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| Taxco Travel Guide |

Version Español |
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| Hotels, restaurants, travel services, tourist attractions, videos, maps, climate, etc. |
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| TAXCO TOURIST INFORMATION / TOURISM IN TAXCO |
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Taxco, an area full of historic monuments, was recently declared a Magic Town, because of its beauty and the deep rooted customs of its people. The town is situated on a mountain range in the Mexican state of Guerrero, between rugged hills. Over time the people of Taxco have adapted to this harsh terrain and the town now comprises of picturesque cobblestone roads, parks and old buildings that really are a display of unsurpassable beauty.
Due to the discovery of the mineral rich fields, the area where Taxco currently lies had a special interest for the Spaniards. In 1522, Hernan Cortez named the mines of this region as "Socavon del Rey" (Tunnel of the King), which later would become the town of Taxco.
The word "taxco" comes from the Nahuatl language and means "place of the ballgame." Taxco is like an enchanting labyrinth of silver and it's definitely one of the most beautiful colonial areas of the country.
This exceptional town, undoubtedly Mexico's Mecca for the production and crafting of silver, features winding cobblestone streets leading to countless historical treasures, ancient temples and museums. Taxco is inundated with works of art and colonial buildings, exciting the spirits of visitors and encouraging them to stay longer.
A cable car ride is the ideal way to get a panoramic view of this beautiful city.
There aren't many cable cars in Mexico, therefore you should not miss the opportunity to experience this tour that will allow you to see the hills and forests of Taxco, as well as the red tile roofs, typical of the houses in this unique town.
Taxco is a paradise for cultural travelers, because it has many buildings of a great historic and artistic value. Some of them are currently attractive museums, cozy hotels, restaurants or bars, while others continue to function as the homes of the townsfolk. One of the best preserved examples is a building that used to belong to Don Jose de la Borda, which is now the City Hall, and along with the beautiful Santa Prisca Temple, makes up Taxco's main square, known as Plaza Borda.
Also worth mentioning are La Casa de las Lagrimas (The House of Tears) that is also situated in the center, named after the mistreatment given to the workers who built this place, and secondly "La Casa del Balcon" (The House of the Balcony) named after the peculiar balcony that characterizes it.
Along San Agustin Street, you'll find over twenty silversmiths selling jewelry and ornaments that reflect pre-Hispanic times.
They also make pieces with designs so exclusive and contemporary that they've obtained international awards. In this town, the hands of the artisans and silversmiths create all kinds of high-quality objects.
The festivities, gastronomy and silversmiths in Taxco are all excellent. Without a doubt, this town is an interesting, unique choice for national and international visitors, because it has managed to preserve the historic and cultural richness of almost five centuries, and shares it proudly, for everyone's enjoyment. |
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- HOTELS
- ATTRACTIONS
- RESTAURANTS
- NIGHTLIFE
- SHOPPING
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Hotel Best Western Taxco 
Address: J Nibbi No 2, Plazuela de San Juan, Taxco
Location: Taxco | Map View |
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Hotel Posada de la Mision Taxco 
Address: Cerro de la Misión No 32 Col Centro, Taxco
Location: Taxco | Map View |
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Hotel de la Borda Taxco 
Address: Cerro del Pedregal No 1, Col La Misión, Taxco
Location: Taxco | Map View |
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Hotel Rancho Victoria Taxco 
Address: Av. Lomas de Taxco S/N. Fracc. Lomas de Taxco
Location: Taxco | Map View |
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Hotel Agua Escondida Taxco 
Address: Plaza Borda No 4, Col Centro, Taxco
Location: Taxco | Map View |
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Hotel Montetaxco Resorts & Country Club 
Address: Fracc Lomas de Taxco s/n, Taxco
Location: Taxco | Map View |
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Hotel Loma Linda Taxco 
Address: Avenida de los Plateros #52, Taxco, Guerrero, Taxco
Location: Taxco | Map View |
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Hotel Villas Montetaxco 
Address: Av. Lomas de Taxco, Fracc. Lomas de Taxco s/n. Taxco
Location: Taxco | Map View |
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| TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN TAXCO / PLACES TO VISIT IN TAXCO |

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Former City Hall
This incredible edifice, built at the end of the 18th century, features a mural that recounts the history of Mexico. In addition, it is furnished with period pieces that harken back to the days of powerful landowners, when horse-drawn carts rolled down the cobblestone streets. Nowadays, this building houses the City Council.
Borda House
This colonial mansion exhibits monograms of the Holy Family, as well as magnificent sacred and secular works of art distributed throughout the 14 halls. Even the hallways are adorned with pieces depicting the rich religious history of Guerrero. This museum was built in honor of Mr. Jose de la Borda, a European businessman who ordered the Santa Prisca Parish Church to be built as sign of the great love that he had for this picturesque town. La Casa de la Cultura (Taxco House of Culture) is situated inside Casa Borda where a variety of social and cultural events take place.
