Taxco
Silver capital of Mexico with dramatic hillside colonial architecture
Overview
Taxco's whitewashed colonial buildings cascade down dramatic hillsides, creating one of Mexico's most photogenic towns and a Pueblo Mágico. Known as the silver capital of Mexico, it offers excellent jewelry shopping in hundreds of silver workshops and stores—the tradition dating back to the 16th-century Spanish mining era. Located 170km (2.5-3 hours) from Mexico City in Guerrero state, Taxco rewards either a long day trip or an overnight stay. The centerpiece is the pink stone Santa Prisca Church, a baroque masterpiece dominating the main plaza. Narrow cobblestone streets wind between whitewashed buildings with red tile roofs, occasionally opening to stunning valley views. The teleférico (cable car) provides panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. Silver prices here are among Mexico's best—look for the "925" stamp indicating genuine sterling.
Highlights
Practical Information
Full day or overnight
Free
Town is free to explore. Teleférico ~100 MXN round-trip. Silver Museum ~50 MXN.
Weekdays for fewer crowds and better silver shopping. Semana Santa (Easter Week) brings famous religious processions but extreme crowds—book months ahead. November's Feria Nacional de la Plata (National Silver Fair) showcases top silverwork.
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