Cuernavaca is a city known for its perennial springtime weather, making it a favorite vacation and weekend getaway for Mexico City residents. Located in the state of Morelos, Cuernavaca is about two hours south of Mexico City and two hours west of Puebla. Both the city and the state are important in Mexican history: the palace of the Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortéz borders the central plaza in Cuernavaca; the state itself was named after Father José María Morelos y Pavon, one of the founders of the Mexican War of Independence against Spain in 1810; and Morelos is the birthplace of Emiliano Zapata, who led the cry “Land and Liberty” during the Mexican Revolution of 1910.  Cuernavaca is also known for its role in innovative grassroots education, alternative health practices, Base Christian Communities (“BCCs”) affiliated with Latin American Liberation Theologies, and progressive non-governmental organizations and grassroots movements. North Americans, Japanese and Europeans are attracted to Cuernavaca’s numerous Spanish language schools.

Time: The time is the same as U.S. Central time during standard time. However, Mexico does not have Daylight Saving Time, so during those months (March - November) Mexico will be one hour earlier than U.S. Central Daylight Saving Time (aka Mountain Time).

Casa Augsburg

The Center for Global Education and Experience (CGEE) maintains a study center called "Casa Augsburg" in the San Anton neighborhood of Cuernavaca, just a 15-20 minute walk to the main downtown area.  Casa Augsburg currently has seven bedrooms with bunk beds (not including the private room of our International Resident Assistant), several bathrooms, a dining room/living room, large back patio, ample garden space, and a small library/study room equipped with a printer and a computer with Internet access, and additional Internet cables and wireless access for students who bring laptop computers, cell phones or tablets. The  WiFi password downstairs is the #9 ten times (9999999999), and is posted upstairs. 

You will live in Casa Augsburg for at least a few days. During that time, we will also get to know you better in order to make the best possible urban homestay matches. Then you move into your urban homestays, which will serve as your homes for the rest of the program. Nonetheless, you will continue to go to Casa Augsburg for several of your classes and for lunch on weekdays (except for when you are at your field placement site or internship site and on holidays or if you are sick). 

In order to get a visual of what Casa Augsburg looks like, check out this video tour of the CGEE Study Center. 

• Computers: We have one computer and a printer for student use.  We highly encourage you to bring a laptop if you have one.

• We also strongly recommend that you consider property insurance for any theft or damages because if anything happens to it, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement, whether or not the damage is the result of your action or the action of another student, staff person, or unknown person. 

• Laundry: There is a nearby Laundromat (right up the street) that charges approximately US $4.00 for “full” service – wash, dry and fold.

• Local Conveniences: The Universal language school, which has a small swimming pool and racquetball court, is conveniently located on the same street as the CGEE house.  Also located on the same street are two bakeries, two Internet cafés, a few inexpensive small resturaunts, several small grocery stores, two stationery stores, a baseball field/park, a gym, a Zumba studio, a martial arts studio, a Pentecostal Church and the San Antón Catholic Church.

Casa Augsburg House Rules

COVID-19 Protocols

• If you have a fever (or any other potential COVID symptoms), please do not go to class  but rather send a WhatsApp to the on call person & your professors letting us know so that we can follow up with you regarding your health.  

Use of Spanish Language

• You are encouraged to speak Spanish as much as possible even when living at Casa  Augsburg.  Several Augsburg staff members do not speak English, so it is important not to speak a language that the people around you would not understand.    

Meals

• As soon as you know that you will not be eating certain meals provided at Casa Augsburg for you due to personal choices, such as not eating breakfast or going out to eat or going out of town for a few days or due to illness, be sure to send a WhatsApp message to the International Resident Assistant as far in advance of the meal(s) as possible so that our cooks do not prepare too much food that then gets wasted. The other option is to mark off your name in the calendar found on the door to the kitchen. 

• The Casa Augsburg kitchen is off-limits for health and safety reasons while the staff are cooking. When there are no staff in the kitchen, you  are welcome to use it, as long as it is left exactly how it was. If the kitchen is left a mess, kitchen privileges may be lost. Students are also not allowed to use the oven . There is a refrigerator for students in the dining room at Casa Augsburg. If you have special dietary needs, please list them on your Housing and Homestay forms, &/or update the International Resident Assistant. 