Cristo Monumental (Monumental Christ)
In 2002, a monumental statue of Christ was constructed and located on the Cerro del Atachi (Hill of Atachi), overlooking the city of Taxco. This statue can easily be visited by car or by walking up the hill. If you are in the area, then definitely visit this monument because the panoramic view, of the quaint town of Taxco, is simply amazing.
San Bernardino de Siena Ex-convent
This old building, featuring a beautiful neoclassic facade, is one of the oldest convents on the American Continent. The original construction was made with adobe, under the watchful eye of the Franciscan monk, Francisco de Torantos, in 1592. Once, during its long history, a fire destroyed part of this temple only to be reconstructed again, in 1804. Since then, thanks to the extreme care that the population of Taxco has given this building, it remains in an excellent condition.
Cacahuamilpa Caverns
In the southern Sierra Madre, in a mountainous area only a few minutes from Taxco, visit the Cacahuamilpa Caverns and be amazed by the marvels that Mother Nature is able to produce. Large amounts of limestone and mineral deposits that have accumulated over thousands of years can be observed throughout the inner caverns. Helped by low lighting, shadows and rock structures, visitors' imaginations work overtime as they admire the stalactites and stalagmites that have taken incredibly unique forms over thousands of years.
These marvelous caverns awaken the explorer in each person that enters. Moreover, they have a mysterious atmosphere enhanced by the many legends told by the locals, giving a unique touch to this visit that really is an amazing experience.
Juan O'Gorman's Mural
This magnificent mural was created by Juan O'Gorman, creator of the famous murals that adorn the Central Library of the UNAM (Mexico's main University). These murals have given this university campus, in southern Mexico City, international fame and recognition. O'Gorman, along with his close friends Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, loved visiting Taxco. The plastic artist used the colorful local stones in this particular mural, taking advantage of their natural reds, greens and yellows to put together an impressive tribute to Cuauhtemoc, the last Aztec emperor, and beloved son of the nearby area of Ixcateopan.
Viceroyal Art Museum of Taxco
This is an amazing museum, located in a beautiful 17th century building, known as Casa Humboldt (Humboldt House), named after the explorer Alexander Von Humboldt, who stayed in this house when he visited Taxco in 1803. This museum features a baroque style facade and 14 exhibition halls with many objects that recount the history of the city and its mining growth, as well as important information about St. Prisca Parish Church, the main construction in Taxco. Here, you can admire religious objects, a wide variety of baroque art, ornaments from the 17th and 18th centuries, and temporary art exhibitions.
Twentieth Century Social History Museum of Taxco
One of the greatest examples of 18th century colonial architecture, this museum teaches us all about the culture and evolution of the people of Guerrero. You'll feel as if you have stepped back in time when you see the sculptures, paintings, pictures, and different ornaments, strategically placed and well-lit, to highlight their beauty and the importance of the events that have led to what is now the gorgeous village of Taxco de Alarcon.
"Antonio Pineda" Silversmith Museum
In this museum, also known as "Patio de las Artesanias" (Craft Patio), you'll be able to see Mr. Antonio Pineda's collection of silver items from many artisans and designers. He managed to amass a magnificent collection, representative of silversmiths throughout the country. Moreover, the museum also displays the works with which Mr. Pineda won national and international awards thanks to his unique designs. On the museum walls there are magnificent murals, by David Castaneda, a local artist, that tell, in a very interesting way, the recent and ancient history of Mexico.
William Spratling Museum
This museum shows us, through photographs and street plans, how the town of Taxco has evolved. Also on exhibit are about 300 pieces of pre-Hispanic art, such as vessels and statuettes, typical of the cultural diversity of ancient Mexico. This museum was built in honor of William Spratling, founder of the first silversmith in Taxco and a great promoter of local silversmith activity and the talents of Mexican artisans. He left a valuable artistic legacy for future generations to remember him by.
Inside the exhibition halls, you'll feel nostalgia for ancient Taxco upon seeing the furniture and other original items while at the same time, in contrast, you can enjoy the modern conveniences of computers available for researching any museum topic.
Santa Prisca Parish Church
This church, dedicated to Saint Prisca and Saint Sebastian, is an excellent example of New Spanish baroque art, apparent in the ''churrigueresque'' (extremely decorated) style used on its facade and the use of talavera tiles in one of its chapels, as well as in its eye-catching dome. Due to its great importance, the construction of this parish church involved several artists who gave this unique building its shape and added their own distinctive touches. On its lavish facade there are diverse sculptural forms made of pink quarry stone. Its two tall towers are embellished with images of saints, and in the center there is the image of the Immaculate Conception, to whom the people of Taxco are devoted followers.
