Taxco (full name: Taxco de Alarcón) is a small mining town in the centrally located Mexican state of Guerrero. It’s a friendly, scenic city built onto the side of a steep mountain. It’s world-renowned for the fine silver jewelry for sale at the countless joyerias (jewelry stores) that cover the central square. Here’s how to visit and what to do in town.
Where is Taxco?
Taxco is centrally located in Mexico, not far from the major visitor destinations of Mexico City, Cuernavaca and Acapulco. It’s actually between Mexico City and Acapulco, and often tour buses going from one to the other will stop there long enough for visitors to have a look around. Otherwise, it’s easily done in a day trip from any of those places. There are plenty of hotels in Taxco for those wishing to explore it at a more leisurely pace. It's also close to the ruins of Xochicalco.
What’s with the Taxco Silver?
Taxco has been known as a silver mining town since before the arrival of the Spanish in the sixteenth century, and the mines have been worked ever since. In the 1920’s, American silversmith William Spratling moved to the town and opened a jewelry store which used locally mined Taxco silver. It was an instant hit, and soon others copied him.
Today, there are dozens of joyerias willing to sell any number of items made from plata (silver). You name it: rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, napkin rings, charms, pendants, figures, plates and dishes…the list goes on and on. Today, the mines are all but depleted and the silver sold in Taxco may come from other sites around the country, but the stores linger.
The shops usually have price tags on the jewellery, but it’s possible to bargain the price down in most cases. Buying with cash also helps.
Is There Anything Else to Buy in Taxco?
Absolutely. Guerrero state is known for brightly painted pottery, and Taxco is an excellent place to find it. There are a couple of mini-markets not far from the church: the brightly colored plates, dishes and decorations will be sure to catch the eye of any visitor. The prices on the pottery are very reasonable.
What Else is There to Do in Taxco Besides Shopping?
The main church is worth a visit. It’s an interesting construction, built in record time during the colonial silver boom. Look for a painting which includes a pregnant Virgin Mary: it’s one of very few ever made (for some reason, showing a pregnant Virgin Mary was taboo). Much of the woodcarving on the doors and furniture was made by native artisans, who cleverly put in indigenous images while the priests weren’t looking: look for hidden jaguars or images of Quetzalcoatl on furniture and door frames.
Is There Good Food in Taxco?
Guerrero State and Taxco are known for great traditional food. It’s easy to find typical Mexican food favorites like tacos and chilaquiles, but be sure to try a local favorite as well. Iguana is a local delicacy, but for those who don’t want to eat a giant lizard, the pozole is not to be missed. Pozole is a thick, chowder soup or stew made with corn and a variety of meats and spices. Thursday is traditionally pozole day in Guerrero, but it’s available any time at several restaurants.
To learn more about Taxco, visit the official tourism web page (Spanish).
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