Alcohol, Illegal Drugs and Smoking

• If you are 18 and older, you may legally drink alcoholic beverages in Mexico as long as you do so responsibly and in moderation. Moderate and responsible consumption of beer and other alcoholic beverages are allowed in Casa Augsburg. However, drunk and disorderly conduct is not permitted.  If you do drink, we urge you to not only be careful for yourself but also considerate of students who may be alcoholics and/or in recovery. If you are overly intoxicated and/or acting drunk and disorderly, staff will ask you to stop drinking.  At the same time, if you are going to drink, it is safer to do that where you are living rather than to drink at bars, where strangers could try to take advantage of you. Please note that drinking in outdoor public spaces (such as parks or on a sidewalk) is illegal in Mexico. 

• If there are students who are in recovery or prefer dry spaces for other reasons, we will designate spaces in Casa Augsburg that  are “dry.” If you would like this, please let Ann &/or the International Resident Assistant know right away. 

• Smoking is not permitted inside Casa Augsburg.  Students who smoke tobacco may do so in the following outside areas: at either of the two tables in the garden near the main entrance from the street (not close to bedrooms) and/or behind the house in the area of the basketball court. 

• Although in some states in the U.S. it is legal to purchase and use cannabis products, Marijuana is still an illegal drug in Mexico and is strictly forbidden. Any students who use it or any other illegal drug while in Mexico will be sent home at their own expense, as illegal drug use can jeopardize your safety and that of others, as well as  the university’s legal status in this country.

Additional House Rules Related to Safety and Security

Front Door/Main Entrance

• Do not leave the front door open and do not buzz people in or open the front doors without first looking at the security camera monitor to see who is there. If you are unsure, find a staff person to answer the door.

• DO NOT give out your address (or staff addresses & phone numbers) to people you meet. Get their numbers instead if you want to contact them. Please, be extremely responsible in this matter. The reason for this is that students have sometimes met people on dating apps or at bars who seem friendly at first but then harass them and other students. Since you are not the only person who lives or studies at Casa Augsburg, others can be negatively affected if someone you meet turns out to be different from what you first thought. In addition, we ask that you respect the staff’s privacy. 

• While we would like you to make yourself at home at Casa Augsburg, it is essential that you be respectful of the rest of your peers and the people who work at the study center and of our neighbors. Therefore, we ask that you NOT give the Casa Augsburg address NOR give out the phone numbers or addresses of any of our staff. Please see the comments above for the reasons for this policy. 

Friends and Guests

1. New friendships and dating: If you meet someone with whom you want to connect, plan to meet them at a public place & take an Uber home. That way you help to ensure your own safety and others who live in Casa Augsburg by not giving out the address to people that you do not know extremely well. The reason for this is that students have sometimes met people on dating apps or at bars who seem friendly at first but then harass them and other students. Since you are not the only person who lives or studies at Casa Augsburg, others can be negatively affected if someone you meet turns out to be different from what you first thought. 

2. DO NOT have new acquaintances pick you up or drop you off at Casa Augsburg or your host family's home. Please see the reasons listed above. 

3. DO NOT invite over new acquaintances to Casa Augsburg or your host family's home. Many host families allow (& even encourage you) to invite your friends over. Please just discuss this with them. 

4. DO NOT host parties at Casa Augsburg. This is for everyone's security. 

5. Visitors: While you are living in Casa Augsburg, you may receive a few well known and trusted guests between 8:00am and 10:00pm from Sundays through Thursdays and between 8:00am and 12:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. These guests can include CGEE students who are living in homestays and friends that you know well through our staff, host families, and intercultural exchange at International House (IH, or IHouse), a local undergraduate university for Mexican students seeking to become language instructors. Guests could also include family and friends from elsewhere in Mexico or other countries. However, in all cases, you must do the following:

   • Send a WhatsApp message to the "Visitors" group chat on WhatsApp telling everyone who may be at the house who will be visiting and when, ALONG with a photo of their official ID (driver's license or other).  In many Mexican institutions, there is a 24-hour/7 security person at the door who signs people in & out & holds onto their ID until they leave. Since we only have security staff from 10pm-5am, we ask you to use WhatsApp to advise everyone of visitors & share their ID. This is for the security of everyone who lives and/or works at Casa Augsburg. 

   • Take responsibility for your guest while  they are at Casa Augsburg. Make sure that they are introduced to everyone who is around so that people recognize them from your message with their photo ID. 

   • If you live in Casa Augsburg and have a single room, your guests may enter your room. However, if you have one or more roommates, you may not have guests in your room unless it is okay with your roommates. If you have roommates, you should plan to hang out with any guests in public spaces (with them) so as to not inconvenience your roommates and other people in the house. 

