Golf

With its perpetually springlike climate, Cuernavaca is an ideal place for golf. The Tabachines Golf Club and Restaurant, Km 93.5 Carr. Mexico-Acapulco (tel. 777/314-3396; www.tabachines.com), the city's most popular course, is open for public play. Percy Clifford designed this 18-hole course, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens blooming with bougainvillea, gardenias, and other flowers. The elegant restaurant is a popular place for breakfast, lunch, and especially Sunday brunch. Greens fees are 750 pesos during the week and 2,000 pesos on weekends, with fees reduced by half after 1:30pm. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 7am to 6pm.

Also in Cuernavaca is the Club de Golf Hacienda San Gaspar, Av. Emiliano Zapata, Col. Cliserio Alanis (tel. 777/319-4424; www.sangaspar.com), an 18-hole golf course designed by Joe Finger. It's surrounded by more than 3,000 trees and has two artificial lagoons, plus beautiful panoramic views of Cuernavaca, the Popocatépetl and Ixtaccihuatl volcanoes, and the Tepozteco Mountains. Greens fees are 800 pesos on weekdays, 1,400 pesos on weekends (discounted after 2pm); carts cost an additional 450 pesos for 18 holes, and a caddy is 200 pesos plus tip. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted. Additional facilities include a gym with whirlpool and sauna, pool, four tennis courts, and a restaurant and snack bar. It's open Wednesday through Monday from 7am to 7pm.

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, -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 minigolf course, and a diving school. Several restaurants serve such simple food as quesadillas, fruit with yogurt, sandwiches, and tortas. Admission is 250 pesos for adults, 154 pesos for children under 1.2m (4 ft.) tall. A small, basic hotel charges 1,580 to 1,900 pesos 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 340 pesos. 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 Hwy. 138 to Yautepec, then turn right at the first exit past Yautepec.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.