Taxco City
Historic silver mining town in Mexico
Clinging to steep ridges, Taxco funnels visitors along cobbled streets toward the baroque Santa Prisca church and dozens of silver shops. People come for hand‑hammered jewelry, cable‑car views, day trips from Mexico City and the annual National Silver Fair.
Taxco is a steep, colonial silver-mining town perched above deep ravines, famed for ornate Santa Prisca church and centuries-old silversmithing. Travelers come for winding cobblestone streets, artisan workshops and scenic vistas.
Getting around: Walk cobbled alleys in Centro around Santa Prisca, use the teleférico to Cristo Monumento, take taxis or colectivos for hilltop barrios like Taxco el Viejo.
Infrastructure & convenience: Tourist-friendly Centro has many silver shops, limited ATMs and pharmacies; steep streets limit accessibility, but hotels, restaurants and local markets stay open through midday weekends.
Local tips: Bargain politely for silver at Plazuela de San Juan, check ‘plata’ purity marks, avoid unmarked street stalls, and visit artisan workshops in Taxco el Viejo.
Dining: Eat tacos and cecina at Mercado de Taxco stalls, savor regional barbacoa and homemade moles, and enjoy coffee and pastries around the Zócalo.
Why Visit Taxco?#
Set on steep, cobbled lanes, Taxco draws visitors for its silver heritage and dramatic colonial architecture, anchored by the baroque Santa Prisca church. Shops and workshops sell handcrafted silver jewelry and demonstrate traditional silversmith techniques, while the old town’s alleys reward walkers with panoramic viewpoints. Food stalls and regional restaurants serve hearty Guerrero dishes-make room for pozole-complementing a compact, walkable historic center full of artisan energy.
Regions of Taxco#
Historic Center
A compact colonial core of narrow, cobbled streets, whitewashed facades and red tile roofs perched on steep hillsides. This is where you’ll find the famous Santa Prisca church, family-run fondas, and dozens of silver shops-perfect for slow walking, photography and buying handcrafted jewelry. Not a place for big hotels, more for guesthouses and short stays.
Dining: Traditional · Nightlife: Quiet · Shopping: Silver · Stays: Boutiques
Top Spots
- Parroquia de Santa Prisca - Taxco’s baroque jewel, impossible to miss and lovely inside.
- Plaza Borda (Zócalo) - The town square where locals meet and street vendors sell silver trinkets.
- Museo de la Platería (Casa Borda) - Small museum focused on Taxco’s silver heritage.
- Mercado de Artesanías - Packed with honest workshops and souvenirs.
La Bufa
Perched above the center, La Bufa is all about views and short hikes. Wander the paths, grab a coffee at a viewpoint stall and watch sunset pour over the terracotta roofs. It suits quick nature breaks between shopping trips and photographers wanting a classic Taxco skyline.
Dining: Cafés · Nightlife: Scenic · Shopping: Local Crafts · Stays: Guesthouses
Top Spots
- Cerro de la Bufa (Mirador) - The best panoramic viewpoint over Taxco’s rooftops.
- La Bufa Cable Car - Short ride with great views of the town and valley.
- Local lookout stalls - Small vendors selling snacks and silver pieces at the top.
Taxco Alto
The upper residential parts of town where real daily life happens: narrow alleys, local bakeries and workshops. It’s less touristy than the centro and ideal if you want to see how silver is made or stay in a family-run guesthouse. Bring comfortable shoes-everything’s uphill.
Dining: Home-style · Nightlife: Low-key · Shopping: Workshops · Stays: Family-run
Top Spots
- Silver workshops - Small family workshops where you can see pieces being made.
- Local fondas - Simple, hearty meals away from the tourist stretch.
- Steep lanes & plazas - Quiet residential streets with good photo ops.
Who's Taxco For?#
Taxco’s steep cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses and the ornate Santa Prisca church make it one of Mexico’s most romantic small towns. Stay near Centro Histórico for evening strolls and silver‑shop browsing beside candlelit plazas.
Eat at family‑run fondas and market stalls serving Guerrero specialties - corn‑based dishes, fresh grilled fish and street tamales. Mid‑range meals typically run MXN 70-200 around Zócalo and Calle Ignacio López Rayón.
