Taxco, Mexico

Taxco, Mexico, as seen from the Statue of Christ
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NorthChristTaxco.JPG
Author: AlejandroLinaresGarcia


Taxco is a small city in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. It is officially known as Taxco de Alarcón, but is commonly referred to simply as Taxco. The city covers 347 sq km (134 sq mi) and has a population of 40,000 people (2011 estimate).

Street in Taxco de Alarcón, Mexico
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ReformaTaxco.JPG
Author: AlejandroLinaresGarcia


The name Taxco was derived from the Nahuatl word tlacheco, meaning "place of the ballgame", in reference to the ceremonial ballgame played by the prehispanic Mesoamericans. Another theory states that the name comes from a different word, tatzco, meaning "father of the water", in reference to the high waterfall in the area.

Located 1,778 m (5,833 ft) above sea level, Taxco is today one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Mexico. Its charming period houses has attracted tourists far and wide, making Taxco an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Houses around Plaza Borda in Taxco
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taxco_Z%C3%B3calo.JPG
Author: Labé


Taxco is located 170 km to the southwest of Mexico City. Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area upon hearing Aztec tales that the area was rich in silver. That indeed proved true, and the town was created largely for the purpose of extracting the silver ore.

Major silver mining took place in the 16th century, and continued for a hundred years until the ore was depleted. Taxco then went into decline until the 18th century, when new lodes of silver was discovered by José de la Borda, reviving the town's fortunes.

Casa Borda, Taxco
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BordaTaxco.JPG
Author: AlejandroLinaresGarcia


In 1932, William Spratling introduced silversmithing to Taxco. The town was soon recognized throughout Mexico for the high quality of its silverwork. The tradition of crafting silver into jewelry continues today, and forms part of the town's economy.

Igreja de Santa Prisca, Taxco
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FacadePriscaTaxco.JPG
Author: AlejandroLinaresGarcia

Visiting Taxco

You can reach Taxco by bus from Mexico City. A one-way ticket costs 130 pesos.

Places of Interest in Taxco

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