   • If your guest has arrived before one of the two night watchmen (Diego or Mario) arrives at 10:00pm and your guests are still at the house, you should introduce them to the watchman who is on duty, although he will already have access to the "Visitors" group chat and therefore know who is in the house.

6. You may not have overnight guests stay in Casa Augsburg. If you have friends visiting from out of town, there are many nearby Airbnbs & hotels where they can stay.  

Please note: At the beginning of the semester, you will have a meeting with the International Resident Assistant to discuss any additional group guidelines that you may want to establish as a group of people sharing a house for both living and studying. Such guidelines could include quiet hours or time limits on the use of the library computer and printer.

Homestays

Your urban homestay with a Mexican family is a highlight of the program for most students.  For those of you who are learning Spanish, you will have time to practice your Spanish with native speakers, but more importantly, you will get to know people outside of the university setting and experience the diverse realities of Mexican life.  If you haven't submitted your form yet, please do so asap. 

CGEE-Mexico has close relationships with a wide variety of families, mostly of modest means. Past students have found the homestay to be one of their best experiences in Mexico.  All of the families that receive students have been carefully chosen by CGEE staff and have participated in orientations and activities including a health and safety orientation, as well as diversity orientation sessions.  They open their homes to students with a strong desire for cultural exchange and solidarity. Most of them go out of their way to adapt to you, and several have participated in vegetarian cooking classes that we have offered so that they can meet the needs of vegetarian students.  For your part, we ask that you open yourself to the experience, accepting the positive and negative elements as well as and the unavoidable awkward moments, remembering that different is not better or worse, just different. 

See this video for past students' comments about their homestays.

During the urban homestays, typically one student will be placed per home to maximize opportunities for cultural immersion.  You will most likely be housed with families in the same neighborhoods as at least one or two other students , although if you are conducting an internship, you may be placed with a family that lives closer to the internship site. 

For LGBTQ students, we have a growing number of LGBT+-friendly families who host students in different neighborhoods throughout Cuernavaca.  In addition, we have a few “recovery-informed homes” for students who are in recovery from alcohol and other drug addictions. If it is important to you to be placed in an LGBT+-friendly home or if you are in recovery from any kind of alcohol or drug addiction, be sure to indicate that on the Housing Homestay Form along with any allergies to pets, special dietary requirements, and other preferences regarding your homestay. 

Please read and complete this survey before May 1st so that we can make housing arrangements before you arrive in Mexico. Out of respect for your privacy, this information will be kept confidential. Thank you!

Please note: you will spend the first few nights in the Casa Augsburg dormitory after which you will be placed in a local private home unless you apply for an exception (see below). We will not be able to accommodate every single preference that you have. However, we will pay careful attention to your priorities and make the best matches that we can. We will make final decisions on your homestay after your arrival in Mexico.

Please read and complete this survey as soon as possible so that we can make housing arrangements before you arrive in Mexico. Out of respect for your privacy, this information will be kept confidential. Thank you! Note: If you have extenuating circumstances and would like to apply for a homestay exception, please click here to complete the "Homestay Exception Application" form. 

Quotes from former students regarding their homestay experiences:

“I got a better feel for what real life is like in Mexico and learned a lot of things that can’t be learned from a book.”

“(It was) definitely the most important and meaningful experience of the whole program. Many relationships developed, and I had opportunities to do things I wouldn’t normally have done.”

“It was really a time to be able to observe cultural differences in opinions, behaviors, religion and way of life.”

“It helped my Spanish a lot, and broke bad stereotypes.  It taught me a lot about Mexican culture and life.  I learned so much during those three weeks that would not have been possible by staying in the program house. It strengthened my commitment to fight poverty and oppression. My host mother was a great inspiration for me. I learned about food, relationships, music and much more.”

 “I liked my family stay.  It was hard at times, but very good for me and my Spanish. I feel much closer to Mexico and the people because of it.  I felt like a guest in my family sometimes, but felt very welcome. I learned so much about commitment to each other and gained a better understanding of Mexican life and culture .”

“I really enjoyed my overall experience with the host families. There were some frustrations, but overall I made long lasting relationships and made everlasting memories. I learned the value of family in Mexican terms, and truly got to see how closely knitted this family was. Also, I got to see the true working class family, and learn about their struggles, history, and social movements that they were involved in.”

Computers, Email and Internet Access

Casa Augsburg has a printer and a PC computer, all of which have Internet access, plus additional cables and wireless Internet access for students who bring laptop computers. If you have a laptop computer, you are encouraged to bring it along.

The server at Casa Augsburg is cemal_net, and the password is the #9 ten times (9999999999).