Inside the church there are a total of 12 altars, each one adorned with extraordinary paintings, wood and gold leaf. Here, different saints, especially St. Sebastian and St. Prisca, are faithfully worshipped by the local people. It is difficult to describe the sensation people feel in this exceptional place, you really need to see it firsthand to feel its greatness.
The Cable Car
Taxco features a cable car that runs half a mile high for almost 200 yards; an attraction that can only be enjoyed in very few places in Mexico. Traveling all the way from Los Arcos, where the ride begins, to Monte Taxco, the cable car ride delights passengers with its incredible panoramic views of the city. Do not miss the opportunity to view Taxco from a truly unique perspective.
Holy Trinity Temple
This is one of the most ancient monuments in the city, dating back to the 16th Century. Despite the passing of time and the fact that this temple has been remodeled several times, it still has its original structure thanks to the extreme care taken by the local people, who consider this place as the representative symbol of faith in Taxco.
Traditions
Holy Week is the most important religious festival by far. Local people take the celebrations very seriously and make processions along the cobblestone streets where the faithful carry out different penitence rites. We cannot fail to mention the famous "Jornadas Alarconianas," considered the third most important cultural festival in the country, celebrated every year in honor of the famous dramatist Juan Ruiz de Alarcon, prodigal son of Taxco. During this traditional event, many exhibitions of art and culture are held, as well as entertainment and fireworks. You can be certain that, no matter what time of year you visit Taxco, you'll always find some festivity, since holidays and feasts in Taxco never end.
Ixcateopan Archaelogical Zone
This archaeological site is located 22 miles from Taxco, in the town of Ixcateopan. This was one of the last towns conquered by the Mexicas and still features the remains of groups of houses and ceremonial structures. Ixcateopan is also the city where Cuauhtemoc, the Aztec emperor was born. His remains were buried under the main indigenous temple where the first catholic church of the town was built. |
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| RESTAURANTS IN TAXCO / PLACES TO EAT IN TAXCO |

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100% Natural
This restaurant is part of a chain that offers healthy food, including salads, low-calorie dishes, sandwiches, and a wide variety of vegetarian delights. This franchise is on the second level of a very old building in Taxco, and provides, from its balcony, an excellent view of Plaza Borda.
Located in the main square and just few steps away from St. Prisca Parish Church, this restaurant is a good alternative for those who have already been tempted by the delicious, yet heavy, Mexican specialties, such as mole and pozole, and decide to change their diet to something a little lighter!
Acerto
With contemporary decor inside and a touch of traditional Mexican design on the exterior, this establishment is very popular with local people and it's also an attractive option for visitors to Taxco, since from its enormous balcony the complete facade of the Saint Prisca Temple can be seen. Inside, this restaurant/bar has modern furniture and soft music to create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing conversation while you dine.
The excellent quality of the food and drinks prepared here is indisputably good.
Cafe del Cielo
This is the ideal place to enjoy reading, chatting with friends, making use of the wireless Internet connection and, of course, enjoying a few cups of coffee from the enormous variety of textures, roasts and preparations that this coffee shop offers.
To accompany your beverage, they also serve a fabulous variety of delicious cakes and pastries. What makes a visit to Cafe del Cielo even better is the view from the balcony that overlooks the always-crowded Plaza Borda.
La Parroquia
At La Parroquia you can enjoy delicious Mexican or international dishes, served in a family friendly atmosphere. The unique tables on the balcony give this place a very special touch. Savor your meal while admiring an incredible view of the city full of colorful stores and people passing by.
El Rincon del Toril
El Rincon del Toril is a restaurant located very close to Plaza Borda, the main square, right in the heart of Taxco. The inside is decorated with bullfighting memorabilia, and there are also tables outside on the patio that offer the diner a wonderful view of the comings and goings of the town, a great place to people watch.
The restaurant is located on one of the principal streets in the town that leads from the main square to the crafts and silver markets. This restaurant specializes in big juicy steaks, and also in Spanish dishes, such as Paella.
El Taxqueno
Come and enjoy tasty, traditional dishes in a charming cozy atmosphere. Share this experience with your family and friends and take advantage of the delicious Mexican buffet served on Saturdays.
Tia Calla
In this typical restaurant in Taxco, you can experience the real magic of this colonial city and sample lots of fantastic regional dishes. Try the exotic specialties prepared with jumiles or iguana, and many more delicacies of Taxco, such as the irresistible Guerrero style Pozole. Without a doubt, this is one of the most popular places to dine in Taxco.
Tony's
Savor the best international dishes, prepared with highest quality ingredients at this warm, family friendly restaurant. Tony's is decorated with a beautiful art nouveau stained-glass figure that stands on the bar and is as high as the ceiling, working as a lamp to romantically light the whole restaurant.