Taxco is a popular overnight for budget travelers from Mexico City. Hostels and cheap pensions near Avenida Hidalgo and the central plaza keep costs low, while daytime wandering and free church visits fill the itinerary.
Beyond town you’ll find canyon hikes and a cable car (teleférico) with valley views; local operators also run nearby mountain trails and zip‑line experiences. Day trips can satisfy light‑adventure appetites without specialized gear.
Best Things to Do in Taxco#
Taxco Bucket List#
Templo de Santa Prisca - 18th-century Baroque church perched above the town, richly decorated with gold interiors.
Plaza Borda (Zócalo) - Central plaza framed by colonial arcades, cafés, and silver shops near Santa Prisca.
Teleférico de Taxco - Short cable car ride to the hilltop viewpoint and Cristo Monumental overlooking the city.
Museo de la Platería - Displays Taxco’s silver history, tools, and exquisite local pieces across several rooms.
Centro Cultural Casa Borda - Former colonial mansion hosting concerts, exhibitions, and a pleasant courtyard near the zócalo.
Mercado Municipal de Taxco - Lively indoor market where locals buy food, snacks, and affordable silver souvenirs.
Mirador del Cristo - Climb the hill for quieter vistas and photographers’ favorite vantage point over rooftops.
Casa de la Cultura de Taxco - Small cultural center offering workshops, temporary exhibits, and local craft demonstrations.
Local silver workshops along Calle del Plateros - Small family-run ateliers where artisans work and sell directly to visitors.
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park - Immense cave system with guided tours through dramatic stalactites and illuminated chambers.
Cuernavaca - Known as ‘City of Eternal Spring’ with gardens, museums, and relaxed restaurants.
Tepoztlán - Mountain pueblo with a lively market and a steep trail up Cerro del Tepozteco.
Taxco to Mexico City (by bus or car) - Around three hours travel; useful if extending into capital’s museums and markets.
Plan Your Visit to Taxco#
Best Time to Visit Taxco#
Visit Taxco during the dry months (November-April) when sunny days and cool nights make exploring its steep, silver-lined streets pleasant. The rainy season (June-October) brings frequent afternoon storms and higher humidity, while March-May is hotter but great for festivals and terrace cafés.
November - February
10-24°C (50-75°F)
Chilly nights and sunny days make wandering cobbled streets and hilltop views delightful; fewer tourists and low humidity create perfect conditions for sightseeing and silver shopping.
March - May
14-30°C (57-86°F)
Dry, warmer afternoons can reach into the high 20s-low 30s, but early mornings stay pleasant; ideal for festivals and outdoor terraces before rains begin.
June - October
12-26°C (54-79°F)
Frequent afternoon downpours cool the town and lushen surrounding hills; expect intermittent wet afternoons, quieter streets, and vibrant greenery but occasional travel delays.
Taxco's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 11°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1095 mm/year), wettest in June with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (229 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (214 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (207 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (215 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Taxco#
Taxco has no airport of its own - most visitors fly into Mexico City (Benito Juárez, MEX) or, less commonly, Acapulco (ACA) and continue by road. The town is reached by intercity bus or private transfer; there is no long‑distance passenger rail service to Taxco.
Mexico City International Airport (MEX): The closest major international gateway for Taxco is Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport. From MEX you can hire a private shuttle or taxi directly to Taxco (typical private shuttle or taxi: 1,800-3,000 MXN, travel time ~2-3 hours depending on traffic). If you prefer public transport, take the Metro or an authorized airport taxi into south Mexico City (Terminal Taxqueña) then catch an intercity bus to Taxco from the southern bus terminal - expect about 3-4 hours total and lower cost overall.
Acapulco International Airport (ACA): Acapulco’s airport is an alternative if you are coming from the Pacific coast. A direct taxi or private transfer to Taxco takes roughly 3-3.5 hours and typically costs about 2,000-3,500 MXN; regular intercity buses also connect Acapulco and Taxco (see Bus below) for a cheaper option (around 200-350 MXN, ~3-4 hours).