Please note that there are occasional problems with Internet service in Cuernavaca and that it may be slower than that to which you are accustomed. Internet service also goes down sometimes, so please purchase a data plan for your cell phone.

Library

There is a small library in Casa Augsburg. You can also access Augsburg's Lindell Library online using your Augsburg email address, which will be provided to you prior to the start of the semester if you normally attend a different university. If you are not an Auggie and also want to access your own university library online, make sure you find out from your IT department how you can gain access from Mexico.

Please note that these activities & times may have changed. While in Cuernavaca, please help us to update this section of the manual.

Activities at the Community Center 

The communitiy center Center de Desarrollo Comunitario Los Chocolates has workshops and shows free movies. Find what is offered on their social media @ cdcloschocolates.

Knitting, Sewing, and other crafts: Right before reaching Cuernavaca’s cathedral (about a 10-15 minute walk) you can find a small crafts store that offers supplies and classes for no extra cost, M-W and Sat. mornings. Near there, there are also various places that offer workshops, including drawing, literature, sculpting, etc.

Nature:

• Salta de San Anton - beautiful waterfall a short walk from Casa Augsburg.

• Chiamilpan Park - A nice way to get out of the city while staying close by, they have a small resturant, paintball, a zip line, swings, and walking trails.

• Chapultepec - is an urban park in Cuernavaca. It has a very small entrance fee, and offers some animal exibits and hiking trails.

• Jardin Borda - An urban garden and museum near the center, it has a small admittance fee, but is free on Sundays!

• Ethnobotanical Garden and Museum of Traditional Medicine - student recomended!

Movie Theaters:

• Cinemas Las Plazas: It is located in downtown Cuernavaca. Is cheapest but isn't a high-quality system video and audio. All movies featured in this cinema are all in Spanish.

• Cine Morelos: Located right across Jardin Borda and in close proximity to the Cathedral. It features small budget movies from all over the world. It’s fairly inexpensive and movies are aired in several languages.

• Cinemax: Running four locations across the city in plaza Cuernavaca (Bugambilia), Forum (Cibeles), Jacarandas and Diana (in front of Galerias shopping mall). Tickets start from 80 pesos for basic and go all the way to 220 pesos for VIP access. All locations have Imax 4d and Dolby digital systems. Plenty of options to choose for snacks.

• Cinepolis: Cinepolis has 3 operational locations in Galerias mall, Averanda mall and Portal D10 (Domingo Diez) mall respectively. Tickets start from 80 pesos for basic and go all the way to 220 pesos for VIP access.

Bowling Alley

Located on the third floor at Plaza Cuernavaca, Alboa features bowling and billiards tables for lots of fun with family and friends. Shoes are available onsite for rental. A large food and drinks menu to keep you and your friends busy and happy. Tuesday promotions of 2x1.

Disco Silver Skate

Located on Calle Pericon 207, Miraval, Cuernavaca features roller rink and small games. Open skate from Tuesday-Sunday, 12PM-8PM.  Skates are available for rent. Wednesday ́s promotions are $20 pesos less than regular days. ($100 pesos instead of $120 for admission with skate rental).

Shopping Malls:

• • Galerias: A little far from Augsburg, Galerias is one of the largest shopping malls in Cuernavaca. It houses international brands from Tommy Hilfiger to Adidas and Nike among countless others.

  • Plaza Cuernavaca: Built similar to Californian style shopping centers, Plaza Cuernavaca is a great place to find local brands in an outdoor atmosphere and a calm indoor center. Highlights include live music, food, and USA staples such as krispy Kreme and McDonalds.

  • Plaza Forum: Newly built in 2017, Plaza Forum is rapidly gathering international brands such as Zara, Pull and Bear, and Nike to join them as they quickly grow to become one of the top shopping places in town.

  • Plaza Averanda: Much like Plaza Forum, this shopping center was built in 2017 with some of your favorite brands such as Forever21 and H&M. There are no other places in town with these two brands! Plaza Averanda is located just across the street from Galerias.

  • Mercado de Artesanías - Directly off the zocalo, this is the place to go for hand crafted good from Morelos and beyond. 

Students can often open store membership cards such as Cinepolis, Cinemex, La Comer, and Starbucks.

With ISIC student card:

• Best Western: 20% student discount on accommodation

• Hotels Zar: 15% student discount on accommodation

• The Hamburger Club: 20% student discount on burgers

Libraries

• St. Michael and All Angels Church (English Library), Calle Minerva #12, Colonia Delicias (behind the church). M-F 10 am - 12:30 pm, F 4-6 pm, and Sat., 10:30-1.  Tel: 316-0749.

