Taxco, Mexico: Silver Capital & Travel Guide
Taxco is a striking colonial silver town built into a hillside in Guerrero — whitewashed houses and cobblestone lanes beneath the baroque Santa Prisca church, Mexico's “Silver Capital.”
About Taxco
Taxco is a striking colonial silver town built into a steep hillside in the state of Guerrero — whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and winding cobblestone lanes beneath the baroque Santa Prisca church. Famous as Mexico's “Silver Capital,” it is a classic day trip or overnight from Mexico City. Because of the state's advisory, US travelers should read the safety section below first.
How to get to Taxco
There is no airport at Taxco. Most visitors fly into Mexico City (MEX) and reach Taxco by first-class bus or car in about 2.5–3 hours on Highway 95D; it is also roughly an hour from Cuernavaca.
Best time to visit
The dry season (November–April) is the most pleasant for walking Taxco's steep streets. Holy Week (Semana Santa) is famous here for its dramatic processions, but it is also extremely crowded.
Top things to do in Taxco
Admire the pink-stone Santa Prisca church on the main plaza, shop for silver jewelry straight from the workshops, wander the maze of cobblestone streets, ride the teleférico (cable car) for panoramic views, and visit the nearby Cacahuamilpa Caves, one of the largest cave systems in the world.
Where to stay
Stay near the Plaza Borda in the center to walk to Santa Prisca, the silver shops and restaurants — though be ready for steep, narrow streets and stairs.
Is Taxco safe for tourists?
The US Department of State currently advises “Do Not Travel” (Level 4) to the state of Guerrero because of crime and kidnapping — its highest advisory level. Taxco is a historic silver town popular as a day trip, but the surrounding state carries the highest advisory level. If you still choose to visit, weigh this carefully, fly in rather than drive, and stay in the main tourist areas. Read the current US State Department Mexico Travel Advisory in full before planning your trip.
Nearby Destinations in Guerrero State
Taxco is Guerrero's most visited Magic Town and pairs perfectly with a trip to the Pacific coast. About 3 hours south along Federal Highway 95 is Acapulco, with its famous beaches and the iconic La Quebrada cliff divers. Taxco is also just 2.5 hours from Mexico City, making it one of the most popular weekend getaways from the capital. Check out our vacation packages and travel information guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Taxco?
In the state of Guerrero, among mountains on Highway 95 between Mexico City and Acapulco, about 180 km (2.5–3 hours) from the capital.
How do I get to Taxco?
There is no airport; fly into Mexico City (MEX) and take a first-class bus or drive about 2.5–3 hours. It is also about an hour from Cuernavaca.
What is Taxco known for?
It is Mexico's “Silver Capital,” famous for silver jewelry, the baroque Santa Prisca church and its steep cobblestone colonial streets.
What is there to do in Taxco?
See Santa Prisca, shop for silver, wander the cobblestone streets, ride the cable car for views, and visit the nearby Cacahuamilpa Caves.
Is Taxco safe for tourists?
The US State Department advises Do Not Travel (Level 4) to the state of Guerrero, where Taxco is located, even though the town is a popular day trip. Read the full, current US advisory and weigh it carefully before planning a trip.