Taxco Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Taxco with this comprehensive travel guide, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Taxco
- List of Places to Visit in Taxco
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Taxco
- Best Things to Do in Taxco: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Taxco
- Food and Drink Scene of Taxco
- Where to Stay in Taxco: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Taxco: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Taxco
- Best Time to Visit Taxco
- Do’s and Don’ts of Taxco
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Taxco: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Taxco
- Where to Go Next from Taxco: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Taxco
Nestled in the state of Guerrero, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Taxco is a charming colonial town that is a must-visit for travelers looking for a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. The town is famous for its silver mines, colonial architecture, and great food scene.
List of Places to Visit in Taxco
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Santa Prisca Church: This opulent church is the main attraction of Taxco. It has a baroque facade and is lavishly decorated inside with gilded altars and paintings.
- William Spratling Museum: This museum is dedicated to the American silversmith who made Taxco famous for its silver industry. It showcases Spratling’s works and gives an insight into the town’s silver mining and manufacturing history.
- Borda Garden: These lush gardens were built by a wealthy miner and are a great place to stroll around. They have fountains, sculptures, and offer beautiful views of the town.
Natural Attractions of Taxco: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Cacalotenango Ecological Park: A large ecological park with a variety of trails for hiking and biking. It also offers zip-lining, rappelling, and canopy tours.
- La Poza del Chihuahua: A natural pool located in the nearby town of Tetipac that is great for swimming and picnicking.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Taxco
Some of the notable hiking/biking routes in Taxco are:
- Montetaxco trail: This is a 4km hiking trail that starts from the Montetaxco Hotel and offers panoramic views of the town.
- La Soledad Ecological Park: This park has trails for hiking and biking and also offers zip-lining and rappelling experiences.
Best Things to Do in Taxco: Activities and Tours
- Silver Shopping: Taxco is famous for its silver mines, and you can find many silver shops around the town that offer excellent craftsmanship.
- Food Tours: Mexican cuisine is diverse, and Taxco has its unique flavor. A food tour can take you around the town to sample local dishes and beverages.
- Night Tours: The town lights up after nightfall, and a night tour can take you through the alleys and patios of the town that come alive after dusk.
Week-Long Itinerary for Taxco
Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Taxco:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive and settle in |
| 2 | Visit Santa Prisca Church and explore the town |
| 3 | Take a food tour and explore the local cuisine |
| 4 | Hike the Montetaxco trail and visit the Borda Gardens |
| 5 | Visit William Spratling Museum and explore the silver shops |
| 6 | Take a day trip to La Poza del Chihuahua |
| 7 | Explore Cacalotenango Ecological Park and take part in outdoor activities |
Food and Drink Scene of Taxco
Must-Try Dishes
- Pozole: A traditional Mexican soup made with hominy corn, pork or chicken, and seasonings.
- Enchiladas Mineras: These are tortillas filled with potato puree and cheese and are topped with tomato sauce, cream, and cheese.
- Chilate: A cold drink made from cacao, rice, and cinnamon.
Local Beverages
- Pulque: A fermented drink made from the cactus sap. It is a traditional drink of Central Mexico.
- Mezcal: A strong alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It is similar to tequila but has a smokier flavor.
Where to Stay in Taxco: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Some of the notable places to stay in Taxco are:
- Hotel Agua Escondida: A colonial-style hotel that is located in the heart of the town. It has an outdoor pool and a garden.
- La Casa del Laurel: A boutique hotel located in a colonial building that is famous for its tranquil ambiance. It has a rooftop terrace that offers sweeping views of the town.
- Hostal Casa Taxco: A budget-friendly hostel that is located near the main square. It has a rooftop terrace and a common kitchen.
What to Buy in Taxco: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Silver Jewelry: Taxco is famous for its silver mines and has many shops that sell silver jewelry.
- Barro Blanco Pottery: This is traditional pottery made with white clay that is found in the nearby town of Amacuzac.
- Chocolate: Taxco has many chocolaterias that offer handmade chocolates and truffles.
Local Culture and Customs of Taxco
The people of Taxco are proud of their rich history and celebrate many religious and cultural festivals throughout the year. The most famous festival is the Holy Week that is celebrated with processions, parades, and fireworks.
Best Time to Visit Taxco
The best time to visit Taxco is from November to March when the weather is pleasant, and the town is less crowded. The summer months from May to August can be hot and humid, but this is also when many festivals are held in the town.
Do’s and Don’ts of Taxco
Do:
- Respect the local customs and traditions.
- Try the local food and beverages.
- Bargain at the silver shops and art markets.
Don’t:
- Drink tap water.
- Wear flashy jewelry or carry large amounts of cash.
- Take unauthorized taxis - always use licensed taxis.
Safety and Health
Safety in Taxco
Taxco is generally a safe town, but visitors should take normal precautions such as avoiding street crime and not carrying large amounts of cash.
Health in Taxco
The tap water in Taxco is not potable, so visitors should drink bottled water or boiled water instead. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika are prevalent in the region, so it’s advisable to carry mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothes.
Getting to Taxco: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Taxco
The closest airport to Taxco is General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport located in Acapulco, which is about 3 hours drive from Taxco.
Bus Stations Near Taxco
The bus station in Taxco connects the town with many cities and towns in Mexico, including Mexico City, Acapulco, and Cuernavaca.
Other Options
Taxco is about a 2-hour drive from Mexico City, and visitors can rent a car or hire a taxi to reach the town.
How to Get Around in Taxco
The best way to explore Taxco is on foot as the town is small and walkable. However, visitors can also take a taxi or hire a car to reach the nearby attractions.
Where to Go Next from Taxco: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Taxco are:
- Ixtapan de la Sal: A town famous for its hot springs and spas.
- Acapulco: A seaside resort town famous for its beaches and nightlife.
- Cuernavaca: A historic town known for its colonial architecture and gardens.
Conclusion
Taxco is a charming colonial town that has something to offer for everyone. From its rich silver mining history to its delicious cuisine and adventurous outdoor activities, Taxco is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to explore diverse cultures, natural beauty, and history.