• Biblioteca Dr. Jose Felix Frias Sanchez (Spanish Library), Interior del Parque Melchor Ocampo. Hours unknown.

Museums  (All are open from Tuesday to Sunday -close Mondays- from 10 to 5 or 6)

• • Jardin Borda.  Calle Morelos #271. Centro Historico. 62000, Cuernavaca.  (777) 318 - 6200. Former summer house of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Charlotte. It is mostly a cultural  center with halls for temporary exhibits, a concert hall, a bookstore and a cafeteria. Strolling in the garden and the artificial lake is an option for relaxing. Sunday the gardens host an arts and crafts market and they also sell some food.

  • La Tallera de Siqueiros. Calle Venus 52.   Colonia Jardines de Cuernavaca.  CP 62360, Cuernavaca. Morelos. (777) 160 11 90. Weekend house and studio of the muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros. Has 2 of his murals in the facade and has a temporary exhibit hall for contemporary art.

  • Museo de Arte Indigena Contemporaneo.  Calle Morelos # 275  Centro Historico. 62000,  Cuernavaca. (777) 310 5700 / (777) 310 5701.  This recently remodelled colonial building is small but has beautiful pieces of indigenous art as well as temporary exhibits of indigenous art.

  • Museo de la Ciudad de Cuernavaca (MuCiC). Calle Morelos # 265  Centro Historico. 62000, Cuernavaca, (777) 314 - 5738.  This colonial building used to be the City Hall until it was recently remodeled to become a cultural center. It mostly has halls for temporary exhibits and it’s patio is used for cultural events and concerts.  It also has a bookstore.

  • Museo Morelense de Arte Contemporáneo Juan Soriano (MMAC). Dr. Guillermo Gándara S/N Colonia Amatitlán, C.P. 62410, Cuernavaca. (777) 608-3350. New modern art museum dedicated to Juan Soriano, contemporary artist of Diego Rivera. Has temporary exhibits, art workshops, a library and an auditorium. A must is the Sculpture Garden which is also a small city park that you can visit free of charge.

  • Museo Cuauhnahuac. Also known as the "Palacio de Cortes.” Frente a Plaza de Armas. Centro Historico. 62000, Cuernavaca,  (777) 312-8171 / (777) 312-6996 / (777) 310-1845. Former House of Mexico’s conqueror Hernan Cortes, it is now a History Museum. The Collection goes from prehispanic art and objects all the way to the Mexican revolution. The highlight is the Diego Rivera Mural of the History of Morelos on the 2nd floor. It has a wonderful bookstore. 

  • Robert Brady Museum.  Calle Netzahualcoyotl # 4.  Centro Historico. Cuernavaca , 62000. (777) 318 8554 (777) 314 3529.  Private house of eclectic and eccentric art collector Robert Brady.  The highlight might be the Frida Kahlo self portrait with a monkey or maybe exotic dancer Josephine Baker’s bedroom.

  • Sitio Arqueologico Teopanzolco (Piramide de Teopanzolco). Rio Balsas S/N Colonia Vista Hermosa. 62,290, Cuernavaca. (777) 314 - 1284. Small but interesting archeological zone now right in the middle of the city of Cuernavaca.

Recommended Restaurants

• Los Arcos:  An outdoor café next to the Zócalo. Open for lunch and dinner with many traditional Mexican dishes and a great location. Also has live music and salsa dancing.

• El Barco: Two locations in Cuernavaca. A great place to try Pozole, a good option particularly for Mon nights, when many other restaurants are closed.

• La Fontana:  A great place to gather for pizza, beer, and a casual, fun atmosphere.

• La Maga:  Good food in a cozy environment. Especially noteworthy is their lunch buffet (with lots of great vegetarian options!).

• Pizza Roma:  Great little restaurant with gourmet pizzas. Eat in, take out, or delivery.

• Restaurant El Salto: A nice restaurant located a short walk from Casa Augsburg, right next to the San Antón waterfall.  It closes on Tuesdays and shortly after 8:00pm other days. Live music on Thursdays and Fridays.

• Taquería La Gringa:  Delicious place for tacos. Three locations throughout the city. Great options for vegetarians. Their alambres are a must try!

• Marco Polo: A True Italian restaurant located right opposite to the cathedral on the second floor. Perfect for groups. Great views from the balcony. Huge variety of pizzas and wines. Their house wines are a must try.

