· MEXICO ·
How to Spend a Weekend in the Silver Capital of Taxco, Guerrero: the Prettiest Pueblo Mágico?
Scribbled by Claire ◊ 11 Sep 2024
In this post, we talk about all the best things to do in Taxco, Guerrero, plus why you should visit, how to get there, safety concerns, the best views, and more, all to help you to make the most out of your trip!
After nearly a month of hanging out in Mexico City, we fancied a weekend away from the hectic streets of the capital.
It was Christmas; the weather was cool and bright, and I fancied doing something special. Having spotted some pictures online of a Pueblo Magico called Taxco, in Guerrero, earlier that month, I proposed a visit. This town appeared to have some of the most spectacular views and distinctive architecture I’d ever seen in Mexico, plus it was only a few hours away!
Picturesque Taxco de Alarcón (usually referred to just as Taxco) did not disappoint; in fact, all the images I saw online did not do it justice.
IN THIS GUIDE //
A Weekend in the Silver Capital of Taxco
WHY VISIT TAXCO?
WHERE IS TAXCO?
HOW TO GET TO TAXCO, GUERRERO
THINGS TO DO IN TAXCO
IS TAXCO SAFE?
WHERE TO STAY
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TAXCO
FINAL THOUGHTS
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Why Visit Taxco, Guerrero?
There are lots of reasons to visit Taxco, but here are just a few:
Magic | Taxco de Alarcón is a designated Pueblo Magico, which is part of the ‘Magical Towns Programme’. This was introduced by the Mexican Government in 2001 to increase tourism, especially to lesser known or more rural locations. The chosen towns are highlighted due to their cultural and historical richness, offering an alternative or unique tourist experience. Taxco joined the list early on in 2002.
Jewellery and silverware | these are a popular reason to visit Taxco. Silver mining was historically a major industry in the region and although not common practice anymore, the jewellery trade still booms.
Churches | the central square contains one of the most striking churches in Mexico, which is saying something in a country that has a whole tonne of stunning churches!
Vibes | Taxco has an unusual, bustling sense to it that I struggle to describe. It may be the absence of sidewalks, the quantity of tourists and the traffic. The steep narrow lanes have a vibe that I somehow really enjoyed, despite being a serial crowd-avoider. The well-hidden central market snakes around the winding alleys and is one of my favourites in Mexico too.
Tourists | a great reason to visit Taxco is that there are not a huge number of western tourists. Don’t get me wrong, it can get extremely busy, but generally not with Europeans and Americans. We visited during Christmas and did not see a single tourist who spoke English which is a nice respite from other areas in Mexico.
Photography | the entire town is extremely photogenic. If you’re after some great photos, this is the place for you!
TAXCO, GUERRERO – QUICK FACTS
POPULATION – 101,585 in 2020
ELEVATION – 1778 metres (5833 feet)
FOUNDED – in 1528 by the Spanish
KNOWN FOR – silverware and VW Beetles
REGIONAL FOOD – jumiles (stink bugs)
MOST POPULAR SPORT – basketball
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RELATED POST | WHY ARE THERE SO MANY VW BEETLES IN MEXICO?
Where is Taxco?
Taxco Pueblo Magico is around 170 kilometres (106 miles) southwest of Mexico City, where most people begin their trip. It is in the hilly lands of the Sierra Madre Range on the northern edge of Guerrero state. Situated nearly 1800 metres above sea level, you’ll need to prep yourself for the altitude, inclines and a bit of a workout!
The 100,000-inhabitant town follows steeply up the base of La Bermeja Mountain, where VW Beetles strain their way up the twisting, narrow cobbled roads. The unique red and white stucco architecture and spectacular views from every direction completes the distinctively Mexican scene.
How to get to Taxco, Guerrero
There are two popular options for travelling from Mexico City to Taxco: bus or rental vehicle.
Bus to Taxco
There are two bus stations in Taxco, Terminal Estrella Blanca and the Costa Line Bus Terminal (equally easy to locate on Google Maps). Both are central with an easy walk to anywhere you need to go (it’s all uphill though!).
Most people get the bus from the Mexico City Taxqueña Terminal, south of the city centre. This terminal has a dedicated underground station, a separate ADO terminal and a huge main building (called Central del Sur Taxqueña on Google Maps). If you have lots of luggage, consider grabbing an Uber instead of using the underground to get here – from central Mexico City to Taxqueña costs 150-200 pesos even during peak hours.
From Taxqueña, Mexico City to Taxco, it is a pretty 2.5-hour journey. The buses can be booked online in advance or bought from the counter on the day. We purchased ours several days before our trip and used the Estrella de Oro bus company. It cost us 195 MXN each per journey. It is also possible to book these tickets through ADO if you prefer. Costa Line is another company that runs from Mexico City to Taxco and also departs from Taxqueña.
You can reach Taxco from other cities in Western Mexico too, such as Acapulco.
Car to Taxco
If you have a car, then it is a simple drive from Mexico City to Taxco via the toll road heading south. The route is safe and easy – driving in Mexico has always been a pleasure for us. We always use Google Maps for driving directions in Mexico with no issues and get our rentals from Discover Cars.
Travel tip | if you are renting a vehicle for your visit to Taxco, choose your car wisely. We saw large SUVs really struggle with the narrowness of the winding streets. Occasionally one would get stuck trying to park! I also imagine that little cars with tiny engines might have a problem with the steep, cobbled lanes too. Many cars in the city are Vochos, or VW Beetles. These are the vehicle of choice for the city because they handle the steep slopes so well. Consider your car carefully, especially if you are staying somewhere central.
