Just over 100 miles south of Mexico City, the town of Taxco is perhaps best known for its silver artisans. One of the most abundant silver mines in the Americas at its height, the town today relies mostly on tourism, but the exuberant Baroque buildings perched on the town's hills still attest to Taxco's past wealth. Taxco makes for a good weekend trip from either Mexico City or Acapulco and its combination of small-town charm, history and scenic mountain beauty make it an unmissable destination in Mexico.
The bell towers of Santa Prisca Church in the central square are visible from nearly anywhere in town, and the best place to start a walking tour through Taxco. Santa Prisca -- an 18th-century church with a detailed Baroque exterior only surpassed by the craftsmanship of its interior gold leaf altars -- anchors the central Plaza Borda and is regarded by many as the finest Baroque church in Mexico. Visitors are welcome outside mass hours. From the central plaza, a walk in any direction through the winding cobblestoned streets of Taxco is sure to keep your camera clicking, but the walks east toward the Santuario de la Santa Veracruz and north toward the former convent of San Bernardino de Siena are especially picturesque. While Santa Prisca is the undisputed landmark of the city, the urban landscape of colonial buildings and tiny, crowded plazas set against the hills of the old silver mines can be just as awe inspiring.
Opposite Santa Prisca in Plaza Borda is the Casa de la Cultura de Taxco, a cultural center and city museum set in a lavish 19th-century mansion. Also off the central plaza is the Museo de la Plateria, exhibiting masterful works by local silversmiths. On Porfirio Delgado Street, the Archaeological Museum holds a comprehensive collection of Prehispanic objects, while the Museo de Arte Virreinal east of the plaza specializes in sacred art from the colonial period. Taxco's streets, however, are perhaps the city's best museum. Well-preserved and ranging from the humble homes of miners to churches and mansions commissioned by Taxco's silver barons, the town's architecture records the booms and busts of this old mining town.
Although the many hills of Taxco offer panoramic views of the town and surrounding hills, the best way to take it all in is from the teleferico. This Swiss-made gondola travels from the north end of the town up to the luxury hotel on Monte Taxco, but is open to the public without reservations at the hotel. To get aboard from town, go through the entrance gate of the town's art school. The cable car ride provides great views of the city during the ascent and drops visitors off at an observation deck on Monte Taxco that is another perfect photo opportunity.
Although Taxco's silver deposits have been all but exhausted, the town preserves a rich craft tradition in silver jewelry, souvenirs and decorative items. The Mercado de Artesanias de Plata by the central plaza is your best bet for bargains and wholesale purchases. For finer items, head to the shops in the Patio de las Artesanias west of the plaza. Visitors will find silver shops on nearly every street in Taxco, featuring traditional items and more contemporary designs. Lonely Planet recommends the creative designs of EBA Elena Ballesteros on Munoz Street north of Plaza Borda.