• Néctar Tropikal Pizzería: Famous for their pizzas and sauces, Néctar truly brings fusion Italian-Mexican cuisine to another level. They are also popular for their international craft beers from Germany and Belgium.

• La India Bonita: India Bonita is a peaceful restaurant with lots of greenery in spite of its location in the middle of downtown Cuernavaca. Excellent table side service. Waiters are very attentive. Don’t go by name, this place is authentic Mexican.

• 100% Natural: Located right across from the Cuernavaca letters in the center. The food and service is great with moderate prices.

• Los Colorines: The place is lovely with a lot of colors truly Mexican. The service is really good and the waitresses are really attentive and helpful on how the food is served and give you a good detail about the different meals. The chilaquiles are handmade and the flavors are incredible. All the food is really good with moderate prices.

• Las Mananitas: Located in the outskirts of Cuernavaca. Las Mananitas restaurant and hotel. A perfect place to have a romantic date or a business meeting with its beautiful, flower full garden, with a great experience of exotic birds loosely mingling with the guests. An advanced booking is highly recommended.

• House Café + Lounge: Located across the artisan’s market. House café and lounge is an upscale restaurant. A perfect place for a date in town.  Excellent service both in English and Spanish. It has both inside and outside seating areas. It serves fusion food.

• El Madrigal: El Madrigal Cuernavaca offers a heavenly location. They offer a vast selection of international dishes. Their staff is extremely attentive, and the customer service is impeccable, all that in a wonderful atmosphere. It is also a hotel and the architecture does not disappoint. Would be a great place for a gathering or wedding reception.

• Anticavilla Restaurant: The hotel/restaurant is an Italian establishment with the restaurant being a Member of the Chaine Des Rotisseurs and displayed a silver plate on the wall from Accademia Italiana della Cuciana indicating it was Ristorante Verde Salvia. The mixture of an open-air concept restaurant with modern and Mexican hacienda styles provides an inviting and welcoming atmosphere.

• Cinnamon Veggie: A vegan restaurant recommended by past vegan students! It is located at  Av. Palmira, Plaza Palmira 42-Local 3, Palmira, 62040 Cuernavaca, Mor. 

• El Barco Pozolería - Great pozole and churros!

Recommended Cafés

• Stractus cafe - located to the left of Casa Augsburg, a great neighborhood coffee shop!

• Los Arcos: An outdoor Café next to the Zócalo. A popular meeting place for foreigners and Mexicans. There are evening happy hour specials 8:00-10:00pm. Live Salsa and Cumbia music on Sun, Thursday and Friday evenings and lively dancing initiated by the diners. No cover. (also see listing in Restaurants).

• Barecito: This is a very small, gay-owned bar that is open to the LGBTQIA community and the community at large. No cover. Live performances by local artists and painting exhibitions are commonly held at Barecito. 

• Meraki: New cafe/bar located on a rooftop, two blocks from the Cathedral. Very nice scenery, hammocks and indoor and outdoor seating.

• Cafe Punta de Cielo: Located in the center. Cozy place for a coffee and to socialize. Comfortable and quiet to study.

• La Maga: Good drinks, cozy and artsy environment with live music most weekend nights. During the daytime, this has a great and inexpensive salad bar and buffet.

• La Rana Sabia: In front of the Cuernavaca cathedral, this is a very nice place to visit if you are interested in workshops and literary gatherings, including poetry slams.

• Starbucks Centro Cuernavaca: Located right in the heart of downtown Cuernavaca and alongside the Palace of Cortes, Starbucks is a bustling location with friendly staff and a warm atmosphere.

• Gandhi Coffee and Library: A local coffee shop with English-speaking staff. Inexpensive and comfortable environment for study. There is a huge selection of books to choose from.

• Cielito: Designed with the impression of sharing Mexico’s culture, it’s vibrant colors share a warming environment with plenty of art and coffee hosted by local farmers and artists.

• Al Paradiso: With excellent views from its balcony, this medium-sized coffee shop is famous for its daily activities and outstanding coffee drinks. Each day is themed with a new activity such as Friday Movie Premiers, so please check ahead of time or take a random stop to explore.

• Café Colibre: Small but great outdoor space located in the center of downtown Cuernavaca. A tasteful dessert selection and good service.

• Expendio de Café: Known for its huge selection of coffee beans for sale, you can actually go and learn how to brew your own coffee without any necessary purchase.

• Coffee Gringo: Located in downtown Cuernavaca, a majority of its staff are friendly students from local colleges with medium English-speaking skills. A small but good selection of coffee drinks. The environment is beautiful with soothing background music supported by a lovely pool designed by a local artist and a patio.