CAR HIRE FOR YOUR MEXICO TRIP
We always rent our vehicles all over the world, including our recent trips in Mexico, the United States, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, Jordan and Morocco, with Discover Cars. They’re often the most affordable, plus they paid out immediately on an insurance claim we made when our car took some heavy damage in Sicily. We fully recommend them.
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TAKE A LOOK BELOW OR CHECK CAR RENTAL
Things to do in Taxco
Museo de la Plateria/Museum of Silver | silver mining was a huge deal in Taxco so naturally there is a museum to commemorate this. The museum includes history of the industry, how the jewellery is made and how the trade has evolved today. There are also exhibitions of exquisitely crafted silverware. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm. Free Entry.
El Templo de Santa Prisca de Taxco | located in the main plaza (Plaza Borda) and built in the mid-18th century by mine owner Jose de la Borda, this is the heart of the town. The unique rose-coloured exterior and intricate engravings on the cathedral make this one of the more attractive zocalos I’ve ever visited. There is no fee for entry.
Platerias (silver shops) | there are more than 300 silver stores in total across the town, many specialising in jewellery. The more expensive (but more reliable) vendors can be found just behind the main plaza (Plaza Borda). Check for the 925 stamp to make sure you are getting the real deal (meaning your product is made of at least 92.5% solid silver).
Cable Car | this travels up 170 metres in elevation to the Montetaxco Hotel (who also operates the cable car). The views are pretty cool from up top, and you can grab a classy drink or some food at the hotel. The journey takes about five minutes from the bottom in Taxco centre and costs 95 pesos for a round trip.
Wander the town market | the main market here is a traditional local market with loads of fresh produce, household wares and clothes. We didn’t see so many handicrafts (there are other markets that sell the silver products etc.). This is the place you go to get your cheap street foods, bakery goods and fruit. I absolutely loved the slightly claustrophobic, winding enclosed streets with tightly packed stalls; it was one of my favourite things to do in Taxco. The whole area was so steep and narrow; I offered to help an older lady carry her shopping up some stairs, only to realise that the stairs were never ending! It took what felt like hours, and I felt dead by the end…. (find the market on Google: Mercado Tetitlan).
Taxco Viewpoints
El Cristo Panoramico (look for Cristo de Taxco on Google Maps) | this place has probably the most famous vista! It is a giant 18-metre-tall statue of Jesus which overlooks the entire city and provides wonderful views down the mountain. Although you could imagine the Jesus structure having been there for centuries, it was actually built in 2002. To get up here, it is a bit of a trek – we walked and regretted it! Grab a ‘Vocho’ VW Beetle taxi if hiking up the steep hill is not your jam.
Parroquia de Guadalupe | a lower down but just as pretty view, this has sweeping views of the city and main Cathedral. It is a perfect spot for sunrise (and easier to reach too!). Visiting at Christmas also gave us an opportunity to see the church all adorned for the festive season.
Hotel Cielito Lindo | our personal favourite place to view the Pueblo Magico was from the other side of the main road, looking up at El Cristo Panoramico. Head towards this hotel and look back across the city for views that really show off how steep the town is.
IS TAXCO, GUERRERO SAFE?
The U.S. Foreign Office recommends that all Americans avoid Guerrero due to ongoing violence in certain regions within the state. These safety warnings are not specifically applicable to Taxco.
The town is a popular tourist attraction, and it is not associated with gang violence and activity.
If in doubt, check your local government website for advice. Also, check that your travel insurance is valid for your to travel to the state of Guerrero.
On a personal note, although only there for two days, we felt no reason for concern. There was no obvious risk of petty theft, we felt safe walking around at night and I had my camera in my hand the entire time. The lack of sidewalks are probably your biggest danger in Taxco!
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WHERE TO STAY IN TAXCO
There are tonnes of great places to stay in Taxco, but here are some of our suggestions:
Super high-end Luxury | De Cantera y Plata Hotel Boutique (crazy beautiful with thoughtful design and stunning views).
Mid-range | Boutique Pueblo Lindo (incredible views and location; we stayed here and absolutely loved the rooms, the panoramic views, the staff, pool and breakfast. Thoroughly recommend.)
Budget-ish | Hotel el Angel Taxco (very popular with budget travellers with free parking just outside the centre of town).
The town is compact, so location is rarely an issue. If you want to be as central as possible, you may end up with a hotel that does not have parking. Aim to be close to the main plaza if location is important.
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The Best Time to Visit Taxco
Weather | the climate in Taxco is mild all year around due to the high elevation. The night-day temperatures vary between 17-27 C (63-81 F) all year around, with a decent amount of rain falling between June – September. Be careful, we hear it is slippery after rain due to the steep cobbles!
Day | the best day to visit is during the week, as this avoids the influx of regional weekend tourists. It is also advisable to stay overnight as the city bustle subsides in the evening when the day trippers leave.
Fair | if shopping is your thing, consider timing your trip to coincide with the large annual silver fair, held at the end of November, which has been running since 1937.
Silver | if you are looking to buy some silver, then Saturday is a good day to visit. The Mercado de Plata ó Tianguis Sabatino is the Saturday Market for Silver, held near the Estrella Blanca Station. I am not a silver expert, but apparently there are excellent prices to be found for items here.
Final Thoughts – Taxco, Guerrero
Taxco Pueblo Magico is my recommendation for anyone wanting a little weekend away from Mexico City.
It’s uniquely beautiful, culturally rich, and great for shopping. The drinks and food are high-end without the big city price-tags and the views are incomparable. There are so many things to do in Taxco in such a compact setting. You also don’t need to visit the gym while there due to the workout you get just by walking around town!
Best of all, it is also probably the most photogenic place I have visited across the entirety of Mexico.
We hope you enjoy your trip!
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