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Things to Do in Taxco

Things to Do in Taxco

Taxco South Of Mexico City, Mexico Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Taxco's mountainous setting makes for active investigation, specifically focused on its unique geological features.

Hiking & Trekking

Within Taxco

Simply hiking the streets of Taxco is an activity itself. Due to hills with a steep incline and cobblestones, exploring the town can be a moderate to strenuous "urban hike."

Near Taxco

Formal, marked hiking trails are not abundant directly around Taxco, however local guides might provide short treks into surrounding hills for scenic viewpoints.

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa

Checking out these caves a significant amount of walking. The main guided tour covers approximately 2 km each way on surfaced trails, which can be tiring.

Water Sports & Adventure

  • Pozas Azules de Atzala: Natural pools with clear blue water, 45-60 minutes drive from Taxco. A beautiful, less-touristy spot for swimming.
  • Zip-lining at Grutas de Cacahuamilpa: For adrenaline seekers, a long zip-line is near the cave entrance, with panoramic views. Book this experience here.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Taxco is not a primary wildlife viewing destination. Surrounding mountains possess some biodiversity, but not organized tours.
  • Cycling/Mountain Biking: Not recommended within Taxco due to extremely steep, narrow, cobblestone streets. No developed cycling infrastructure.

Teleférico Ride

  • Scenic journey to Monte Taxco Hotel.
  • Unparalleled panoramic views of town.
  • Especially stunning at sunset.
  • A relaxed way to see the town's layout.

Pozas Azules

  • Swimming holes with clear blue water.
  • A refreshing swimming spot.
  • Located in a tranquil, natural setting.
  • A good option for a relaxing escape.

Zip-lining

  • Near Grutas de Cacahuamilpa entrance.
  • AN enthralling descent experience.
  • Panoramic views of the national park.
  • Suitable for adrenaline seekers.

Important Advisory for Outdoor Activities

Always verify the safety and conditions of any informal routes or activities with area experts or authorities before venturing out.

Cultural Immersion

Deepen your understanding of Taxco's heritage through engaging cultural experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Silver Workshops: Some silver shops or artisans offer short demonstrations or practical sessions on silver making.
  • Inquire at local silver shops or the the tourist office for opportunities.
  • Cooking Classes: Informal cooking lessons on regional Mexican or Guerrero cuisine may be available via hotels or private guides.
  • These experiences have hands-on engagement with local ingredients and recipes.

Cultural Performances & Ceremonies

Folkloric Dances

Occasionally found performed in the Zócalo or at hotels, especially during festivals or holidays.

Religious Ceremonies

Attend mass at Santa Prisca Church to observe local religious practices and recognize its spiritual significance. Semana Santa processions are elaborate and culturally deep.

Community-Based Tourism

Support local artisans straight at the silver market, buy from family-independent businesses, and eat at local fondas to contribute to the local economy.

Language Learning

No formal language schools directly in Taxco. Practice Spanish with locals; they are for the most part friendly and patient. A Spanish phrasebook is useful.

Cultural Festivals

Holy Week (Semana Santa): Major annual event, usually March/April, with elaborate religious processions. Jornadas de Plata (Silver Days): Celebrates silver heritage, typically November. Feria Nacional de la Plata (National Silver Fair): November/December, showing Mexican silver craftsmanship.

Book Experiences

For various activities and cultural activities, consider booking through platforms like GetYourGuide to reserve your place and find local options.

Relaxation & Wellness

After exploring Taxco's hills, make time to relax and rejuvenate.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Some higher-high-end accommodations, like Hotel Montetaxco, have spa services (massages, body treatments).
  • Independent massage therapists might also be locally available. Inquire at the place you're staying for recommendations.
  • No significant hot springs are directly in Taxco.
  • Other parts of Guerrero state feature hot springs, but not a main attraction in Taxco itself.

Yoga, Meditation & Traditional Healing

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Taxco is not a common focus for dedicated wellness retreats. Travelers seeking these activities might find more options in other regions of Mexico.

Traditional Healing Practices

Formal traditional healing practices are limited for tourists in Taxco, but some local herbalists or traditional healers (Curanderos) might exist. These are commonly part of local community life.

Beach and Pool Clubs

Several hotels in Taxco have pools for guest use. The Monte Taxco Hotel features an extraordinary pool area with panoramic views, a relaxing spot featuring stunning landscapes.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Some restaurants and bars around the Zócalo have live music, often classic Mexican or Latin genres, notably on weekends. Look for signs or listen as you pass by.

Theater and Performance Spaces

Casa Borda from time to time hosts cultural performances, including plays or dance recitals. Check their schedule for current events.

Nightclubs and Dancing

Taxco's nightlife is generally low-. Some bars may have music and dancing, but it is not a major clubbing destination. Focus is more on relaxed social events.

Shopping & Markets

Taxco is renowned for its silver, but other crafts and local goods are also available.

Traditional Markets & Bazaars

  • Mercado de Plata (Silver Market): The most famous market, a multi-level maze of stalls selling a vast array of silver items.
  • You will find jewelry, decorative pieces, and one-of-a-kind designs. This market is part of Taxco's identity.
  • Mercado Tetitlán: The main local market for fresh produce, everyday goods, and some prepared food.
  • A glimpse into authentic local life far from tourist-focused silver shops.

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

Beyond Silver

Find other Mexican crafts in various shops, including Talavera pottery, textile goods, and local candies.

Independent Silver Workshops

Seek out independent workshops off the beaten path from tourist streets to see artisans work, observe traditional processes, and get unique pieces directly from creators.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Buy silver from reputable shops or in person from artisans. Look for the ".925" sterling silver stamp. Prioritize buying from local artisans and family-owned businesses to help the local economy.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Silver Jewelry: World-renowned, look for ".925" stamp.
  • Silverware & Decorative Items: Frames, sculptures, tableware.
  • Guerrero Crafts: Regional textiles, wooden sculptures, pottery.
  • Local Candies: Traditional Mexican sweets.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

  • Several high-end silver boutiques.
  • Unique and designer silver pieces.
  • More artistic and contemporary designs.
  • Often different from market stalls.

Ethical Shopping Practices

  • Be cautious of extremely low prices for "pure silver".
  • It might be alpaca (nickel silver) or low-grade.
  • Directly engaging with the producer often guarantees a fair exchange.
  • Keep all receipts as proof of purchase.

Shipping and Customs Information

Shipping Purchases Home
  • Many larger silver shops arrange international shipping.
  • Acquire proper documentation for your purchase.
  • Discuss insurance options for valuable items.
Customs Regulations
  • Be aware of your home country''s import rules for precious metals.
  • For US travelers, duty-free allowances for goods purchased abroad often exist.
  • Keep all your receipts as proof of purchase.

Shopping Tip

Bargaining is common in markets for non-silver items, but to a lesser extent for high-end silver shops.

Activity Planning Summary

What to Experience

  • Explore Taxco's steep streets by foot for a city hike.
  • Visit silver workshops to observe artisans and acquire unique pieces.
  • Attend local festivals like Semana Santa or the National Silver Fair.
  • Engage with locals in markets and small eateries for authentic immersion.

Considerations for Activities

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the hilly, cobblestone streets.
  • Book accommodations well in advance for peak festival times.
  • A basic Spanish phrasebook might enhance local interactions.
  • Taxis are useful for uphill journeys and can be found at the Zócalo.