• Mercado Vista Hermosa: Located in Plaza Piasse, Rio Balasas 58, Vista Hermosa. Good vibes, music and plenty of different vendors of food to choose from.

• Bons Cafe - a great small coffee shop in the center.

Special deals and promotions: There are always special promotions in town. One of the most popular is the 2x1 deal that makes your third purchase free. Keep your eyes open for them. Most bars and coffee shops have special deals running that you can check online or see when you walk in.

Recommended Bars

• • Barecito: Truly small, Barecito is a hidden gem of its own. A lesbian-owned bar, this small space is LGBTQ+ friendly and open to everyone.  Located in the centro, Barecito is the growing hip bar in town with inexpensive drinks and live music. Recommended only for small groups.

  • Mercado Comonfort: Just next to the cathedral in downtown Cuernavaca, Mercado Comonfort is famous for its free open space with bar stands and food stalls. Great for all groups. Very busy on Friday and Saturday nights. The Mojito stand there is known as one of the best in town.

  • La Plazuela: A cobblestone pedestrian street downtown (near the town square) that is full of  different types of sidewalk cafes and bars with live music and dance floors. La Plazuela is a one-place-fits-all. Like all locations, take precautions and travel in groups or pairs. Popularly known for their 5-liter beers and inexpensive drinks.

  • Mr. Chile: Two-floored bar with reggaetón music and upbeat waiters, Mr. Chile is famous for their Michelada drinks with plenty of chili and their mojitos. Basic snack options. Located outside of Cuernavaca center, plan to call a taxi in the evening.

  • La Trinchera: Similar to Mercado Comonfort, La Trinchera is an open space area with bar stands and music. All types of drinks with great food options. Busy on weekends so go early!

  • L'Arrosoir d'Arthur: Located in the heart of centro, L’Arrosior d’Arthur is a luxurious bar with a great wine selection. Great seating environment with outside patio with a very calm atmosphere.

  • La Guayaba Pulqueria: Their pulque drinks are one of the best in town with plenty of other inexpensive drinks. Famous for their own draft beer.

  • La Chilangita - Inside the Averanda mall, is quite a club atmosphere on the weekends!

• Avoid the following bars/clubs, which have a reputation for violence and racism. Due to covid, our list of prohibited bars is currently small, as many have closed. As you hear of other places from people you meet, please tell the staff and other students so that we can add them to this list and all reduce our risks.Remember, there are LOTS of fun things to do in Cuernavaca other than going out to bars and discos. There are movie theaters and activities you can engage in with your host families.

• La Patrona, located in colonial Vista Hermosa

• Republica De Cuernavaca, on Ave Tepanzolco, known for racist practices

Mexico is a predominantly Roman Catholic country. Therefore, there are many Catholic religious services available for students who would like to attend them. In fact, there is a Catholic church just one block down the street from the Center. In addition, there is a growing number of Protestant churches here, including Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, Pentecostal, and other churches. There is also one orthodox synagogue in Cuernavaca and several conservative and other synagogues in Mexico City.

If you do not find information about your religious group below, please contact Ann Lutterman Aguilar and she will try to assist you.

The following is a brief list of a few of the religious services that we know of. Please join us in updating and completing our list of religious services. Also, once you have arrived in Mexico, please call each place of worship you are thinking of attending for more information on their service times (which tend to change).

Jewish Services in Cuernavaca & Synagogues in Mexico City

Cuernavaca – Orthodox services at a Jewish nursing home

Madero 404, Baja California, Cuernavaca

Phone: not available

Services are on Saturday morning.

Synagogues in Mexico City

Alianza Monte Sinai  (Orthodox)

Tennyson #134, Colonia Polanco, Ciudad de México

Phone: 01-55-5280-6369

Agudes Achim

Montes de Oca 32, Colonia La Condesa, Ciudad de México

Phone: 01-55-5553-6430

Judaísmo Humanista de México

Reforma 2233 E., Sauces 402, Ciudad de México

Phone: 01-55-5559-6638

Bet-El

Horacio 1722, Colonia Polanco, Ciudad de México

Phone: 01-55-5281-2592

Muslim Temples in Mexico City (None in Cuernavaca)

Masjid Dar As Salaam

Circuito Tequesquitengo No. 150,Tequesquitengo, Morelos, Phone: 734-347-0995

See website for worship times

Mezquita Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab

Sur 77 No. 32 int. 7, esq. Lorenzo Boturini, Col. Lorenzo Boturini, Deleg. Venustiano Carranza, Mexico City, 15820

