5 Best Things to do in Taxco, Mexico
Taxco de Alarcon is one of Mexico’s most beautiful magical towns I’ve explored in Mexico. You can find it in the state of Guerrero in Southern Mexico and only a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City.
Taxco is characterized by white-washed buildings on a hillside, steep and narrow cobblestone streets, and the abundance of VW beetles. The town is also famously known as Mexico’s silver capital where you can find gorgeous pieces at great prices.
Although the town is small, there are some great things to do in Taxco, Mexico. Whether you only go for a day or spend a weekend in town, I’m almost certain you will love it as much as I did.
6 Best Things to do In Taxco, Mexico
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6 Things to do in Taxco, mexico
Although the town is small, you can enjoy it fully. I recommend giving the town at a minimum of 2 full days so you can explore all the shops, restaurants, viewpoints, and possibly nearby spots in nature. However, if you have a tight itinerary, you can visit for a day trip from Mexico City.
Below I want to share the 5 best things to do in Taxco, Mexico.
1. Catch a Sunrise or Sunset at El Cristo Rey Monument
The Cristo Rey Monument in Taxco is found on a hill and has the most spectacular views in the town. It is the perfect place to catch the sunrise or sunset.
The best way to arrive is to get a taxi to the top. Most will charge about 50 MXN pesos For a few more pesos, you can ask them to wait for you while you spend some time at the viewpoint.
If not, you can wait for one to drop other people off or you can walk down the road of the hill until you see a taxi pass by.
2. Visit the Santa Prisca de Taxco
Santa Prisca is the main cathedral of the town center. Jose de la Borda had the church constructed from 1751-1758 and is one of the most lovely churches in Mexico.
It was constructed from pink stone and has a beautiful interior and exterior.
It is one of the top sites to see in Taxco and you can enter the church free starting at 6:30am to 8:00pm every day.
3. Shop for Silver Jewelry
Silver in Taxco has a long and rich history that extends far back to before Spanish colonization. It is one of the oldest mining sites in the Americas.
The people who lived here mined silver and used it to make gifts for the Aztec gods and for ceremonial purposes.
The Aztecs were incredible craftsmen who used jewelry. Then the Spanish conquistador, Hernán Cortés, established the modern city of Taxco in the 1520s specifically because of it’s rich resources of silver.
Before the end of the century, Taxco silver was famous across Europe and had become Spain’s main American source of precious metals.
By the early 1700s, mining in Taxco decreased. However in 1716, José de la Borda, the son of a French army officer and a Spaniard, joined his brother in Taxco to mine for silver, gold, and iron.
José’s success in silver mining made him the richest man in Mexico. He had a huge impact in the city’s economy, architecture, and culture. One of his architectural works is the famous Santa Prisca Church which has gold covered altars and talavera tiles.
Later in the 1920s, one of Diego Rivera’s friends, an American named William Spratling moved to Mexico. His fascination of pre-Colombian and Aztec art inspired his successful silver jewelry designs.
His love for traditional Mexican designs, his influence, and success within the community earned him the nickname, “El Padre de la Plata de Mexico” or “The Father of Mexican Silver.”
4. Explore the Historical Center
Exploring the historical center of towns in Mexico is one of the best things to do. In Taxco you’ll find lovely and charming white washed buildings, balconies with flower displays, and cobblestone narrow streets.
The streets have many silver shops, boutique shops, and restaurants to try. As you walk the streets, you have to share them with the Volkswagon Beetle taxis that pass by.
And in the background, you’ll have views of the hills covered in homes with red rooftops that paint a beautiful picture of the town.
5. Monte Taxco Teleférico (Cable Car)
If you enjoy beautiful panoramic views, you can ride the cable car at Mount Taxco.
It is open from 8am to 7:00pm and you only need to pay 100 pesos per ride. This is one of the most stunning views of Taxco, so it’s worth visiting. You can either walk up to the cable car or take a taxi to the top of the hill.
6. Eat at a Rooftop Restaurant
What I most love about Taxco is how gorgeous the views are from all around. You can find many restaurants with views of the town hills. The prices are higher in the city center but if you want to indulge with a view, I recommend doing so. It’ll be worth it.
How to Get There
Public Transportation: Getting to Taxco from Mexico City is easy. Go to Terminal del Sur (Tasqueña) to catch the bus. The ride will be about 3 hours. You can get your tickets before hand to assure you get the best times out.
Rent a Car: If you are in a group, renting a car is a perfect way to reach Taxco. This gives you the freedom to stop in different places along the way and to get there quicker. Check out blank.
Hire a Tour: Personally, I think Taxco deserves more than a day trip with a tour but if your itinerary is tight, I recommend going on a Taxco and Cuernavaca day tour from the Mexico City.
Where to Stay
Budget: If you’re looking for a budget friendly stay under 50USD, look into Villa San Francisco Hotel and San Lucca Hotel.
Mid-Range: For hotels under 100USD, you can stay at Hotel Agua Escondida or at Boutique Pueblo Lindo.
Luxury: Although not as luxurious, you can stay at William Hotel de Diseño for a nicer stay in the town.
What to Pack for Mexico
Here is a list of my favorite items I packed for my trip to Mexico.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
The 5 Best Things to do in Taxco, Mexico
