Las Estacas
Either a side trip from Cuernavaca or a destination on its own, Las Estacas, Km 6.5 Carretera Tlaltizapán-Cuautla, Morelos (tel. 777/312-4412 or -7610 in Cuernavaca, or 734/345-0350; www.lasestacas.com) is a natural water park. Its clear spring waters reputedly have healing properties. In addition to the crystal-clear rivers with aquatic ropes, water swings, diving platforms, and hanging bridges, Las Estacas has two pools, wading pools for children, horseback riding, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and a diving school. Several restaurants serve such simple food as quesadillas, fruit with yogurt, sandwiches, and tortas. Admission is $21 (£11) for adults, $13 (£6.50) for children under 1.2m (4 ft.) tall. A small, basic hotel charges $120 to $150 (£60-£75) for a double room; rates include the entrance fee to the balneario and breakfast. Cheaper lodging options include a trailer and camping park; you can rent an adobe or straw hut with two bunk beds for $33 (£17). Visit the website for more information. MasterCard and Visa are accepted. On weekends, the place fills with families. Las Estacas is 36km (22 miles) east of Cuernavaca. To get there, take Highway 138 to Yautepec, then turn right at the first exit past Yautepec.
Pyramids of Xochicalco
This pre-Columbian ceremonial center provides clues to the history of the whole region. Artifacts and inscriptions link the site to the mysterious cultures that built Teotihuacán and Tula, and some of the objects found here would indicate that residents were also in contact with the Mixtec, Aztec, Maya, and Zapotec. The most impressive building in Xochicalco is the Pirámide de la Serpiente Emplumada (Pyramid of the Plumed Serpent), with its magnificent reliefs of plumed serpents twisting around seated priests. Underneath the pyramid is a series of tunnels and chambers with murals on the walls. At the observatory, from April 30 to August 15, you can follow the sun's trajectory as it shines through a hexagonal opening. The pyramids (tel. 777/314-3920 for information) are 36km (22 miles) southwest of Cuernavaca, open daily from 9am to 6pm. Admission is $4.50 (£2.25).
