Taxco de Alarcón is the colonial silver town that sits in the hills of northern Guerrero, and it is the most popular long day out from Acapulco for visitors who want a break from the sea. The town was built on silver, and its steep, cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses and red-tiled roofs have been protected as a historic centre, so the look of the place has changed little in generations. The landmark is the pink-stone baroque church of Santa Prisca, whose towers rise above the main square and whose richly carved facade and gilded interior altarpieces are among the finest of their kind in Mexico. Around it, narrow streets climb and drop between plazas, balconies and shops selling silver jewellery, from simple earrings to elaborate hand-worked pieces. Many shops are family workshops, and it is common to see craftspeople at the bench behind the counter. A full-day trip from Acapulco is a long outing because Taxco lies well inland, in the mountains on the road toward Mexico City, so the experience is about the destination and the scenery on the way as much as the town itself. The version linked here is a guided full-day experience with a breakfast and a lunch, which takes the planning out of a day that would otherwise mean arranging a car, a driver and a restaurant yourself.
What to expect on the day
You leave Acapulco early in the morning, drive inland and uphill through changing country, and spend the middle of the day in Taxco itself. A typical visit includes time in the main square beside Santa Prisca, a walk through the lanes to look at the colonial architecture and a chance to browse silver shops with a guide who can explain how to judge quality.
Look for a hallmark showing the metal purity, which for sterling silver is usually stamped as 925, and compare a few shops before you buy. The town is famous for its steep hills, and many of the local taxis are small white Volkswagen Beetles, which have become a minor attraction of their own.
Practical points
The day is long and the hours in a vehicle are considerable, so it suits visitors who are comfortable with road travel and who are happy to trade a beach day for a cultural one. The climate is cooler and drier in the hills than on the coast, so a light layer is useful in the evening, and comfortable shoes are essential because the streets are steep and the cobbles are uneven.
Carry some cash in pesos for small shops and snacks, since not every stall takes cards. Confirm the pickup point, the return time and what is included in the price when you book, and check the details with the operator if you have mobility needs, because the town is hard going for anyone who finds hills difficult.
Who it is for
The trip works well for travellers who like architecture, craft and history, and for anyone who wants a second kind of Mexico on the same holiday as the beach. It is less suited to young children, who may find the hours in a vehicle tiring. Pair it with the old-town sights back in Acapulco, such as the Fuerte de San Diego, for a trip that covers both the Pacific port and the inland colonial heritage that the port once served.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day road trip from Acapulco to the colonial silver town of Taxco, with time in the main square, the lanes and the silver shops, and meals included.
Best time
Leave early in the morning to make the most of daylight in the town; the cooler, drier months of winter are the most comfortable for walking the hills.
How long
A full day, with several hours of road travel each way.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for steep cobbles, carry a light layer and some pesos, look for the silver purity stamp on any piece you buy and confirm pickup and return times when you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Culture and architecture lovers who want a second side of Mexico beyond the beach.
- Families
- Better for older children; the long road journey and steep streets can tire small ones.
- Couples
- A relaxed way to share a day of craft, cobbled lanes and a long lunch.
- Pair with
- The Fuerte de San Diego and the Zócalo in Acapulco for a colonial-history double.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How far is Taxco from Acapulco?+
Taxco is a long drive inland, several hours each way on the road toward Mexico City, which is why the trip is a full-day outing that starts early. Check the pickup and return times with the operator when you book.
What is Taxco known for?+
Taxco is known for its silver craft, its protected colonial centre and the baroque church of Santa Prisca. The steep cobbled streets and white houses with red-tiled roofs make it one of the most photographed towns in Mexico.
Is the silver real?+
Genuine sterling silver is usually stamped with a mark showing its purity, commonly 925. Compare a few shops, ask about the stamp and be wary of pieces that seem very cheap for their weight.
Is the day trip suitable for children?+
It can be, but the hours on the road and the steep streets are demanding, so it suits older children better than toddlers. Take snacks and water for the journey.
What should I wear and bring?+
Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip, light clothing for the coast and a layer for the cooler hills. Bring sun protection, water and some pesos for small purchases.
