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Taxco, often dubbed “The Silver Capital of Mexico”, is a cobblestone street-lined town built on the hillsides of Guerrero.
Taxco is famed for its silver mines, which helped it grow during the Spanish colonial era. Nowadays, Taxco is a place where Mexican locals go on vacation – but it’s quickly become a popular place for foreigners to visit.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through cobblestone streets, soaking in rooftop views of the Mexican countryside, or diving hands-on into silver jewelry making, Taxco is the place to be.
If you are based inMexico Cityyou can check out thetop-ratedCuernavaca and Taxco Tour from Mexico City, which includes transportation and a guide for these two colonial-era cities.
Things to Do in Taxco
Often dubbed the ‘Silver Capital of the World,’ Taxco offers more than just glimmering metal.
From strolling along its cobblestone streets to uncovering intricate silver crafts in bustling markets, Taxco promises a captivating journey for all types of travelers.
Here are some things that we recommend doing in Taxco:
Saturday Silver Market (Tianguis de Plata Sabatino)
- Hours: Saturdays, 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Location: Saturday Silver Market – Google Maps
The crown jewel for silver shopping in Taxco has to be its bustling Saturday Silver Market. Operating only on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, this marketplace is the ultimate haven for silver lovers. With hundreds of vendors, it’s the absolute best place to buy your silver in Taxco.
Trust us, you’ll need more than just a few hours to explore— we were there for over four hours and still couldn’t see it all!
As you wander through this labyrinth of silver, you’ll discover that each vendor is a master of their own craft. You might stumble upon one selling an exquisite range of silver chains, while another could be a ring specialist.
When shopping for a piece of silver jewelry, the vendor will weigh your desired item and quote you a price. After surveying multiple stalls, we found that pricing is surprisingly consistent throughout the market.
Our tip for the silver markets: Bring a magnet with you to test the authenticity of silver jewelry. If the jewelry sticks to the magnet, it’s not made of sterling silver, as sterling silver is not magnetic.
The beauty of indulging in silver jewelry? It’s the ultimate space-saver for your travel bag! We couldn’t resist the allure and splurged a cool 1600 pesos on silver!
We’re usually minimalists when it comes to travel souvenirs, but the compact size of Taxco’s silver made it an exception. This was our golden (or should we say, “silver”) opportunity to bring back something special without overstuffing our luggage.
Mina Prehispánica de Taxco
- Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM daily
- Location: Mina Prehispánica de Taxco – Google Maps
Imagine stumbling upon a hidden pre-Hispanic mine right under your hotel! That’s precisely what happened at Hotel De La Misión during a routine renovation in 2014. Quick to spot an opportunity, the hotel now offers thrilling underground tours for those curious enough to explore.
We went on a tour of the mine, and though the tour was conducted in Spanish, the experience was still fascinating.
The tour started with an elevator descent into the depths of the mine, followed by a guided walk through the tunnels underneath the hotel. Along the way, we learned about the mine’s history and the minerals unearthed there.
Besides the mine itself, the Hotel De La Misión’s grounds alone are worth the trip. With minimal foot traffic and a cute, colorful backdrop, we seized the chance for an impromptu photo session post-tour.
Make Your Own Silver Ring
The absolute highlight of our trip to Taxco was crafting our very own silver rings!
After soaking in the glimmering beauty of the Saturday Silver Market, we took our love for silver to the next level by joining a hands-on workshop with Gustavo.
There are all sorts of designs to choose from, and Gustavo is a wizard at collaborating to craft a ring that’s uniquely you.
Prepare to be fully immersed in the intricate world of silversmithing—Gustavo walks you through every step of the process.
You’ll be mixing your own sterling silver alloy, stamping personalized text and textures onto the ring, fine-tuning the size, and applying the finishing touches—all under his expert guidance.
The result is a one-of-a-kind sterling silver ring that’s not just a piece of jewelry, but a slice of Taxco’s rich artisanal heritage, all wrapped around your finger.
Visit the Taxco Zocalo
- Location: Taxco Zocalo – Google Maps
Looking for a show? You won’t have to look far. Taxco’s Zocalo is an energetic space that seemingly never sleeps.
Dubbed as the social and cultural hub of the town, Plaza Borda is frequented by locals and tourists alike.
It’s easy to assume that every Mexican town’s zocalo (central square) will offer the same experience, but Taxco’s Plaza Borda defies that notion and elevates it to an art form.
The square is lined by the stunning Santa Prisca Church on one end and a mix of cafes, shops, and eateries on the other.
Besides the street performances, street food vendors surround the square selling local snacks. It seems like there’s always something going on in Taxco’s Zocalo.
