Taxco de Alarcon, Mexico’s silver capital, is a charming colonial town nestled in the mountains of Guerrero state between Mexico City and Acapulco. It’s one of Mexico’s “Magical Towns” and it’s easy to see why: the town’s winding cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses with red tile roofs, and impressive Santa Prisca cathedral combine to make Taxco a picturesque destination. Moreover, anyone interested in purchasing silver will find an excellent selection here, accompanied by favorable prices.

History of Taxco

In 1522, Spanish conquistadors discovered that the local inhabitants paid tribute to the Aztecs in silver. Consequently, they began conquering the region and established mines. In the 1700s, Don Jose de la Borda, a Frenchman of Spanish descent, arrived in the area and amassed wealth from silver mining, commissioning the baroque Santa Prisca Church, the centerpiece of Taxco’s Zócalo.

However, the town’s silver industry faced a decline until the arrival of William Spratling in 1929, who initiated a silver workshop. His designs, influenced by pre-Hispanic art, gained immense popularity. Moreover, he trained other artisans, contributing significantly to Taxco’s reputation as the silver capital of Mexico.

Things to Do in Taxco

The most popular activity in Taxco is shopping for silver; however, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy:

• Visit the Santa Prisca Church, funded by Jose de la Borda.
• Explore the Museo de la Plateria, the silver museum, to learn about the silver crafting process and view exquisite pieces on display.
• Try a “Bertha,” a lime and tequila concoction at Bar Bertha above the Plaza de la Borda while enjoying the scenic view.
• Take a ride in the cable car to the Monte Taxco Hotel for stunning photo opportunities!

Shopping for Silver

In Taxco, you’ll find a vast selection of silver items, ranging from high-quality handcrafted original pieces to mass-produced trinkets. Look for a .925 stamp on silver pieces, indicating it is sterling silver, composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper for durability. Occasionally, you might encounter a 950 stamp, signifying 95% silver content. Most silver shops sell pieces based on weight, with rates varying by merchant and quality. For unique pieces and collector’s items, visit the Spratling workshop in Taxco Viejo.

Hotels in Taxco

Visiting Taxco as a long day trip from Mexico City (approximately a two-hour drive each way) is possible; however, spending at least one night is highly recommended. The sunsets are beautiful, and the evenings offer numerous bars and restaurants for drinks and meals. Here are a few recommended accommodations:

Hotel Agua Escondida
Located on Plaza Borda, Taxco’s Zocalo, this hotel features clean rooms decorated in traditional Mexican style, complete with a pool, a good restaurant, and wireless Internet.

Montetaxco Hotel
Reach this mountainside hotel via cable car for panoramic views of Taxco and an excellent restaurant experience.

Hotel de la Borda
Situated just outside of Taxco with a view of the Cathedral, this hotel boasts 1950s-style decorated rooms and a hotel pool.

Festivities in Taxco

Santa Prisca’s Feast Day, celebrated on January 18th, brings vibrancy to Taxco as the town celebrates its patron saint. Festivities commence with gatherings outside the Santa Prisca Church where people sing Las Mañanitas in honor of Santa Prisca.

The Jornadas Alarconianas is a cultural festival held each summer to commemorate the playwright Juan de Alarcon from Taxco, featuring plays, literary events, dance performances, and concerts.

Additionally, the Feria de la Plata, the annual Silver Fair, occurs at the end of November or the beginning of December, showcasing the region’s rich silver heritage.