Campus Cuernavaca

Tepoztlan

Tepoztlan is a small ancient town located about 40 min away from Cuernavaca. To the north of Tepoztlan is located the Tepozteco mountain, the top of the Ehecatepets hill. On this mountain is the archaeological site of the same name. This site consists of a monument in honor of the god Tepoztecatl, also known as the Tepozteco House. It is a pyramid built on a platform 31.17 ft high. The pyramid can only be reached by a long and narrow flight of steps located on the south side of the temple.

Also worth visiting is the beautiful XVI century Augustinian Convent built in honor of our Lady of Annunciation. At the back of the convent an archaeological museum exists where one can admire the private collection of Carlos Pellicer, donated to the people of Tepoztlan.

The Zapata Route

At the heart of liberty is land. Emiliano Zapata knew this better than anyone. His motto was "Tierra y Libertad!" (Land and Liberty!) This key figure in the Mexican Revolution was born in the heart of the state of Morelos and today you can travel la Ruta de Zapata (The Zapata Route). In the course of one day you can learn about Zapata and his fight against the exploitation of his people in the best way to do that - by moving through his land.

Traveling through his home area you can see both the open spaces through which he rode and the irrigated sugar cane fields that are still in production today. You will come away knowing that Zapata was a real man of great strength, determination, and ideals who lived his life as a Mexican, defining himself between the extremes of poverty and Spanish classism; excelling in horsemanship and leadership. His legend lives on today.

Taxco

Taxco is a beautiful colonial city only 60 minutes south of Cuernavaca. The city is built on several mountains and its white buildings contribute to a romantic atmosphere. This city is known throughout Mexico as the place to buy silver. During your visit you will admire the astonishing church of Santa Prisca, one of the most beautiful Baroque monuments in Mexico.

Acapulco

Acapulco is the closest beach destination to Cuernavaca and it's definitely well worth the visit. Only a three hour drive from the campus Acapulco waits with its tropical climate, beaches, hotels and restaurants, clubs and discos. You can't miss Acapulco's main attraction: the famous cliff divers of La Quebrada who dive from a 150 ft high cliff into a gap between the rocks. This is even more spectacular at night as, carrying torches in their hands, they plunge into the water.

The Convents Route

The municipalities of , Yecapixtla, Ocuituco, Tetela del Volcán, Zacualpan de Amilpas and Temoac are located in The Convents route in the State of Morelos. The route consists mainly of a series of majestic monasteries dating from the XVI century. Throughout this path, you will find yourself admiring the beauties of the landscape composed by diverse and colorful vegetation and the Popocatepetl volcano.

Mexico City & Teotihuacan Pyramids

Tenochtítlan, the majestic capital city of the Aztec empire built on Lake Texcoco, has evolved into one of the biggest cities in the world: Mexico City. During the colonial era, the capital grew fast, acquiring a distinctively Spanish look with European and Moorish architectural styles, churches and temples.

Immediately to the north of Mexico City, in the valley of Lake Texcoco, lies Teotihuacán or the "Birthplace of the Gods" in Nahuatl, the Aztec language. Simply amazing are the Pyramid of the Moon and the huge Pyramid of the Sun, where the Teotihuacanos once performed their sacred rituals. Next to the beautiful temple of Quetzalpapálotl, the Feathered Butterfly, you can discover the labyrinth of living quarters and steambaths of the large priest community that once lived in this pre- Hispanic city.

Puebla & Cholula

Puebla de los Angeles was founded in 1531. It was the first colonial city to be built with carefully made plans from the Spanish Crown. A few years after its foundation it became first in importance after Mexico City. Puebla, a prototype of the consolidation and richness of the Vice Royal era, was the cradle of Mexican baroque and well known for its architecture and decorative arts, such as plastering, paneling, iron works and ceramics.

The Historical Center of the city is an artistic monument in itself: numerous churches, convents, palaces and stately houses, stand out for their facades of gray quarry stone and red brick.

Right next to Puebla lays the town of Cholula, a picturesque town with a character of its own with some of Mexico's most renowned architectural features.