Guide To Taxco

About Taxco

Just over 100 miles southwest of Mexico City is one of Mexico's most-loved colonial towns, which is also best known in Mexico (and world-wide) for it's silver. Better known for silver in fact, than the real "Silver Cities" which were the hub of Silver Mining in Mexico! This is probably because the metal is widely crafted in Taxco, and so well marketed and commercialized here too: there are literally hundreds of shops selling silver. Silver mining in Taxco has always been limited, and today the mines are virtually exhausted. The silver from other places in Mexico is bought here to be crafted, and later sold locally or exported.

Taxco ("tas-ko") is another city at altitude: nestling on a mountainside 5,000 feet above sea level, the city offers wonderful views from all around.

The town itself is made up of steep narrow roads and alleyways, breaking out into small and pleasant plazas. The whole place is cobble stoned and quaint, and unlike many of the other colonial cities in Mexico - no modern suburbs exist around its skirts. This colonial town is real gem - traditional, well preserved and charming. If you're traveling south of Mexico City, Taxco should certainly be on your list of places to see.

Lots of people come here for a day trip; to look around and to buy some silver. However, a night or two at one of Taxco's hotels will help you to explore, discover and experience much more of the wonderful things this town has to offer, and if you take the time do so, you won't be disappointed!

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Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The centre of the city has been excellently preserved and is a has a great colonial feel and atmosphere about it. The streets are cobbled and steep; small alleyways lead off the roads and some eventually break open into quaint little plazas.

Taxco is a real colonial city. It has been declared a national heritage site by the government and building regulations here are incredibly strict - just look at the local petrol (PEMEX) station to see how keen they are to keep the place looking and feeling colonial.

By night the town lights up softly, adding a wonderful feel and atmosphere to the whole place. If you're staying overnight, you'll be exposed to this special treat. The day tourists go, making the town more relaxed, pleasant, peaceful and serene.Words can't describe it; you have to experience this!

Taxco also has a couple of famous Temples and Churches: Templo de Santa Prisca is on Plaza Borda (the Main Square) and its pink stonework is revered world-wide. The interior decoration here is also magnificent; catch at at least a glimpse of the gold work around the altar. The other main church in Taxco is the Iglesia de San Sebastian.

The Cable Car to Monte Taxco is situated at the north end of town is the station for the cable car (Teleferico) of Taxco. The ride takes you to the top of Monte Taxco, where you'll find the luxurious Hotel Monte Taxco (see accommodation, below). The views from up here are spectacular.

Look up Taxco in the mainstream Guidebooks for more information about these colonial attractions, or consult the local Tourist Information Office (see Practical Information).

Museums & Art

There are 3 main museums in Taxco; a Silver Museum (of course!), an art museum and an archaeology and history museum.

Museo de la Plateria is the silver museum, and has on show some great examples of Mexican silver craft.

Museo de Arte Virreinal is hosted at one of Taxco's oldest colonial houses and exhibits works of religious art from the colonial period.

Museo de Guillermo Spratling is named after the famous American writer-come-entrepreneur, William Spratling, who opened a silver workshop here, producing works that he exported to the US. The museum is host to pre-Columbian works of art and statues as well as Olmec pottery; most of it from William's private collection. To see his silverwork, you'll need to visit the Rancho Spratling, (see below) located in Taxco Old Town.

Health Spas

Good Health Spas are available in Taxco; For more information about Health Spas, and how to get access to a magnificent health experience in Mexico, connect to the Mexperience Section about Health Spas.

Attractions Near Taxco

Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa - These are limestone caves (grutas), formed naturally over the course of millions of years by water flowing down through the mountains. Some of the chambers reach heights of around 250 feet. There is about a mile of pathways through the caves, which a guided tour will take you through and highlight the main attractions inside. The caves are about 30 miles north-east of Taxco, but well worth a visit. Tours are generally in Spanish, occasionally an English tour make take place if there is sufficient demand. The air temperature inside the caves is considerably lower than the temperature outside, however you probably won't feel too much cold while you are exerting energy walking through the caves.

About five miles south of Taxco, is Taxco El Viejo (Taxco Old Town), which features a couple of attractions and offers visitors serene surroundings.

Ex-Hacienda San Juan Bautista - this is an old Ex-Hacienda named after Saint John the Baptist, which today hosts the School of Earth Sciences (an offshoot of the Guerrero University) and a museum.

Rancho Spratling is a working silver craft workshop that today continues the traditions of high quality silver craft that William Spratling started in the 1920's. The ranch is just south of the Ex-Hacienda San Juan Bautista.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - The closest airport to Taxco is Mexico City Airport.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines

By Bus - You can travel to Taxco on a luxury bus from Mexico City - the trip takes around three hours. The Buses leave frequently every day from the Southern Bus Terminal.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses

By Car - Driving to Taxco is very fast and efficient with the new superhighways (tolled roads). From Mexico City, go south of Highway 95D - on the road to Cuernavaca. Taxco is beyond Cuernavaca and will take you around 2 - 3 hours to arrive. Stay in the toll roads where possible. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - You'll need to take a taxi, a bus or the metro (Metro: Taxqueña) to get to the Southern Bus Terminal (Terminal de Autobuses Sur).

Taxis - Taxco's Taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

Rent a Car - Taxco is very accessible by road, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas - including the wonderful colonial city of Cuernavaca. Renting a car would be a smart option you're thinking about traveling around this region, as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to see more of the area and its surrounding attractions.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in Taxco

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Local Events Calendar

Taxco has several significant annual events - if you can visit the city during one of them, they are a real experience to encounter - but note that the town will be considerably busier and hotels will be booked during these times - so advance planning is essential.

Maundy Thursday - The Thursday before Easter sees religious presentations and processions pass through the streets of Taxco.

January 18th and 20th - Festivals of Santa Prisca and San Sebastian respectively.

Juan de Alarncon - "Jornadas Alarconianas": A cultural festival takes place each summer to commemorate this famous, Taxco-born playwright. Dance, street performances and concerts are the main attractions. Check with the local tourist office for dates and details (see below).

Feria de Plata - Silver Fair: Mexico's silver Mecca would not be complete without its annual silver festival! This festival celebrates silver craft in the area and various activities take place including annual silver craft competitions. The fair takes place during the last week of November or the first week of December - check with the local tourist office (see below).

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found in the central area of Taxco. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Taxco

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Restaurants

We have no specific restaurant recommendations at this time.

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When Night Falls

Locally Hosted Parties - Check with yours and other Local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your stay. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out - the real Mexican way, and certainly on the eve of September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day! Hosted parties usually include dinner, dancing, a show and / or live music (usually authentic Mexican Mariachis) plus all drinks for a fixed fee and are always excellent value for money! Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene - Mexico's Colonial Cities do have lots of young people living in them, so just because they are steeped in history does not mean that you won't find an all-night club party happening somewhere in town! Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.

Night Bars / Restaurants - There's a good variety of Late Night Entertainment in Taxco to keep you happy and entertained into the early hours.

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What to Buy in Taxco

Silver is the main reason people shop in Taxco: there must be at least 250 shops selling silver, as well as a myriad of street and ambulant vendors looking to do a deal with you.

However, you can also buy a selection of other Mexican crafts in Taxco, including papier-mâché art and masks.

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Local Climate

Taxco enjoys year-round, warm & dry weather. Its altitude makes it feel spring-like year-round. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rains tend to happen more frequently during the months of April thru November, but as with most monsoon areas, they tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off. The winter months can get cooler, so take a sweater with you if you are traveling in Taxco during these times.

Live Weather Report:

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