Train: There is no regular long‑distance passenger rail service to Taxco; Mexico’s intercity rail network does not serve this town. Travel to Taxco by public transport is by road only.
Bus: Regular intercity buses run to Taxco from Mexico City (departing the southern bus terminal, Terminal Taxqueña) and from Acapulco (central bus station). Journey times are roughly 2.5-4 hours depending on origin and route; fares are typically in the 200-350 MXN range from Mexico City or Acapulco. Buses arrive at Taxco’s central bus station (Central de Autobuses de Taxco), a short walk or taxi ride from the historic centre.
How to Get Around Taxco#
Taxco is a compact, hilly colonial town best explored on foot in the centre; many streets are cobbled and steep. For longer trips or to reach parking areas and outlying attractions, use taxis, colectivos or intercity buses - private transfers from Mexico City are the fastest and most convenient option.
- Taxis (40-150 MXN) - Taxis are the most convenient way to get around once you’re in town, especially for steep or uphill journeys. Many local taxis do not use meters, so always agree a fare before you get in - typical short fares inside town are low but vary by negotiation. Taxis are useful late at night when colectivos and buses run less frequently.
- Colectivos (shared vans) (20-60 MXN) - Shared vans (colectivos) run between Taxco and nearby towns and are an inexpensive way to travel short to medium distances. They typically depart from or near the central bus station or market when full; rides are cheap but can be crowded and have no fixed timetable. Bring small bills and expect frequent stops along the route.
- Intercity buses (200-350 MXN) - Modern intercity buses connect Taxco with Mexico City, Acapulco and other regional centres; they arrive at the Central de Autobuses de Taxco. Buses are comfortable and economical (Mexico City-Taxco ~200-350 MXN, ~2.5-3.5 hours) and are the best value for independent travelers without a car. Buy tickets at the terminal or via the operator’s website when possible for peace of mind.
- Car rental / Driving (600-1,200 MXN/day) - Driving gives maximum flexibility for exploring the surrounding region, but Taxco’s narrow, cobbled streets and limited parking make driving in the centre awkward. Rental cars in nearby cities typically cost from about 600-1,200 MXN per day; consider parking outside the historic core and walking in. Watch for steep, winding roads and local driving conditions.
- Private transfers & tours (400-3,000 MXN) - Hotels and local agencies offer private transfers and guided tours (silver mine visits, city walking tours, nearby villages). These are pricier but convenient - expect one‑way private transfers from Mexico City in the 1,800-3,000 MXN range and single‑day guided excursions priced variably (several hundred MXN upwards). For short visits to the mine or viewpoint, a guided tour saves time and avoids navigation hassles.
- Walking - Taxco’s compact historic centre is best explored on foot - narrow alleys, plazas and viewpoints are often inaccessible by vehicle. Wear sturdy shoes for cobblestones and steep staircases, and allow extra time for uphill walks; most highlights (Santa Prisca church, silver shops, viewpoints) are within a reasonable walking distance of the main plaza.
Where to Stay in Taxco#
Centro - $25-60/night
Budget options include basic inns and guesthouses clustered around the zócalo - simple, historic surroundings at low cost.
Budget inns around Taxco Centro (listings) - Simple rooms near the zócalo
Cheap guest rooms on Airbnb - Affordable private rooms and apartments
Centro / Cerro de la Bufa - $70-150/night
Several well-kept mid-range hotels balance local character with comfort; many offer terraces and panoramic city views.
Hotel Montetaxco - Popular mid-range hilltop hotel
Hotel La Misión Taxco - Comfortable, traditional hacienda style
Historic center - $140+/night
Luxury boutique hotels and upscale hilltop properties offer unique architecture, terraces and high-end service within walking distance.
Hotel Montetaxco - Upscale cliffside property with views
Casa de las Piedras / boutique luxury (local listings) - Boutique stays in historic buildings
Plaza Borda - $50-160/night
First-timers should stay near the zócalo for immediate access to silver shops, cable car and walking tours of the silver town.
Hotels near Taxco Plaza (listings) - Central, walkable locations
Hotel Montetaxco - Easy to find; great city views
Centro - $80-200/night
Families should pick hotels with suites or apartments; close proximity to plazas reduces walking on steep streets for kids.