If you are looking for fine dining in Taxco, you must visit Tony's where you can enjoy live music and have a fantastic view of the mountains, while spending a very pleasant evening with family and friends. |
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| NIGHTLIFE IN QUERETARO / BARS & CLUBS |

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Amnesia
This club, located by the Plazuela de San Juan (San Juan Square) is one of the trendiest places in town and a great choice for those who like to party the night away.
At Amnesia, they serve a great selection of refreshing drinks and feature two different settings. The first is an open-air terrace with a magnificent view of the city, while inside you'll find pop and electronic music filling the air, encouraging everybody to dance.
Ibiza Night Club
Ibiza Night Club is one of the favorite places for both locals and tourists due to its en vogue ambience, the hottest tunes mixed by the resident DJ, the contemporary decor and also the fashionable trends of its many chic clients.
The reputation of this lounge/bar, as the most entertaining in Taxco, along with the latest house and avant-garde pop music, make the weekend nights irresistible for those who want to be seen and enjoy the excellent atmosphere of this ultra-cool club.
Windows Heaven
This disco, located on top of a hill, gets packed every weekend, especially on its fabulous 'Merengue' Fridays, when people dance to the energetic beat of tropical rhythms showing their best steps.
Every Saturday night, the DJ will be your guide taking you on a trip through the 70's, 80's and 90's, making you remember those old dance steps, while you sing along to the unforgettable melodies of years gone by.
Bohemia in Plaza Borda
Taxco is a small town with an incessant cultural activity that happens to be very attractive for a particular niche of tourism: people who enjoy the arts and have a thirst for knowledge.
The town's inhabitants and visitors enjoy casual debates and lively chats over coffee in the multiple bars and restaurants that surround Plaza Borda (Taxco's Main Square). The crowd also gathers to attend the frequent public outdoor shows in the main square that range from improvised theater to fabulous concerts with the majestic presence of St. Prisca's baroque facade as the backdrop.
The bohemian mood increases, in the squares and alleyways of Taxco, during festivals such as the Jornadas Alarconianas. This yearly art and culture festival is dedicated to Juan Ruiz de Alarcon, a notable dramatist born, in this city, at the end of the 16th century.
The jubilance experienced at this celebration is comparable to the renowned Cervantine International Festival, commemorated annually in Guanajuato, which is a feast of culture dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. During the festival, Taxco takes on an animated atmosphere and the bars and restaurants in downtown become full of revelers celebrating the arts and the cultural expressions of the area.
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| SHOPPING IN QUERETARO / WHERE TO BUY IN QUERETARO |

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Mercado de Artesanias (Crafts Market)
Located directly behind St. Prisca's Parish Church, this popular place offers a great variety of jewelry and handicrafts made of various materials, such as rattan, wood, clay and papel amate (paper made of bark), adorned with motifs in bright colors. Very typical, in the state of Guerrero, are the beautiful painted and lacquered wooden boxes of Olinala, also the jaguar masks made of carved wood and the colorful varnished earthenware.
Here, you can also enjoy the typical Mexican market folklore, with its hustle and bustle and never-ending bargaining. In this market you will surely find something special to take home with you.
Plaza Borda
Nowadays, as it has been since colonial times, the main square of Taxco called Plaza Borda, is still the ideal place for trading goods. Traveling merchants, coming from small villages to this city of silver, offer handmade articles at very low prices, ranging from leather belts and bags to basketry and pottery adorned with bright colors.
Also hats, vessels, plates, smiling rag dolls, and even small pieces of furniture are sold in the area surrounding the Temple of Saint Prisca, right in the very heart of Taxco.
Taxco El Viejo (Old Taxco)
At this small village, located only 6 miles from downtown Taxco, you'll find a great variety of typical handicrafts and fine jewelry. There is a wide selection of bracelets, earrings, buttons, and buckles, as well as silverware, jars, and cups. Here you'll also find original articles belonging to William Spratling.
The very attractive prices are yet another feature of this fabulous place for shopping in Taxco.
Tianguis de la Plata (Silver Street Market)
Every Saturday, the handicraft workshops display their wares at this beautiful street market, where you can find decorated jars, jewelry with crystal inlays and precious stones, and countless other incredible pieces made of silver, as small as a pair of earrings or as complex as a dinner set, complete with trays, plates and tableware.
Taking advantage of the excellent prices, people from the whole country come to this street market, in Taxco, to do business with the silver merchants. They return here on a regular basis to renew their stocks and make good profits selling fine silver articles in their hometowns.
Silver Workshops and Shops
Part of the attraction of Taxco is to admire the artistic process of the silversmiths in their workshops, witnessing firsthand the melting and molding of this precious metal that they transform into the most charming pieces of jewelry, filigree, fine silverware, elegant trays, and even incredibly large sculptures.
While browsing around the silver shops, in the surrounding areas of downtown Taxco, it is possible to observe the skilled silversmiths working. They will gladly demonstrate their techniques, especially if they can make a sale afterwards. |
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