Taxco

Taxco de Alarcón

A stunning hillside colonial town famous for its silver jewelry production and dramatic architecture draped across steep terrain, dominated by the whitewashed Santa Prisca Church. It's a popular destination for shopping, photography, and experiencing traditional colonial Mexican aesthetics.

Things to do

• Santa Prisca Church — Marvel at the elaborate 18th-century Baroque façade and gilded interior of Taxco's iconic whitewashed church dominating the main plaza.
• Silver Workshop Tours — Visit family-run taller (workshop) studios in the historic center to watch artisans crafting jewelry using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
• Museo de la Platería Guillermo Spratling — Explore Mexico's premier silver museum showcasing pre-Columbian pieces and the evolution of Taxco's jewelry craft from the 1930s onward.
• Plazuela de Bernal — Wander this charming secondary plaza with colonial arcades, local artisan stalls, and cafés offering views down Taxco's steep cobblestone streets.
• Cable Car Ride to Teleférico — Ascend the hillside via cable car for sweeping panoramic views of the entire town and surrounding mountains, especially stunning at sunset.
• Mercado Central — Browse the covered market for local crafts, textiles, dried chiles, and prepared foods while experiencing everyday Taxco life beyond the tourist center.
• Taxco Walking Tour of Barrios — Explore narrow alleyways and residential neighborhoods like Barrio Viejo to see colonial architecture, local shrines, and authentic community spaces away from main plazas.

Food to try

• Pozole Rojo — A hearty traditional stew of hominy and pork topped with shredded cabbage, radish, lime, and crispy tostadas, served especially on Sundays and feast days.
• Enchiladas Taxqueñas — Tortillas dipped in local mole negro and filled with chicken, then topped with crema and fresh cheese, a signature preparation specific to the region.
• Barbacoa de Borrego — Slow-roasted lamb wrapped in maguey leaves and cooked in an underground pit, served in the market and at family comedores with consomé broth.
• Chiles Rellenos con Queso de Bola — Poblano peppers stuffed with Oaxaca cheese (queso de bola), battered and fried, then smothered in tomato sauce, reflecting regional cheese traditions.
• Tejate (Tejate Taxqueño) — A pre-Hispanic corn and cacao beverage served cold with cinnamon and sugar, sometimes found at markets and traditional celebrations in the cooler mountain climate.
• Tamales de Rajas — Corn masa tamales filled with roasted poblano peppers and fresh cheese, wrapped in corn husks and steamed, a local staple sold by street vendors in early morning.

Local customs & good to know

• Silver is Currency Here — Nearly every storefront and conversation involves silver jewelry; haggling is expected and culturally normal, especially in workshops and smaller stalls away from tourist-marked shops.
• Steep Terrain Requires Patience — Taxco's steep cobblestone streets demand comfortable walking shoes and a slow pace; many locals navigate by memory and centuries-old shortcuts, so getting lost is part of the experience.
• Colonial Siesta Tradition — Many small shops and restaurants close midday (1–4 PM) for comida and rest; plan major activities for morning or late afternoon to align with local rhythms.
• Fiesta de Santa Prisca (January) — The town's major religious and cultural celebration honoring its patron saint features processions, fireworks, regional food stalls, and fills accommodations weeks in advance.