Casa Inn Suite Taxco (listings) - Spacious suites for families
Hotel La Misión Taxco - Rooms with multiple beds available
Centro - $60-150/night
Many boutique hotels have decent Wi‑Fi and quiet terraces - check speeds, choose central hotels for cafes and cafes with plugs.
Hotel Montetaxco - Good Wi‑Fi and work-friendly terraces
Central hotels with reliable internet (listings) - Select properties advertise strong Wi‑Fi
Where to Eat in Taxco#
Perched on steep hills and famous for silver, Taxco is also a pleasant little food destination for travelers. The town’s compact centro is where vendors and cafés sell tortas, tacos and regional stews; many restaurants cater to visitors with set menus and terraces overlooking the whitewashed streets.
Look for market stalls around Plaza Borda for everyday snacks, and head up to Calle Guerrero for more sit-down options. Expect a mix of traditional Guerrero dishes and tourist-friendly international plates.
Taxco’s local food mixes Guerrero flavors with tourist-friendly plates - hearty pozoles, tacos and regional meat dishes near the zócalo and markets.
- Plaza Borda area stalls - Tamales, pozole and regional specialties.
- Street-side taco stands - Quick tacos and quesadillas near the zócalo.
- Silver-market cafés - Light meals and coffee for shoppers.
Because Taxco is a popular tourist stop, you’ll find international and fusion restaurants around Calle Guerrero and the main plaza, often with terraces.
- Restaurants on Calle Guerrero - Tourist-focused menus and international dishes.
- Hotel terraces - Upscale dining with panoramic town views.
- Simple pizzerias - Casual pizza and pasta options.
Vegetarian options are available at cafés and market stalls; ask for vegetable versions of local dishes and enjoy fresh-market produce.
- Local cafés - Salads, vegetable quesadillas and soups.
- Market stalls - Fresh fruits, breads and cheese snacks.
- Vegetarian-friendly restaurants - Offer veggie tacos and pasta alternatives.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Taxco’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Taxco#
Taxco’s nights are centered on the winding streets below the illuminated Santa Prisca Church and the Plaza Borda (zócalo). The town’s tourism-oriented bars and small restaurants cater to hotel guests and silver shoppers; live music pops up seasonally. Evenings are romantic and walkable - bring comfortable shoes for steep cobblestones. Many places close around midnight, though restaurants may stay open later on weekends.
Best Bets
- Plaza Borda (Zócalo) - Taxco’s central square with bars, terraces and evening people-watching.
- Santa Prisca Church (illuminated at night) - Iconic lit church with views and nearby restaurants and bars.
- Calle del Cable and surrounding lanes - Narrow, lively streets lined with restaurants and takeaway stalls.
- Plaza González and artisan quarter - Evening shopping and small cafés frequented by tourists and locals.
- Restaurants around Callejón del Beso - Cluster of eateries that stay open later for dinner service.
- Hotel bar terraces (downtown) - Quiet rooftop bars offering views over Taxco’s illuminated rooftops.
Shopping in Taxco#
Taxco is Mexico’s classic silver center: narrow, steep streets studded with dozens of family-run silver workshops and tourist-oriented stores. The town’s winding lanes around the Plaza Borda and the church of Santa Prisca are where you’ll find the best selection of hand-hammered and filigree silver-vendors range from small artisans to established silversmiths.
Shop around for styles and hallmarks, and feel free to compare prices between neighboring shops; small haggling is common in independent stores but less so at established brands and galleries.
Best Bets
- Plaza Borda - Main square surrounded by silver shops and cafés.
- Silver shops along Calle de la Cruz - Cluster of silversmiths selling handmade jewelry and pieces.
- Parroquia de Santa Prisca (shopping area) - Tourist hub with many nearby artisan and silver stores.
- Local handicraft markets - Stalls selling textiles, leather goods and regional crafts.
- Antique and vintage shops - Secondhand finds and vintage silver pieces around town.
- Silversmith workshops (various) - Visit small studios to see pieces made and buy directly.
