Taxco, Mexico: Silver Capital, Magic Town and Colonial Gem

Taxco de Alarcón is one of the most distinctive travel destinations in Mexico. This officially designated Magic Town in the state of Guerrero spills across a hillside wrapped in mountains, its cobblestone streets winding between colonial buildings made of pink quarry stone. Known worldwide as the Silver Capital of Mexico, Taxco is also a living museum of Spanish Baroque architecture with no equal in the country — and a must-visit for anyone seeking history, craftsmanship, and authentic Mexican culture.

Taxco's history is deeply tied to silver mining, which began in the colonial era and remains the cultural and commercial heart of the city today. Its alleyways are lined with jewelry workshops where skilled artisans craft silver pieces using techniques passed down through generations.

How to Get to Taxco

By bus: The most comfortable option from Mexico City is by first-class bus. Companies like Estrella de Oro and Futura depart from the South Terminal (Tasqueña) with a journey time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Connections are also available from Cuernavaca (1 hour) and Acapulco (about 3 hours).

By car: Taxco is located along Federal Highway 95, connecting Mexico City to Acapulco. From downtown Mexico City it's roughly 112 miles — a 2 to 3-hour drive depending on traffic. Keep in mind that the final stretch into Taxco involves very narrow, steep cobblestone streets, so drive carefully and consider parking at the city's edge and exploring on foot.

Top Things to See and Do in Taxco

Santa Prisca and San Sebastián Parish Church

The Santa Prisca Parish Church is Taxco's most iconic landmark and one of the finest examples of 18th-century Mexican Baroque architecture anywhere in the world. Its façade of pink quarry stone is adorned with columns and sculptures that frame two soaring towers. It was built between 1751 and 1758, funded entirely by José de la Borda, a Spanish miner who made his fortune in Taxco's silver mines. The interior is equally breathtaking, with gilded altarpieces and religious paintings of significant historical value.

Plaza Borda

Plaza Borda is the beating heart of daily life in Taxco. The main square — with the Santa Prisca church as its dramatic backdrop — is lined with covered arcades housing cafés, silver shops, bars, and street artists. It's the best place to sit, soak up the atmosphere, and watch the town go by. Both locals and visitors converge here, and it's lively at any hour of the day.

Silver Market and Jewelry Workshops

Taxco is home to hundreds of workshops and stores producing and selling handcrafted silver jewelry. Taxco silversmiths are internationally recognized for the quality and originality of their designs. The modern tradition of Taxco silver jewelry was revived and transformed in the 1930s by American artist William Spratling, who reintroduced colonial silversmithing techniques and developed an original design language that fundamentally shaped the entire local industry. In the central market and along the main street you'll find pieces for every budget: earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and pendants.

Montetaxco Cable Car

The Montetaxco Cable Car is one of Taxco's most enjoyable attractions. The gondola ride climbs to the Montetaxco Hotel perched on a hilltop, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city awaits — red-tiled roofs tumbling down the hillside, with the silhouette of the Santa Prisca church at the center. The cable car ride itself takes about 8 minutes, and the view from the top is worth every second.

Spratling Museum

The Spratling Museum honors the life and legacy of William Spratling, the American artist who transformed Taxco's silver industry in the 20th century. The museum houses his personal collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and art objects, along with detailed information on his lasting influence on local craftsmanship.

Cacahuamilpa Caves (Grutas de Cacahuamilpa)

About 19 miles from Taxco lie the Cacahuamilpa Caves, one of the largest cave systems in the Americas. Their chambers reach up to 260 feet in height and are filled with spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. Cacahuamilpa National Park is open daily and offers guided tours of approximately 2 hours — a fantastic excursion to pair with a visit to Taxco.

Food in Taxco

Taxco's cuisine draws on both Guerrero state cooking and central Mexican traditions. The most typical local dishes are red pozole (hominy soup), tamales, chile rellenos, and Guerrero-style cecina (salted dried meat). A highlight not to miss is Taxco's famous artisan chocolate, made from locally sourced cacao and celebrated for its rich, intense flavor. Herbal drinks and local sweet treats are also widely sold in the markets.

Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Taxco

Taxco's Holy Week celebrations are among the most impressive and well-known religious events in all of Mexico. During Easter Week, nighttime processions fill the cobblestone streets with penitents in chains, cross bearers, and devotees wearing thorny crowns, all set against the glow of candlelight and the backdrop of the illuminated Santa Prisca. The processions move through the city's alleyways and draw thousands of visitors from across the country. It's a deeply moving cultural experience — but if you plan to attend, book accommodation several months in advance.

Where to Stay in Taxco

Top accommodation options include Hotel Montetaxco (at the cable car summit, with panoramic views), Hotel Santa Prisca, Hotel Los Arcos, and Hotel Posada de los Castillo. There are also budget-friendly guesthouses and posadas in the Historic Center, ideally located for exploring the town on foot.