Church of Santa Prisca
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
- Location: Santa Prisca de Taxco – Google Maps
Built by José de la Borda himself in the 18th century, the Santa Prisca Church is more than just a beautiful backdrop—it’s a treasure trove of intricate gold altarpieces and frescoes.
The church sits right next to Taxco’s Zocalo, right in the heart of the town. During the day, the church is open to visitors and free to enter and walk around.
At night on the weekends, the exterior of the church lights up with a colorful projection light show that sets the mood in the town square.
Did you know? The construction of the Santa Prisca Church nearly drove José de la Borda to bankruptcy—quite a feat for someone who was minting money in the silver mining business.
El Cristo Panoramico
- Location: Cristo de Taxco – Google Maps
- Hours: Open 24 hours
One of Taxco’s monuments is its very own Christ the Redeemer statue. Perched on the side of the mountain overlooking Taxco, the statue can be seen from many parts of the city.
A visit to the statue offers some of the best views of the city, and the most popular time to visit is in the evening for sunset.
If you’re staying in Taxco, we recommend catching a taxi up to the statue, and then walking back down the hill into Taxco when you’re done.
Places to Eat in Taxco
From humble street vendors serving up local delicacies to elegant restaurants offering international cuisine, Taxco offers a feast for every palate.
In this section, we’ll guide you through some of our favorite dining spots in this charming Pueblo Mágico.
Del Angel Inn Restaurant
- Location: Del Angel Inn – Google Maps
Known for its breathtaking views, Del Angel Inn Restaurant is just a short walk from the main square in Taxco.
The restaurant has operated for over 50 years and is known for its traditional Mexican cuisine.
The dining room at Del Angel Inn is decorated in a colonial style and has a warm and inviting atmosphere. But its best dining area is its outdoor patio which is perfect for dining al fresco.
Restaurante Casa Santa Lucía
Restaurante Casa Santa Lucía is located in the historic center of Taxco. It is a short walk from the Santa Prisca Church and the main square. The restaurant is housed in a colonial-era building that was once a convent.
The restaurant is known for its traditional Mexican cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant’s bar also has a good selection of tequilas and mezcals.
The dining room is decorated in a traditional Mexican style, with colorful tile floors, and hand-carved furniture. There is also an outdoor patio that overlooks the street which is perfect for dining and people-watching.
La Noche Estrellada
- Location: La Noche Estrellada – Google Maps
La Noche Estrellada is located on the Zocalo, next to the Santa Prisca Church.
La Noche Estrellada is known for its international cuisine, which is made with fresh, local ingredients. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including pizza, pasta, steak, and seafood. The restaurant also has a good selection of wines and co*cktails.
The dining room is decorated in a modern style, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. There is also an outdoor patio with encompassing views.
Fun fact: La Noche Estrellada is named after Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting “The Starry Night” (“La Noche Estrellada” in Spanish)
Sotavento Restaurante Bar
- Location: Sotavento Restaurante Bar – Google Maps
How to Get to Taxco
Getting to Taxco from Mexico City is relatively straightforward, as multiple methods of transportation can suit different budgets, time constraints, and travel styles.
Here are some of the most common ways to get to Taxco:
Taxco Day Trip from Mexico City
If you are based inMexico Cityyou can check out thetop-ratedCuernavaca and Taxco Tour from Mexico City, which includes transportation and a guide for these colonial-era cities.
How to Get to Taxco From Mexico City by Bus
Taking a bus from Mexico City to Taxco is one of the most convenient and popular options for both locals and tourists.
Buses to Taxco depart from the Terminal Central del Sur, also known as Taxqueña, in Mexico City. This terminal is accessible via the Mexico City Metro (Line 2), taxis, or rideshare.
There are two bus options to get to Taxco from Mexico City:
You can buy tickets on the spot at the bus station, but it’s advisable to book your trip in advance. You’ll get to pick your seat in advance and have a confirmed place on the bus.
Once you arrive at the bus station, you’ll need two pieces of information:
- The port
- The gate
The port is the area that gets you to the gates. There are only a few ports, but lots of gates.
You’ll need to wait outside your port until about 15 minutes before your bus departure time. Then you’ll be allowed through the port to the bus gate.
The bus ride itself takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic, and takes you to Taxco’s central bus station.
From the Taxco bus station, you can catch a taxi to your accommodation. The taxi drivers in Taxco are extremely familiar with the entire town.
Car
If you’re confident driving in Mexico and prefer the freedom of having your own vehicle, you can rent a car. The most direct route usually involves taking the Mexico City–Cuernavaca highway (Autopista del Sol) and then following signs to Taxco.
The journey takes roughly 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that there are tolls along the way, and rental fees can vary widely.
