Taxco Mexico: Things to Do, Where to Stay + What to Eat

The narrow streets of Taxco Mexico wind through the hilly landscape with something to discover around every corner of this pueblo mágico. The white houses are stacked on the mountainside as if they belong there.

The cobblestone streets are tiled with a mosaic of the year each was paved. And cute white Volkswagen Beetles zip around as the official taxis, instantly turning your street photos into a picturesque scene of Taxco pueblo mágico.

There a lot of fun things to do in Taxco besides wandering the streets (although you’ll want to do that too!)

Add in the adventurous day trips from Taxco and you’ll want to spend at least a couple of days here. Although at just 3 hours away, it’s also possible to day trip to Taxco from Mexico City.

Let’s jump into this guide to Taxco Mexico, which also includes what and where to eat. Hint: A steaming bowl of pozole is calling your name.

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Where is Taxco Mexico?

Taxco Mexico is located in the state of Guerrero, about three hours southwest of Mexico City. Taxco is located 1.5 hours from Cuernavaca and approximately four hours from Acapulco. Nestled in the rugged mountains, the town’s dramatic hillside setting offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

What is Taxco Known For?

Taxco is primarily known for silver jewelry, a tradition that dates back to its rich silver mining past. Today its reputation for high-quality silver craftsmanship remains. In addition to silver, Taxco is famous for its iconic Santa Prisca Church, white VW Beetle taxis that navigate its steep streets, and its proximity to natural wonders in Mexico, such as the Cacahuamilpa Caves.

How to Get to Taxco

For most travelers, the best way to to get to Taxco is to take a bus from Mexico City to Taxco. The journey takes about three hours and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The Mexico City to Taxco bus leaves from the south terminal, Taxqueña (map), which is located just east of the neighborhood of Coyoacán.

Day Trip to Taxco From Mexico City

If you’re short on time, visiting Taxco is one of the top day trips from Mexico City. Most of the day trips to Taxco include a visit to another highlight on the way – typically the Cacahuamilpa Caves or the city of Cuernavaca.

I’ve highlighted my top two picks below. If it were up to me, I’d choose the Taxco tour from Mexico City that includes a visit to the caves. They are truly incredible.

• Caves and Taxco Tour from Mexico City – This small group tour includes a visit to the incredible Cacahuamilpa Caves on the way to Taxco. You’ll have three hours at the caves and about five hours in the pueblo mágico of Taxco before returning to Mexico City.
• Cuernavaca + Pueblo Mágico of Taxco from Mexico City – This Taxco tour from Mexico City makes a quick stop in Cuernavaca since it’s basically on the way. You’ll then have free time to explore Taxco before returning to Mexico City.

Where to Stay in Taxco Mexico

When you’re deciding where to stay in Taxco, the location (and by that, I mean hilly streets) is important to consider. It’s best to stay close to the center if you plan to walk around, which I highly recommend.

If you to decide to stay outside of the center, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views. And get to ride in the cute VW Beatle taxis more often!

15 Best Things to Do in Taxco

If you’re wondering what to do in Taxco, exploring its winding streets and enjoying the mountain views are just the beginning. The pueblo mágico of Taxco offers a variety of attractions that highlight both its history and stunning landscape.

Beyond the town’s rich silver heritage, I found myself enjoying its natural beauty – from a day trip to the caves and another to the blue pools – easily some of the top things to do in Taxco. Let’s jump in.

1. Get Lost Among the Picturesque Streets of Taxco

As one of the most beautiful towns in Mexico, I can’t think of a better pueblo mágico to aimlessly wander than Taxco. The narrow streets twist up and down along the hilly mountainside. And the cobblestone paving force the traffic to move almost as slowly as the pedestrians.

Initially, the streets look a bit daunting. And I get it. You don’t know how steep the incline is, only to descend on the other side. But getting lost in the streets is the beautiful thing about Taxco. 

As you round each corner, you’re unaware of what scene you’ll discover next. Though without a doubt a white VW taxi (or two or three) will pass, entering your picture at the perfect moment. It’s truly a photographer’s dream.  