Phone: (55)5650-4612, English (55)3166-81-13

Protestant and Evangelical Churches

Anglican/Episcopal

St. Michael´s Episcopal Church

Calle Minerva #1, Colonia Las Delicias, Cuernavaca, Phone: 315-2870

Services in English at 10:45am and in Spanish at 5:00pm on Sundays

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church

Corner of Calle Degollado and Guerrero, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca, Phone: 315-2870

Baptist

Iglesia Bautista Monte Abarim

Ocotepec #612, Colonia Reforma, Cuernavaca (behind Sam's Club), Phone: 311-4362

Capital City Baptist Church

Sur 138 Esq. Bondojito, Colonia Las Americas, Del Alvaro Obregon, Ciudad de México

Phone: 01-55-5516-1862

Methodist

Iglesia Metodista de México A.R.

Calle No Reelección #31, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca

Phone: 312-9429

Non-Denominational Christian

Centro Cristiano

Álvaro Obregón 321

Phone: (777) 318 - 59 – 65

Email: contacto@cccuernavaca.org.mx

Services on Sundays at 11:00am and Bible Studies on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:00pm.  This is within walking distance of the Augsburg campus.

Compañerismo Estudiantil, A.C. (*youth group only, not a church)

Calle Leyva y Abasolo (in front of a school in the Templo Philadelphia)

Phone: 322-0457   Email: ivanvallado@hotmail.com, serv_@hotmail.com

Presbyterian

Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana Bethel

Jardin San Juan #10, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca

Phone: 312-3564

Email: inpbethel@yahoo.com.mx

Pentecostal

Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Emmanuel

Reforma #4, Colonia Centro, Temixco (just outside of Cuernavaca)

Phone: 325-1021

Quaker (Religious Society of Friends) in  Mexico City

Casa de los Amigos

Ignacio Mariscal 132, Colonia Tabacalera, Ciudad de México, 06030

Phone: 52-55-5705-0521, 52-55-5705-0646

Roman Catholic Masses

Catedral de Cuernavaca

Hidalgo #17, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca (on the corner of Morelos y Calle Hidalgo)

Phone: 318-4590, 318-4596

Mass times: M-F, 7:00am, 12:00pm and 7:00pm; Sat, 7:00pm; Sun, every hour and a half from 7:30am to 1:30pm, 5:00 pm, 6.30pm and 8:00pm; English mass 10:30am Sun en la Capilla del Carmen

Parroquia de San Antón

J.H. Preciado #112 (down the street from Casa Augsburg, walking away from el Puente 2000, on left-hand side) Phone: 312-7947, 313-0075

M-F (except Tuesdays) 6:00pm. Sunday: 8am, 9:30am, 10:30am, and 6:00pm. No mass on Sat.

Parroquia de Ocotepec

Av. Miguel Hidalgo #304, Esq. Aldama, Ocotepec, Cuernavaca

Phone: 382-1156

Parroquia de Tejalpa

Plaza de la Asunción #1, Cuernavaca, Phone: 320-9817

Parroquia de La Lagunilla Cristo Obrero

Manzana 11, Lote 21, Av. Mariano Matamoros, Cuernavaca

Phone: 102-4644

Parroquia de Plan de Ayala Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

On the corner of Otilio Montano and Emiliano Zapata, Cuernavaca

Phone: not available

In general, the climate will be sunny and pleasant most days, sometimes hot, and often cooling as much as 10-20 degrees at night. You will be there during the end of the dry season and then transition to the  rainy season, when you can expect rain in the afternoons and nights, often 4:00 and onward.

May 

Daily high temperatures from 87°F to 85°F during the daytime, rarely falling below 79°F or exceeding 93°F.  Daily low temperatures range from 61°F to 63°F.

May is the transition to the rainy season, with the chance of rain going from 18% to 80% by the end of the month.

June

Daily high temperatures decrease slightly, from 85°F to 80°F during the daytime. It is now the rainy season, and the chance of rain ranges from 40%-80%. Lows remain in the low 60's at night and early in the morning.

July

Daily high temperatures are around 80°F, rarely falling below 75°F or exceeding 85°F. Lows remain in the low 60's at night and early in the morning.. Chance of rain remains high, about 70-80%. However, even on rainy days, the sun usually comes out for a while. 

August

The average daily high drops to low 80's during the daytime. Lows remain in the low 60's at night and early in the morning.Chance of rain remains in the high 70% range. However, even on rainy days, the sun usually comes out for a while.