In 1917, rebel Emiliano Zapata and his ragged army stormed Cuernavaca, capturing the city as he tried to bait President Venustiano Carranza into a fight on his home turf. Zapata and his idealistic army may be gone, but the unique city of Cuernavaca still holds a sense of romance and adventure.

In recent years, international tourists are learning what citizens of Mexico City have known for generations: that nearby Cuernavaca is a great place to go to escape the smog, traffic and clamor of the Federal District. This small, tranquil town is full of parks, gardens, good shopping and food and friendly people. Internationally, it is probably most famous for the countless Spanish schools that have popped up: it’s by far the best place to learn Spanish north of Antigua, Guatemala and on any given day you’ll see dozens of young North Americans and Europeans leisurely sipping coffee at a café while immersed in a language workbook.

Even if you’re not a student, there are lots of reasons to come to Cuernavaca. The restaurants in Cuernavaca are top notch, and include many fine choices for Mexican and international fare. The hotels in Cuernavaca tend towards the pricy side, but there are still sufficient budget places to house the tightfisted backpackers who are in town for some Spanish lessons.  There are many things to see and do in Cuernavaca, including the palace of Conquistador Hernán Cortés, the Brady Art Museum and more. Ruins buffs will not want to miss the Nahuatl sites located not far outside of town: archaeologists consider them priceless.