2. Take in Picturesque Taxco From Guadalupe Parish

📍 Map Location

This hillside church offers some of the most beautiful views of Taxco pueblo mágico. Because it’s closer to the town, you’ll get better views of Santa Prisca Church, Plaza Borda, and the town of Taxco from this viewpoint.

Tip – To capture the golden sun illuminating the pink sandstone of Santa Prisca, arrive about an hour and a half before sunset.

You could easily spend a couple of hours here in the afternoon while you soak up the local life of Taxco. When I first arrived, a small group of women was chatting on the benches under the shade of a tightly shaped ficus tree.

A few moments later, a group of young kids picked up a game of soccer in front of the church. And around the corner, a couple found a secluded spot to make out.

3. Explore a Pre-Hispanic Silver Mine

Mina Prehispánica de Taxco is a silver mine established by the Chontal, the indigenous group that inhabited Taxco before the Spanish arrived. The small mine is still full of precious minerals since it was closed off in an effort to hide it from the Spanish.

It worked! Amazingly, this silver mine was only discovered in 2014. That year, the hotel bar began renovations to lower the floor because patrons would often hit their heads on the ceiling beams. They were amazed to find a small cavity that led to this well preserved Mesoamerican silver mine.

The entrance of 180 pesos includes a poolside drink after the short tour. It was never completely clear to me if you are allowed to swim in the pool. But I gathered you can with a 300 peso spend at the restaurant and bar.

4. Shop for Silver in Taxco Mexico

While mining is no longer the backbone of Taxco’s wealth, the town’s reputation for silverwork is a major draw for tourists. On Saturday spend the morning perusing the silver jewelry for sale on Avenida de los Plateros when the weekly silver market takes over the area.

You’ll likely find the best prices here since many silver artisans sell their work directly at the market. If you’re not visiting on a Saturday, there are plenty of silver shops in the center. Or, see the next thing to do in Taxco.

5. Design and Create Your Own Silver Ring

Sure, you can spend Saturday wandering the stalls, scanning the jewelry until you find a piece you like. Or you can design and make your own silver ring with the help of Gustavo, a Taxco native that started working with silver over 30 years ago.

I opted for an evening class and was promptly greeted at the meeting spot before being led through the narrow streets to the silver workshop. Gustavo and his assistant briefly described the process and then allowed me to choose the aspects of my ring design, including the words stamped inside.

The process was broken down and demonstrated before allowing me to take over, step by step. All the while, they were there for backup and only stepped out to buy beers for us to share.

They also took lots of photos and videos with my phone, which I used to create this Instagram reel. The finished product is a memory of Taxco I cherish. I highly recommend this unique thing to do in Taxco. To book, send a message to his Facebook page.

6. Visit the Church of Santa Prisca

Built in the mid-1700s, the main church in Taxco is made of pink limestone and flanked by two tall and ornate bell towers. It was the tallest building in Mexico for nearly 50 years.

Santa Prisca Church was built by José de la Borda, a Taxco businessman who made his fortune in the silver mines. However, its lavish details nearly bankrupted him during the building process.

Today the church stands as a central landmark in Taxco, located on one side of Plaza Borda. It’s worth a quick visit inside, although the most impressive part is the exterior.

7. Take a Break in Plaza Borda (The Zocalo)

Like most towns in Mexico, the Zocalo is the center of life. Well, that and the mercado (see where to eat in Taxco).

This public square rises a few steps above the cobblestone streets. The border is lined with multiple benches that are shaded with mature trees. In the center is the characteristic gazebo, called a kiosko.

Bonus: Casa Borda Cultural Center

📍 Map Location

While there isn’t much to see a Casa Borda, the fact that it’s one of the oldest buildings in Taxco makes it worth a visit. It’s steps away from the Zocalo, free to enter, and doesn’t take long to pop in.

At one point, this former private residence of Don José de la Borda was transformed into the Taxco Cultural Center to host classes and events for the community. There wasn’t much going on when I visited but there was a small, interesting photographic exhibit.

8. Sip on a Drink at Bar Berta

📍 Map Location

To experience a different part of Taxco history, head to the upstairs balcony at Bar Berta which overlooks the Zocalo and Santa Prisca Church.

