TAXCO, MX
If I were to make a list of the top non-surfing destinations in the entire country of Mexico, Taxco would probably be number #1. It was one of the most amazing places that I visited not only in Mexico, but the whole of Central America as well. It's a really unique, magical, and visually stunning place. It's also kind of undiscovered. There's a lot of Mexican tourism here, but from an international perspective not many people go here. — Which to me, is amazing. It is located high up in the mountains of Guerrero. Only a few hours from Mexico City by car or bus. So the access is pretty simple. The majority of the buildings that cascade up the mountain are painted white, with red brick rooftops. Almost every car in the city is a taxi as well. The roads are extremely steep and narrow, and all of the taxis are old school Volkswagen bugs. You know how Cuba is known for its old classic cars; well Taxco should be equally as popular for its exceptionally well maintained classic white VW bugs. The city is located on a large silver mine, and the culture and history of the city is heavily associated with silver. The Spanish who colonized this place mined silver and other metals here for hundreds of years. Today, mining is not the mainstay of the economy, but the rich history of silverwork, and unique Spanish-style architecture, has attracted tourists. As you walk around this beautiful place there will be artisans selling silver-crafts on every corner and in every building. It's clear to see how much of an impact that mining and silver has had on the city. Taxco is more reminiscent of a European city than what I would have expected to find in Mexico. As was commonly the case with Mexico, I found myself time and time again shocked with what this country had to offer. Everything and anything. A new surprise around every corner. Taxco is certainly no exception. I happened upon here almost by accident as I was driving into Mexico City from the Pacific Ocean. I couldn't have been luckier than to find this place. It's truly amazing! With amazing food, one of my favorite open-air markets I have ever been to, stunning buildings and culture, great shopping, and viewpoints. I could go on. I will, below. It's also pretty easy to get to; being only a few hours from Mexico City. If you are there, this is a great trip to make for a few days.
Taxco isn't a difficult place to get to, but it's also not necessarily easy to get to. If you are doing a tour of Mexico I imagine that Mexico City will be one of the places that you put on your list of places to go. From Mexico City it's a super-easy 3 hour bus ride to get to Taxco. Once you're in Taxco it's really convenient to get around. There are taxis, in the form of classic white Volkswagen bugs, running around everywhere. They are cheap, efficient, and really the best way to get around. They are also just generally super fun to ride around in.
Taxco is located up in the mountains of Guerrero, along a steep mountain that all of the buildings are built up into. Most of, if not all of the streets are on some type of hill with either an incline or a decline. The elevation here makes the temperature really nice as compared to the heat that you find pretty much everywhere at sea level in Mexico.
The easiest way to get to Taxco is from Mexico City. However, as always there is a hard way.
The hard way to get to Taxco would be if you are coming over from the Pacific Ocean; Zihuantenejo, or anything like that. It's an extremely long drive to get from there if you have your own vehicle. You have to make the long, windy, and sketchy drive over the militia-controlled mountains of Geurrero. To take the mountain road over from the coast, you need to take the exit to get on highway 134 after getting off route 200 in between Troncones and Zihuantenejo.
The ride through the mountains will take you pretty much all day. At least 9 hours of driving. I left Troncones at about sunrise and just made the full day straight shot through the mountain pass up to Taxco. It was a scary drive; I won't lie about that. There are fallen boulders throughout the road that zigzags through large mountains for hours, and you think to yourself: "well, that could very well be me". There are also loads of civilian militia checkpoints along this road. They are asking for small donations to fund their public safety effort. They all are carrying large guns, and will stop you by using a rope to block the road, but don't be alarmed; they are all kind. If you give them a few pesos, or have nothing to give, it won't matter either way. Just stay calm, it's going to be fine.
When you arrive at Ciudad Altamirano after a jarring few hours of weaving your way through mountainous roads, veer right along 51 until Iguala. From there you have almost made it. Follow the signs along 95 for Taxco. When you arrive in Taxco, find a place to park. The streets are shockingly narrow so you aren't going to want to be driving around here anyways. Park, find a place to stay and just leave your rig. It's better here.
