Taxco

Taxco is a picturesque colonial city perched on a steep hillside in Guerrero state, renowned for its centuries-old silver mining heritage. The town centers on the stunning 18th-century Santa Prisca Cathedral, a masterpiece of Mexican baroque architecture, while the surrounding narrow streets overflow with hundreds of silver shops selling everything from jewelry to decorative items. The town offers an authentic Mexican small-town atmosphere with stunning mountain views, making it a popular side trip from Mexico City or Cuernavaca for those seeking a taste of traditional Mexico away from major tourist resorts.

Regular bus service connects Taxco from Cuernavaca via Estrella Blanca, while direct buses depart Mexico City's South Bus Station (Autobuses del Sur) approximately every 30 minutes. One-way fares cost M$130 (pesos) and the journey offers scenic mountain views before dropping passengers in the town center. The last bus departing Taxco for Mexico City leaves at 8PM. Major carriers serving Taxco include Estrella de Oro/ADO, operating routes between Mexico City and various destinations in Guerrero, Veracruz, and Hidalgo states.

Walking is the best way to explore Taxco's compact centro historico, though be prepared for steep cobblestone streets that provide excellent cardio. Volkswagen Beetle taxis are readily available for M$20-30 per ride. Collectivos and combis (small VW buses) provide another budget-friendly option, with most routes passing through the Zocalo; locals are typically happy to help visitors find the right one.

The dry season from November through April offers the most comfortable weather for walking and sightseeing. Taxco's Holy Week celebration in April draws large crowds with traditional processions and events. The rainy season (May-October) sees fewer tourists but afternoon showers can disrupt plans. Adventurous food travelers should note that jumiles (edible insects) are harvested and sold in markets from November to February.

Budget travelers can find the cheapest accommodation at Hotel Casa Grande near the Plazuela, offering singles with shared bath from approximately US$15 in a 400-year-old building just blocks from Santa Prisca. Hotel Agua Escondida on the Zocalo offers rooms from M$350 and features a pool, while Hotel Santa Prisca provides fancier options with a fountain and lush courtyard. Budget hostels and guesthouses cluster within a few blocks of the main plaza.

Pozole is the signature dish, a hearty soup of large corn hominy, pork, avocado, and crispy tortilla crumbles—th Thursdays feature traditional red and green varieties while white style is served other days. The best pozole vendors cluster at the top of the hill above the small covered market. For the daring, try jumiles, small edible insects served taco-style on tortillas; these are sold in markets November through February and are believed by some healers to have painkilling properties. Cafe Balbas near Hotel Loma Linda serves meals from approximately M$35-60 with a scenic terrace overlooking the mountains and city.

The Santa Prisca Cathedral dominates the town center with its striking baroque facade completed in 1758; a statue of Cristo sits atop the highest point in town with panoramic views. Museums include Casa Borda (historic building turned cultural center with theater and art exhibits, open Tu-Su 10:00-18:00), the Museo Guillermo Spratling (pre-Hispanic artifacts and silver crafts, M$45, Tu-Sa 09:00-17:00), and the Museo de Plateria showcasing silverwork. The Mina Pre-hispanica de Taxco offers underground tours of a Chontal silver mine discovered during hotel renovations in 2013 (M$150). A gondola (teleferico) ascends to Monte Taxco hotel with sweeping views and a bar restaurant.

Silver dominates the shopping scene, typically stamped "MEXICO 925" or "TAXCO 925" indicating sterling silver quality. Hundreds of shops line the narrow streets, ranging from high-end galleries to casual market stalls. Bargaining is expected and more productive in shops located away from the centro; vendors in the main plaza are more aggressive but prices are less flexible. Children and adults frequently approach tourists selling items near the plaza—if uninterested, avoid eye contact to prevent being swarmed by multiple sellers.

Taxco is generally safe for tourists but standard precautions apply in any Mexican city. Avoid displaying valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash, particularly in crowded areas. The steep streets, while charming, can be slippery when wet—appropriate footwear is recommended. Petty theft from restaurants and shops by young boys is occasionally reported. Taxi rides at night are safer than walking, particularly for those unfamiliar with the terrain.

WiFi is available at the restaurant of Hotel Agua Escondida on the Zocalo; guests should ask for the WEP key or 'contrasena' (password) in Spanish. Mobile data coverage is provided by major Mexican carriers including Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar with prepaid SIMs available at convenience stores throughout town. International roaming charges vary by carrier.

Budget travelers can get by on M$400-600 per day covering a basic meal, local transport, and a museum entrance. Silver purchases vary widely from M$50 souvenir items to several thousand pesos for quality jewelry. A single room in a budget hotel runs M$300-600, while mid-range options near the Zocalo cost M$500-1000 per night.

Ten kilometers south lies Taxco el Viejo (Old Taxco), an important pre-Hispanic indigenous settlement. The Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, 30km away, features vast cave systems with underground rivers accessible February through April. Zoofari Safari Park in Teacalco (Km 55 on the Taxco-Cuernavaca highway) houses 1500 species with admission at MXN$199. The historic city of Iguala, 35km south, is where the Treaty of Iguala was signed ending Mexico's War of Independence in 1821.

Northward routes lead to Mexico City (3 hours) via Cuernavaca, while southbound highways connect to Iguala (52 minutes), Chilpancingo (state capital with pre-Hispanic ruins), and ultimately Acapulco's famous beaches and cliff divers. The Morelos State region offers colonial monasteries, haciendas converted to hotels, and the UNESCO site of Xochicalco.