Open since 1930, this bar is known for its signature cocktail called, The Berta. While I still prefer a margarita, the blend of tequila, honey, and lime was a nice change (if you’re like me, ask for it less sweet).

9. Take The Cable Car to Hotel Montetaxco

For different views of Taxco and the surrounding area, take the cable car to Hotel Montetaxco. Once you’re there, order dinner or a drink to take in the panoramic views of Taxco overlooking the pool.

This is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails or a romantic evening. Unfortunately, the cable car was closed for maintenance when I was visiting (it broke a few weeks prior). But the restaurant actually gets decent reviews for a somewhat touristy spot.

10. Hike to the Christ Statue (and Swing!)

📍 Map Location

Looming tall over the pueblo mágico of Taxco is a large statue of Christ. To be honest, I almost skipped this Taxco attraction. But I was encouraged to go by other travelers I met at the Cacahuamilpa Caves (see day trips from Taxco).

And I’m happy I did. In front of the Christ are sweeping views of Taxco with the surrounding mountains and valleys in the background.

But the highlight for me was the swing just before you get to the entrance. Someone had the genius idea to hang a swing here and catch the interest of visitors on the way to see the Christ statue.

Children and adults are welcome. You climb on the platform, sit on the swing, and let him know when you’re ready to be released. You’ll then glide over the hillside as you peer down on the picturesque pueblo mágico of Taxco.

The cost is donation based and while I can’t guarantee it will always be open, I hope it’s something that is there to stay.

How to Get to the Cristo Rey

To get to the Christ statue in Taxco, you can choose to take a rather grueling (so I’ve heard) 2-hour hike up, hire a taxi, or catch a combi (shared minivan). To take a combi, go to Plazuela de San Juan and look for one that says Casahuates or Cristo.

11. Museo Casa Figueroa

I wasn’t expecting much during this museum tour. Maybe just a few antiques in a beautiful house. But the guide, Rosa, gave me a wonderful tour in English.

It was fascinating to imagine the former residents as she told stories of the house. I pictured those who used the tunnels to escape to the holy mountain (Cristo Rey). And the women that hid money in the thick walls of the house. 

Of course, the house looks very different from that part of history since Figueroa purchased and remodeled the house in 1940. Among the changes he made were adding many windows and Talavera tile (mostly in the kitchen) from the city of Puebla. Nonetheless, many original details remain.

12. Casa Humboldt: Taxco Museum of Religious Art

Before you write this off as just a religious museum (as I almost did), you should know there are lots of other interesting items that help to tell the history of Taxco Mexico.

They include a collection of Chontal artifacts, models of old Taxco, and objects from the shipping route between Acapulco and Manila in the Philippines. 

In addition, the beautiful historic building features New Spanish Baroque architecture with beautiful archways and views in the back courtyard.

Day Trips from Taxco Guerrero

These day trips from Taxco blend nature with adventure. They are some of the best things to do in Taxco and are worth extending your visit if needed.

13. Grutas de Cacahuamilpa: Taxco Caves

The Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park features one of the largest cave systems in the world. Its magnitude is truly impressive. Inside the caves are incredible rock formations that have formed over millions of years.

Over time, these formations have been named for the figures they resemble, some of which may require a bit of imagination. Regardless, the huge stalactites and stalagmites are spectacular.

To access the Cacahuamilpa Caves, you are required to go with a guide (included with entrance fee) who will explain in Spanish the history of the caves and point out all of the figures using a flashlight. 

It takes about an hour and a half to walk through the caves and back (4 km total). The route is quite accessible, along a man-made pathway with bathrooms available about midway.

There are several packages available to purchase when you enter as well. My friends and I chose the one that includes the entrance to the caves, the walking bridge, and a short but fast zipline. The walking bridge was by far the most adrenaline inducing part.

Other activities at Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park include rappelling during the dry season and kayaking during Mexico’s wet season.

How to Get to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, Taxco Guerrero

To get to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, take a bus from the bus station (Google Maps) with the company Costa and tell the bus driver you’re going to the caves. The bus only makes a brief stop at the park, so be sure to pay attention.

After you get off, followed the paved path down the hill and to the right towards the entrance of the park.