The drive on the hard way will take you at least 9 hours, but plan for 11. Leave with the sun, give yourself enough time to get there; it's going to be a long day. But if you are traveling by car, you are used to this.
HOSTELS, CAMPING, AND HOTELS (IF ANY)
EATS
There are a few hostels here in Taxco but you won't find the biggest hostel culture here. Something to expect if you are off the beaten path in a place like Taxco. But sometimes it's nice to be a little less social; so Taxco, if you are on your own, will probably give you that opportunity.
There's really only one that I would recommend. The other option other than these hostels is to get a cheap Airbnb. This is the way to go here if you ask me; if you are with a few people it could save you a bunch of money as well.
There are options all over the city, they aren't that expensive, and for me, it was a really nice way to spend a few days with my own bedroom and bathroom for the first time in 3 months. There's also a lot of hotel options; some of them really nice I'm sure. If that's what you are you going for.
This is another great place to stay in Vallarta. It's similar to Casa Kraken; maybe a little nicer. It has a big rooftop area with sofas and all that, where you can chill and meet people. This place has a little more of a party vibe to it, which is totally okay. Nothing overwhelming like some places can be. But it's a great spot; nice place to meet people and all that. Well located as well. A little bit more expensive though at almost $20 per night. Free breakfast included here as well.
There are food options everywhere in Taxco. There's tons of street food; people selling bread and candies and everything on the side of the road. There's also loads of restaurants lining the streets. Your options are really huge here. I would say there is so much more than what I am going to recommend to you here. But a few of the places that I ate and enjoyed are below.
Don't sleep on the street food here. You can buy things all over the place. I would personally recommend getting some churros from the park, for sure. But there is, just like all the other large Mexican cities, awesome street food everywhere. Go on a walk; call it dinner.
Food Options
I will mention this market a few times. But it's one of the best places to eat. They have an indoor food stall area, as well as street food all over the place. Great place to get all your groceries as well. One of my favorite markets ever.
This was my favorite pastor taco place in Taxco. It's down in the lower part of town, near the foot of the market. It's a small little corner spot serving cheap, awesome, pastor tacos and beers. A great stop.
Went here for breakfast one time. It's not really cheap, but also not expensive. It's the rooftop of a hotel; kind of near the center of town — with a stunning view. Nice place to have a coffee and start your morning.
This is a must do in Taxco. Pozole is a soup traditional to the area. It's as local as food gets. The Pozole Blanco for the most authentic. Make sure you go to this Tia Calla; there are two. The one on the outskirts of town but full of locals, and has a great view of the church — especially at night.
I enjoyed this place so much I stayed all day and had breakfast and dinner there. It's a super cozy spot that is full of trees, cute tables, and they have great food. It's up a small cobblestone alleyway. I spent like 8 hours here just editing photos, drinking coffee, eating and hanging out. A must for sure.
It's a relatively fancy spot. But the price point isn't too bad. It has one of the best views of the city you can get though. I went for breakfast, and just stared at the beautiful rooftops for a while. It's a nice place to eat and see the city from above.
NIGHTLIFE
and many more...
Go explore. There are restaurants all over the place. Eating your way through a city can be one of the best places to figure it out anyways. A lot of places have great decks and rooftops with views so that's another nice way to explore.
Hands down my favorite place to get drinks in town. It's located right in the town square, adjacent to the church. This is also a historical spot in Taxco; where the famous Taxco cocktail, 'Berta', was invented years ago. It's a tequila and honey cocktail, and I think I had 5. It's delicious. They have a great upstairs patio as well where you can just watch over the town square. Favorite bar.
This place is alright. It was kind of chainy and cheesy feeling. But it's a multistory kind of beer-garden style rooftop, where you can just have some beers accompanied with an amazing view of town. They are a good place to grab some beers, grab a view, and some shitty bar food.
