Taxco, Mexico is traveler’s dream. Filled with history, beauty, and plenty of Mexican silver jewelry, Taxco is a culturally rich city with something for everyone. Taxco is best known for the silver mines that sustained the cultural and commercial development of the city for centuries. The home of interesting museums, churches, and buildings, it is the hidden gem of southern Mexico.

With so much to do, it’s hard to know how to best spend your time when visiting Taxco. No fear! We’ve come up with a list of what makes Taxco Taxco so that you can feel like a local when you come to the city.

Places to See

Taxco has many must-see beautiful historical sites steeped in the history of the city. All are filled with history and interesting artifacts from Taxco’s present or past.

Photo credit: FrenchHope via Visual Hunt / CC BY

Templo de Santa Prisca

The Templo de Santa Prisca is an 18th-century church in Taxco. It is one of the few Baroque buildings in the state, and one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Like much of Taxco, the church’s history is one based around silver. The financer of the church was José de la Borda, the owner of several mines in Mexico, including many in Taxco.

Casa Borda

Casa Borda is another product of José de la Borda’s tremendous wealth, and a must see when visiting Taxco. Casa Borda was designed by the architect Juan Joseph Alva, who also designed the Templo de Santa Prisca. The house today is a cultural center, featuring art and theater by artists from around Guerrero. The site also plays host to the annual International Guitar Festival and Competition .

Museo Guillermo Spratling

The museum is named after William Spratling, credited with bringing mainstream jewelry making to Taxco in the early 20th century. The museum holds many of the Mexican silver jewelry pieces he created (which were based on Pre-Columbian styles). It also houses his private collection of archeological objects from five cultural regions of Mesoamerica.

Taxco’s Traditional Markets

In Taxco, there are many opportunities to experience traditional Mexican markets. At the markets, you can find food, jewelry, or any number of other pieces sold by local merchants.

Plaza Borda

Plaza Borda is the main square of Taxco, Mexico. The plaza is home to a variety of merchants selling items ranging from jewelry to leather bags. It’s also a beautiful place to take a seat and appreciate the beautiful surrounding architecture.

Insider tip: Check out the Plaza Borda after checking out the Templo de Santa Prisca.

Mercado de Artesanias

The Mercado de Artesanias offers a variety of different goods made by local artisans. While it’s not as well known as other markets in Taxco, it’s worth a trip to witness the vast selection of items.

Taxco El Viejo

Taxco El Viejo (old Taxco) is a small village eight miles from the center of Taxco. In pre-Hispanic times, this village had importance due to its standing as the seat of the region’s Aztec governor. Now, you can find merchants selling objects of all types at a great price.

Insider tip: In the village, you can find more original pieces belonging to William Spratling.

The Natural Beauty

While Taxco is an architecture lover’s dream, it is also settled in a beautifully rugged region of Mexico. With the city surrounded by hillsides and mountains, there is a lot to take in.

Teleferico de Taxco

Take in the beauty of Taxco via the Teleferico de Taxco , a cableway that takes you on an 800 meter journey from the village up the Hotel Monte Taxco. You will get beautiful views of the city and surrounding area on your way up and once you arrive. Once at the top, there are restaurants and cafes where you can go for a lunch or coffee. You can also stay at the hotel, though staying is not required for taking the cableway.
Photo credit: Comefilm via Visual hunt / CC BY-SA

Caves of Cacahuamilpa

Though a little outside of town, the Caves of Cacahuamilpa in The Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park are a must see. The home of one of the largest cave systems in the world, the caves are an ever-expanding wonderland of adventure. While walking through dark caves may seem daunting, tours are available to provide you with the necessary guidance to make it back safe.

Jumiles: A local delicacy

A culinary staple of Taxco, jumiles are small edible insects that have been eaten in the region for centuries. Jumiles can be eaten fried, roasted, or raw. Considered an acquired taste, the people of Taxco have been eating the insect for decades; some healers even believe they possess healing properties. Visit Taxco between November and February for this culinary treat.

Insider Tip: The best way to enjoy jumiles is in a salsa with tortillas.

Come visit Taxco!

Taxco is a world-class city that every traveler should experience at some time in their life. Whether it be for the architecture, the beautiful jewelry, or to eat some jumiles, Taxco, Mexico is worth the trip!

Not planning a trip to Taxco? Bring a piece of Taxco to you with Taxco 925’s fine silver jewelry crafted by local Taxco artisans.

Featured Image Photo credit: Comefilm via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-SA