
Tucked Away in a Silver-Streaked Valley
If you’ve never heard of Taxco, you’re in for a treat. This charming little town is tucked away in a valley surrounded by rolling hills that were once mined for their rich silver deposits. Only about 3 hours from México City, it’s a perfect spot for a weekend getaway—or even longer if you really want to dive into its history and culture. I’ve wandered these narrow cobblestone streets, and let me tell you, it’s like stepping back in time, with a bit of silver sparkle everywhere you look!
The Shimmering Past: A Town Built on Silver
Taxco’s relationship with silver goes back centuries. It all started when the Spanish arrived and discovered the wealth hidden in these hills. They established the mines, and silver quickly became the town’s lifeblood. The mining industry boomed, and Taxco grew into an important colonial town. The indigenous people, along with African and Spanish laborers, worked the mines, pulling out massive amounts of silver that helped build México’s colonial wealth.
From Mines to Masterpieces
While silver mining eventually slowed down, the town’s reputation for silver didn’t fade away. Instead of focusing on extraction, Taxco became famous for its silver craftsmanship. Artisans here take pride in their work, and you’ll find everything from delicate jewelry to elaborate household items—all handcrafted and unique.
Walking through Taxco, you can’t help but notice all the shops selling silver items. In some, you can actually meet the artisans who created these intricate designs. Sometimes their studio is in the store where you can watch them at work. Whether you’re into sleek, modern pieces or more traditional styles, there’s something for every taste and budget.

A Walk Through Taxco’s Cobblestone Streets
One thing that stands out about Taxco is its layout. Picture narrow cobblestone streets that wind up and down through the hills with hardly any sidewalks. Walking here is a unique experience because visitors sometimes have to “hug the walls” of the shops and buildings to make room for cars navigating these narrow corridors only inches away. It’s all part of the town’s charm as it exudes an old-world feel.
FYI: Our 14 day tour includes a two nights stay and guided exploration tour in Taxco.
We call this tour – Best of México City, Toluca, Cuernavaca, Taxco & Tepoztlán Tour – 14 days
Beyond the Silver: What Else is There to Do?
Go Check Out This Church –
When you need a break from all the silver shopping, there’s plenty more to explore. The iconic Santa Prisca Church was built in record time by a wealthy silver miner named José de la Borda. Unlike many churches in México that took decades to complete, this stunning Baroque masterpiece was finished in just seven years from 1751 to 1758. De la Borda funded the entire project, making it one of the quickest large church constructions of its time. Today, it’s still considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the country. So it does help to have a very rich benefactor. : )

Get a Panoramic View of Taxco and the Surrounding – Two Locations to Do This –
– Ride the cable car up to the Monte Taxco Hotel. It’s a big hotel with a spectacular view of the city below. From there it is easy to see the surrounding hills where they mined the silver and how the town was sort of “stuffed” into a valley surrounded by these very profitable hills. While you’re up there, why not enjoy the vista while having a meal at the hotel’s restaurant.
– Take in the panoramic view of the city from a high hill that overlooks the town. On top of this hill standing 59 feet tall (18 meters) is a statue of Cristo Rey (Christ the King). It was erected there in the early 2000s and in front of it, a large lookout area was built for easy viewing of the entire valley containing the city below.
Discover Mining History in a Hidden Mine –
Back in the city there is a hotel you can visit that is hiding a secret. After entering the lobby, one of the elevators does not go up to their hotel rooms but goes down. It goes down to an ancient silver mine.
Get this! The mine is actually right under the Hotel Posada de la Misión.
How cool is that?
This mine was constructed by the local indigenous people who were already extracting the silver when the Spanish arrived. Then back in the 1940s, the hotel was built over it.
Note: You can generally visit the mine without an advanced reservation. However, it’s always a good idea to call ahead or inquire at the hotel reception to confirm availability for a tour. These 30 minute guided mine tours are open to both hotel guests and day visitors. There is a fee of about $150 pesos. Again, checking ahead can help ensure you get a spot, especially during busier times of the year.
Ready to Explore Taxco?
Taxco is more than just a stop on the silver trail—it’s a place with a deep history, a community of artisans dedicated to their craft, and enough charm to make you want to stay longer than you planned. Whether you’re a silver enthusiast or just looking to explore a beautiful colonial town, Taxco has something for everyone.
We have created 14 day tour which includes 2 nights in Taxco. Click Here for more information.