Everyone thinks mezcal is just from Oaxaca. But it actually has a denomination of origin from 9 states, including Guerrero. You will find it all over the place. I drove past countless side-of- the-road mezcal producers up here. This place will be a great place to stop in, try some mezcal, and have a few drinks.
When it comes to nightlife, you have a lot of options. There are bars, and places to drink all over the place. Like I said the hostel scene here is a little bit dead, so there won't be a bunch of travelers running around. I didn't have any crazy late nights here, but I went to some bars that I would love to go back to. Nothing all that crazy on this list, but I wouldn't say you are going to Taxco to go crazy from a nightlife perspective.
Bars and Clubs
JUST WALK EVERYWHERE
Just being in Taxco for me felt like I was seeing a sight. The city is so beautiful, and unlike anywhere that I had ever been. Everyday walking around I was kind of just in awe of where I was. Go walk around all day. Get lost on the tiny intertwining cobblestone streets. Get into a cab, and practice some Spanish, and ask the driver what to do. Just go explore here, and that's enough.
SIGHTS
There are so very many things to do and see in Taxco. The list below is pretty extensive, but that's certainly not all that there is to do here.
The market in Taxco is one of my favorite open-air markets that I have ever been to. It's open every day, and it is MASSIVE. They have an indoor part, and a part that is outside and open air. There's vendors selling everything including fruits and veggies, handmade tortillas, street food, silver, souvenirs, and normal clothes. The indoor section has a few floors including a part with food stands, a butcher section, a flower section, and so much more. Just go get lost in this bustling and happening market. I must have spent hours in this thing each day.
A famous hotel that sits up on a hill overlooking the entire city. It's a stunning luxury hotel, that you can get into for free. It has a panoramic view of the entire city, and it's just a really nice place to go up and see. I would recommend it for some photos — maybe a drink if you want, but it offers a cool and unique vantage point of the city. You can get up here by taxi or by cable car.
BUY SOME SILVER
Taxco is a silver town and is literally built on top of one. Their history is rich in silver and silver craft, and has been for 100's of years since the Spanish colonized it, and opened a mine hundreds of years ago. It also happens to be a place where you can buy some of the cheapest silver jewelry anywhere in the world. Makes for a great souvenir or gift with a great story behind it.
This is a cool natural attraction that's about 40 minutes from Taxco. It's a number of beautiful blue waterfalls, and pool in the mountains near town. You can book a tour here, get a shuttle, or just pay for a taxi. But be aware it can get pretty touristy and crowded.
The Grutas, or Caves, of Cacahuamilpa are a series of caves and stalactite formations located about 40 minutes outside of Taxco. It's a big, natural tourist attraction for the area, and it will be crowded, but inside can be pretty cool. There are tours here, or you can try to get there on your own and just pay the entrance fee for 80MXN.
There is a massive Jesus sculpture above town on the outskirts. The statue is looking over the city — guarding it, I guess. Not only is it a pretty impressively large statue, but from the big guy you have my favorite view of the city of Taxco.
There is a really big church at the center of town. It's in the main town square, which is something that would be very hard to avoid if you come to Taxco. But if churches are your thing — they aren't mine — then you can go walk around it.
A cool little thing about Taxco is that they have cable cars. The ride only lasts about 7 minutes, and it costs like 65 pesos each way, but it's a cool way to see the city. There's a start and a finish (obviously), and the base is linked here, which is also where you want to end up if you are taking the cable car up to the Montetaxco hotel. But you can ride it either way.
Another natural tourist attraction here in Taxco is called Mil Cascadas, or the thousand waterfalls. It's about an hour away from Taxco. The road is pretty windy and difficult to get in there apparently, but you can do a tour from Taxco and they will figure everything out for you. If you don't do a tour, it's 40 pesos to get in, and they make you rent a life jacket. I heard that, and decided not to go. But it's apparently beautiful, and a nice thing to do if you have a lot of time in Taxco.
You're in the mountains baby; you already know there's nothing going on up here.
SURFING