Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
16/09/2025
Jorge__ Medina_, Pexels
Nestled in the mountains, Taxco, Mexico, presents itself as a captivating colonial town renowned for its intricate silver craftsmanship, a legacy of its rich mining past. Visitors are drawn to its winding cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings adorned with red-tiled roofs, and the striking 18th-century Santa Prisca Church, all contributing to an experience of picturesque charm and stunning panoramic views.
The vibrant heart of Taxco is its Zócalo, or Plaza Borda, where visitors and locals naturally converge. This central square offers numerous opportunities to socialize, whether through dining at restaurants featuring balconies with scenic city views, or simply by observing daily life. For those seeking connection with fellow travelers, some hostels in the town provide communal spaces.
Top 7 Things to do in Taxco
Activities in Taxco revolve around its rich silver heritage, colonial charm, panoramic viewpoints, and accessible natural excursions.
1. Explore Plaza Borda and Santa Prisca Church
I found myself drawn to the vibrant heart of Taxco, Plaza Borda, where local life unfolds. The magnificent Santa Prisca Church stands as its centerpiece, an exquisite example of Churrigueresque Baroque architecture. Its pink sandstone facade and intricately carved, gold-covered altarpieces inside are truly captivating. Taking time to admire its details and simply absorb the atmosphere of the bustling square is essential for understanding Taxco's soul.
Cost: Free to enter the church.
Transport: Located at the town's center, this area is easily accessible on foot from most accommodations.
2. Shop for Silver in the Markets and Boutiques
As Taxco is known as Mexico's 'Silver Capital,' I made sure to explore the numerous silver shops and markets. The quality and variety of craftsmanship, from contemporary designs to traditional pieces, are impressive. For the best prices and a truly local experience, visiting the Tianguis de Plata (Saturday Silver Market) is a must, where artisans sell directly. Beyond silver, the town also offers charming boutiques with local handicrafts.
Cost: Varies significantly depending on purchases. Silver prices are typically based on weight and quality. Haggling is common in markets.
Transport: Silver shops are abundant throughout the town center, and the Saturday Silver Market is on Avenida de los Plateros, both walkable areas.
3. Wander the Cobblestone Streets and Discover Viewpoints
Getting lost in Taxco's steep, winding cobblestone streets is an activity in itself. Each turn reveals whitewashed buildings adorned with red-tiled roofs, hidden stairways, and unexpected plazas. I enjoyed discovering various lookout points, such as Guadalupe Parish, which offers some of the most beautiful views of Santa Prisca Church and the entire town, especially as the sun begins to set. It's a fantastic way to soak in the town's picturesque charm.
Cost: Free.
Transport: All exploration within the historic center is done on foot, requiring comfortable shoes due to the hilly terrain.
4. Ride the Teleférico (Cable Car) to Hotel Montetaxco
For unparalleled panoramic views of Taxco, I recommend taking the Teleférico. This five-minute ride ascends 173 meters to the Hotel Montetaxco, offering a breathtaking perspective of the 'silver city' nestled among the mountains. From the top, there's an opportunity to enjoy a drink or meal while admiring the expansive scenery before descending back into town.
Cost: Approximately 95 Mexican Pesos for a round trip.
Transport: The Teleférico station is located at Barrio Los Arcos, near the Ex-Hacienda del Chorrillo, on the outskirts of town. A local white VW Beetle taxi can take you there from the center for around 30 Mexican Pesos.
5. Visit the Museo Guillermo Spratling
Delving into Taxco's silver history and pre-Hispanic art, the Museo Guillermo Spratling offers fascinating insights. Named after William Spratling, an American who revitalized Taxco's silversmithing industry, the museum houses his collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts and explains the origins of the town's silver heritage. It's a compact museum, but the exhibits provide valuable context to the silver craftsmanship seen throughout Taxco.
Cost: Approximately 75 Mexican Pesos. Sundays are free for Mexican citizens.
Transport: The museum is centrally located on Porfirio A. Delgado No. 1, within walking distance of Plaza Borda.
6. Explore Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park
Venturing outside Taxco, I experienced the impressive Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, one of the largest cave systems in the world. Guided walking tours lead through massive caverns filled with unique formations, often likened to natural sculptures. The scale of the caves is truly awe-inspiring. This active experience takes a few hours and offers a refreshing contrast to the town's colonial charm.
Cost: Entrance fee is approximately 100 Mexican Pesos. The guided tour is included in the entry fee.
Transport: To get there, I took a local bus from Taxco's Flecha Roja terminal (different from the ADO terminal) towards Ixtapan, getting off at the junction for the Grutas. The bus costs about 44-46 Mexican Pesos each way and takes 30-40 minutes. Taxis are also available, costing around 140-250 Mexican Pesos for a one-way trip, which can be cost-effective for a group.
7. Swim in Pozas Azules (Blue Pools)
For a relaxing natural escape, I recommend a trip to Pozas Azules, a series of stunning blue pools and waterfalls formed by a river near the town of Atzala. The crystal-clear, refreshing waters are perfect for swimming, and exploring the different pools feels like discovering a hidden oasis. Some areas offer small jumping platforms, adding a touch of adventure to the serene setting.
Cost: Entrance fee is approximately 100 Mexican Pesos for adults.
Transport: Colectivo vans marked 'Atzala' or 'Pozas Azules' depart from in front of the Coppel department store in Taxco. The cost is about 25-27 Mexican Pesos per person, each way, and the journey takes around 40-45 minutes. Colectivos leave when full.
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