9 Best Things To Do In Taxco, Mexico

Are you looking for the best things to do in Taxco, Mexico?

Taxco de Alarcón, or simply Taxco, is a small colonial pueblo in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, southwest of the nation’s capital. It is renowned for its silver mines, although copper, lead, and zinc, as well as fluorite, are also mined in the area. It is an ideal destination for those who want to have a taste of traditional Mexican culture.

The city took its name from Juan Ruiz de Alarcón y Mendoza, the 18th-century poet and dramatist who was born here.

Apart from the stunning silver jewelry and handicrafts that the city is famous for, Taxco is also rich in history, cultural heritage, and colonial architecture. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers as well, thanks to the surrounding mountains and natural hot springs.

Let’s jump into our list of the best things to do in Taxco, Mexico.

9 Best Things To Do In Taxco, Mexico

1. Stroll around the Plaza Borda

The Plaza Borda, or the Zocalo, is a central hub of activity in Taxco. It’s an excellent place to sit, relax, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

The Plaza Borda is in the heart of Taxco, named after the Spanish-French silver magnate Joseph Gouaux de Laborde Sánchez, better known as José de la Borda, who commissioned the construction of the plaza.

The Plaza Borda is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. It is a nice spot for strolling around, people-watch, and take in the beautiful surroundings. Restaurants and silver shops are all over the place, making this Zocalo perfect for simply enjoying the vibe.

2. Visit the Church of Santa Prisca de Taxco

The 18th-century Church of Santa Prisca de Taxco is one of the most prominent landmarks in Taxco, renowned for its ornate New Spanish Churrigueresque façade and splendid interior.

José de la Borda had this church built in the 18th century. Its façade is adorned with sculptures and intricate carvings. The lavish interior, on the other hand, is decorated with gold leaf and frescoes.

The church also contains a collection of religious art, which includes paintings by the 17th-century Oaxacan painter Miguel Cabrera.

The church doesn’t charge entry fees, but donations are highly encouraged to help with maintenance and restoration efforts. Additionally, you may be asked a small fee to take photographs inside the Santa Prisca.

3. Ride the Telerifico de Taxco

For a stunning panoramic view of the city, hop on the Telerifico de Taxco, Taxco’s popular cable car system. It connects the city with the Atache Hill, offering a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings as you go on a fun ride to reach the Monumental Christ of Taxco.

The Telerifico de Taxco is one of the main tourist draws in the city – and for good reason! The cable car ride to the Atache Hill takes about 15 minutes, during which you can enjoy the amazing views of Taxco, its old houses, churches, and monuments.

4. Go up the Monumental Christ of Taxco (Cristo Taxqueño)

Monumento al Cristo El Rey (Monument to Christ the King), also called the Monumental Christ of Taxco or simply Cristo Taxqueño, on the Atache Hill is the highest point of the city. It is a symbol of faith and a beloved monument in the city of Taxco.

Built in 2002, Cristo Taxqueño is a popular tourist attraction in the area. It is an 18-meter-high statue of Christ the King with his arms outstretched, as if welcoming visitors to the small city below.

You can reach the Cristo Taxqueño by riding a cable car and climbing the hill through a series of winding steps. Once on the hilltop, you can admire the sweeping views of Taxco and the surrounding areas. You can also pray inside the small chapel up there.

The Cristo Taxqueño is a popular spot for gatherings during religious festivals, such as Holy Week and Day of the Dead, during which the statue is lit up and the whole place comes to life.

5. Attend a silver jewelry making workshop

In Taxco, you can learn about the art of silver jewelry making by attending a workshop with a skilled local artisan. Not only that, you can also make your own unique piece of jewelry to bring home as a keepsake.

Taking such workshops in Taxco is a fun way to learn about the city’s history and culture of silver craftsmanship. Some workshops in Taxco offer lessons in silver making and jewelry design; others provide guided tours of their facilities.

The historic Casa Borda, located in the city center, offers several workshops on jewelry-making techniques.  Make sure to allot time for one!

Please note that some classes may require advance booking. Prices vary depending on the type of workshop you pick.

6. Visit Casa Humboldt Museum

A historic house turned museum, Casa Humboldt Museum – or the Museum of Religious Art – showcases many pre-Columbian artifacts and historical art pieces, including ceramics and sculptures, as well as textiles.

The restored house-turned-museum is named after Alexander von Humboldt, a German naturalist and explorer who visited Taxco in 1803. Although he stayed at this house for just one night, he was so impressed by the region’s natural beauty and cultural treasure that he wrote about the area, making it popular among European artists and travelers.

Casa Humboldt Museum houses a collection of precious artifacts on 18th-century Catholicism.

7. Sample Taxco’s local cuisine

Taxco’s local cuisine is influenced by the traditional flavors of the state of Guerrero and other regions of Mexico. The city has a dynamic culinary scene, and you should take advantage of it!

Sample some excellent local food like tamales (meat pies made of cornmeal dough), chalupas (fried boat-shaped tortillas), and pozole (chili and pork stew).

Casa Spratling, La Hacienda, and Rosa Mexicano are some of the highest-rated restaurants in Taxco that you should consider when in the area.

8. Visit an old mine

Taxco’s rich mining history predates the Columbian era. During the colonial period, the Spanish established mines in the city and the surrounding areas, extracting silver that was used in minting coins that were shipped to Spain.

While many of these mines have ceased their operations, you can still explore some of the old ones that have been preserved and now serve as tourist attractions.

One of the most highly recommended mines to visit is the Mina Prehispanica de Taxco, which is literally beneath the Hotel Posada de la Mision.

9. Explore the Mercado de Plata ó Tianguis Sabatino (silver market)

In Taxco, you will never run out of silver pieces to buy! There are numerous shops and stalls that you can explore, all claiming to offer authentic pieces of silver jewelry.

But please be careful when shopping for silver at the Mercado de Plata ó Tianguis Sabatino because not everything they sell is genuine silver. Make sure you are buying the real things. If on doubt, you can always check out silver pieces at a local workshop.

Mercado de Plata ó Tianguis Sabatino is on Calle de Mora Barrio de Mora. When shopping at this silver market, remember to bargain and you will usually get 20% off the original price without too much effort.