Tip – When you buy a ticket, check the timetables for the last bus to Taxco. The return bus only comes every two hours. So plan your time in the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park wisely to avoid a long wait for the bus.

14. Pozas Azules: Blue Pools Near Taxco

One of my favorite day trips from Taxco is relaxing at Pozas Azules, the blue pools located in the nearby town of Atzala. The 100 peso entrance fee gives you access to all nine pools which vary in size and blue intensity.

When you first arrive, I recommend following the path past all of the pools until you reach the area where you need to pay a guide (cost by donation) to take you further.

Continue with the guide to the end. And now you have a good idea of which swimming areas you prefer. Plus you’ll be ready to cool off! Other activities include a zip line that flies high above the pools. 

Food and drinks are available to purchase from several vendors or you can bring your own. Tables and chairs are available for an extra cost. Although there are also places to sit along the edge of the pools.

Pozas Azules is a great way to spend the day with your family. If you’re traveling solo but prefer company (like me), try to go on a Sunday when lots of Mexican families are there.

How to Get to Pozas Azules near Taxco

The colectivo to Pozas Azules leaves from in front of the Coppel department store (location) every hour or when full. Look for “pozas azules” on the front windshield.

It takes about an hour to get there and I recommend arriving early. When I arrived at 11, the 12 pm colectivo was full and thus leaving in a few minutes and the next one wasn’t until 1 pm. 

14. Las Mil Cascadas: Taxco Waterfalls

Once you enter Las Mil Cascadas, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden paradise. Located about an hour from Taxco, this is a series of stunning waterfalls, caves, and swimming holes.

The name translates to The Thousand Waterfalls. And while I’m not sure that’s exactly accurate, the area reminds me of La Huasteca Potosina but more condensed.

How to Get to Las Mil Cascadas

The best way to get to Las Mil Cascadas is to book a tour. The mountain drive is beautiful, however the road is almost non-existent in some areas. 

If you do decide to drive, I recommend going in an SUV or Jeep. Once you arrive, you will be required to pay the entrance fee and rent a life jacket. The guide (about 500 pesos per group) is optional.

What and Where to Eat In Taxco

I found the restaurants in Taxco to be slightly underwhelming. For the best traditional food, go to the mercado where you can find pozole (see below) and one of my favorite dishes in Mexico, barbacoa.

For nontraditional food, I did enjoy the view, coffee, and crepes (sweet and savory) from Bálsamo Café. And in the afternoons, La Bambina is a good spot for a beer and wings on the patio with amazing views. 

Pozole

This stew is made using large kernels of corn, called Cacahuacintle. It’s the same corn that is ground into masa, a flour used for tamales, tortillas, and other corn dough items.

Pozole can be found throughout Mexico. There are different broth variations – red, green, and white. In the state of Guerrero, it’s most common to find white and green pozole. And it’s often topped with chicharrones (fried pork skin).

So where is the best pozole in Taxco? While Pozoleria Tia Calla is the most popular, I thought it was a bit uninspired. I found the best pozole at Cocina Economical Varón in the local mercado.

Mole Rosa

This striking pink sauce gets its color from the use of beets, among other rose-colored ingredients. Mole rosa has a mild flavor. Although, like most moles, it also includes various seeds, nuts, and spices.

You’ll often find this signature dish from Taxco Guerrero served with chicken and garnished with petals of rose or bougainvillea flowers.

Ice Cream at Tepoznieves

Okay, this isn’t strictly a thing to eat in Taxco since this ice cream hails from another pueblo magico nearby. But the ice cream from Tepoznieves is so popular, that they’ve expanded outside of their native Tepoztlan, Morelos.

If you have trouble deciding from the long list of flavors, I suggest picking a base you like, such as chocolate, and pairing it with a more unusual flavor.

Questions About Visiting Taxco Guerrero

Final Thoughts about Taxco Mexico

Taxco Guerrero is truly a unique town in Mexico. It’s one of the most charming pueblo mágicos I’ve visited and well-deserving of the title.

Whether you’re drawn by the desire to shop for fine silver or just become enchanted by its streets, Taxco should be added to your ever-growing list of places to visit in Mexico.