed the city, he ended up building himself a palace. The Spanish changed the name from Cuauhnahuac to Cuernavaca simply because they could not pronounce the former. Considered a sanctuary, the Aztec ruler Moctezuma, and emperor Maximilian both built retreats here.
There is a global assortment of retirees, diplomats, business executives and government officials living in Cuernavaca and the laid-back city also attracts people who seek a sunny place for creative or intellectual inquiry where they can find cultural stimulation and spirited conversations. Residents have included Erich Fromm, Diego Rivera, Carlos Fuentes, Helen Hayes, Malcolm Lowry, Ivan Illich, Gabriel Garcia Marques, Barbara Hutton, Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, to name a few.
Cost of living
Based on the standard dollar exchange value the cost of living in Cuernavaca varies from US$600 to US$800 with monthly rentals standing at an average of US$250. These figures are based on expenditure on housing, food, education, transportation, clothing, recreation, health, furniture, appliances and personal use.
A big feature of living in Mexico is that domestic help is relatively cheap compared to countries in the Western world. In Cuernavaca it’s common to pay around US$20 to a person (usually a woman) who will come and clean your apartment, iron clothes and if you’re willing to pay a bit extra, cook as well.
For expatriates often the most important starting references upon arriving in a foreign country are expatriate clubs and associations. Some of the most important are the American Society along with the DAR, the International Friendship Club, and Rotary International. American Society acts as a large umbrella organization harboring smaller clubs and associations that are based on particular fields of interest.
Climate
Cuernavaca has been called “the City of the Eternal Spring” due to its semitropical climate (average 70-75º F.) This Pre-Hispanic city named “Cuauhnahuac” by the natives was conquered by Cortez in 1532. Is one of the oldest cities in the American Continent. It is a beautiful evergreen place home of hundreds of celebrities.
The city maintains its own colonial architecture such as Cortez Palace and the Cathedral. Situated only 45 minutes far from Mexico City and 1 hr and a half from Mexico City’s International Airport makes it easy to travel there to visit museums and cultural places without staying in the big city.
The climate of Cuernavaca is unique. The weather becomes warmer in April and May (may reach 90° F.) In the dry season from November to April we enjoy warm mornings and cool nights (68-70° F.) December and January are the coolest months of the year (no less than 65° F.) During summer time (August specially) rains in the evenings and nights. Acapulco is also close to us… only 3 hours and a half away!!
Getting There & Around:
Getting There:
By Air – There’s a small airport here, which receives some domestic flights although most people drive or take the bus from Mexico City. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines. By Bus – You can travel to Cuernavaca on a luxury bus from Mexico City – the trip takes about an hour. Buses are frequent and this is the most common way of getting to Cuernavaca from Mexico City besides driving in a car. Buses can be boarded at the southern bus terminal (Central de Autobuses del Sur) , and now also directly from the airport in Mexico City. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses. By Car – Driving to Cuernavaca is very fast and efficient with a six-lane toll highway direct to Cuernavaca from Mexico City.
Getting Around:
From the Airport – Taxis are available from the airport to the center of town. Taxis – Cuernavaca taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their taxi rates on a board in the lobby. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price. Another good reason to Learn Spanish Rent a Car – Cuernavaca is very accessible by road, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas. Renting a car would be a smart option if you’re thinking about traveling around this region, as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to see more of the area and its surrounding attractions.
Exchanging Currency:
Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Cuernavaca. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well.
Internet Access:
Internet cafes are common places in Mexico – new ones open and old ones close all the time – but you won’t have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.