Once in Taxco, parking can be challenging due to the narrow, winding streets. Here are some hotels in Taxco that have parking on-site:
How to Get Around Taxco
Once you’re in Taxco, you have various transportation options, depending on your preferences, the places you want to visit, and your comfort level with local travel.
Walking
Taxco’s historic center is quite compact, and many of the main attractions, such as the Zocalo, and Santa Prisca Church, as well as various restaurants and shopping, are all within walking distance of each other.
However, be prepared for some steep hills and uneven cobblestone streets; sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are necessary.
The narrow streets of Taxco are lined with white stones as a guide for pedestrians and vehicles so they stay out of the way of each other.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to travel around Taxco, especially if you’re going up the city’s steep cobblestone streets or carrying bags.
The Taxis in Taxco are heavily regulated, and you’ll immediately know which cars are taxis since they are usually vintage Volkswagen Bugs or Nissan cars.
The taxis are white cars with orange markings on their hood and sides. You can’t miss them.
The taxis in Taxco are unmetered. So you may want to negotiate your price before you get in. Be sure to carry cash with you – the taxis don’t take credit cards.
Mini-bus or Combi
Mini-buses, known as “combis,” operate along fixed routes and are an inexpensive way to get around.
Combis are useful for reaching areas that are a bit farther from the city center, but they can get crowded, and you’ll need some basic Spanish to navigate the routes effectively.
Cable Car
For a scenic view of Taxco, you can take the cable car that goes up to the Monte Taxco Hotel.
While this is not necessarily a practical way to get around for sightseeing, it’s a popular activity that offers some of the best panoramic views of the town.
How NOT to Get Around Taxco
While Taxco offers several convenient and enjoyable ways to get around, some methods of transportation are generally not recommended for various reasons.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Driving your own car
- Bicycling
- Uber/Rideshare
Navigating through Taxco’s narrow, winding, and steep roads can be challenging even for experienced drivers and cyclists. Parking is also extremely limited and often costly.
During our visit to Taxco, we didn’t see a single non-taxi car driving up the streets past the Zocalo. We saw most locals getting around by either walking, or using scooters, motorbikes, or 4-wheelers.
There are also no ride-sharing services like Uber or DiDi in Taxco. Local taxis are the primary option for quick and convenient rides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taxco
What Is Taxco Known for?
Taxco is primarily known for its silver mining and silver craftsmanship, earning it the nickname “Silver Capital of the World”.
Situated in the Mexican state of Guerrero, the town has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times but became especially prominent in the colonial period due to its abundant silver deposits.
The town experienced a silver boom in the 18th century, much of which was led by José de la Borda, a French mining entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the community, including the construction of the Santa Prisca Church.
Nowadays, Taxco is designated as one of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos” or “Magical Towns”.
The designation of “Pueblo Mágico,” or “Magical Town,” is an initiative by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism to recognize and promote towns that offer unique cultural, historical, or natural significance.
The Pueblo Mágico designation serves as an invitation for visitors to explore a part of Mexico that offers a distinct, enriching experience unlike any other.
Being a “Pueblo Mágico” means that Taxco receives support for tourism development and preservation efforts, ensuring that the town’s “magic” is sustained and shared with future generations.
Where Can I Buy Silver in Taxco?
Taxco is filled with numerous shops and markets specializing in silver products. There are jewelry stores around every corner in Taxco, so you won’t have a hard time finding a place to buy silver.
If you’re looking for the best place to buy silver in Taxco, the Tianguis de Plata (Silver Market) is the best choice, but it is only open on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 6 pm.
Is It Safe to Travel to Taxco?
Taxco is generally considered to be a safe destination for tourists, especially when compared to some other regions in Mexico.
Taxco is a popular tourist spot and relies heavily on tourism revenue, so there is a vested interest in keeping the area secure for visitors.
In fact, Taxco is the ONLY location in Guerrero permitted by the U.S. Department of State for U.S. Government employees to travel to.
We visited Taxco in July 2023 and felt extremely safe while walking around the town and did not have any safety incidents.
However, like traveling to any destination, it’s essential to take usual travel safety precautions.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Taxco?
If basking in the warmth and enjoying dry, sunny days are your idea of a perfect vacation, then the spring months of March, April, and May should be on your radar. These months offer stable weather conditions but do tend to be a bit on the warmer side, so pack accordingly.
If you’re the type who prefers a cooler climate and doesn’t mind a bit of rain, then consider visiting during July, August, and September. While these summer months offer milder temperatures, they are also the wettest period of the year. So if you opt for a summer visit, don’t forget to pack that umbrella or raincoat.
Either way, Taxco’s charm shines through in any season, making it a year-round destination worth exploring.
