Boasting a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, striking city views and postcard-worthy colonial architecture draped in vibrant bougainvillea, Taxco is perhaps one of Mexico’s most charming towns. Situated a short two and half hour bus ride from Mexico City, it’s an easy weekend trip from the capital city. Whether you’re looking to try new foods, delve into Mexican culture or shop for silver, this pueblo mágico’s got it all. Read on for the top 10 things to do in Taxco.

Santa Prisca de Taxco, Zocalo, Taxco

Wander the streets of the Zocalo

This small plaza is the heart and soul of Taxco, and the perfect spot to take in the sights and sounds of the city.

Make a point to get lost on the many steep cobblestone streets and callejones (stairways) that lead off from this square; quaint shops, silverware stalls, cafes and restaurants abound along these alleyways. Or, if you need to rest your legs from all the walking (and hills), grab an ice cream at Tepoznieves and situate yourself in the park, where you will no doubt enjoy the people watching. (Though expect to be approached by people selling all kinds of hats, bags and other trinkets.)

Pro tip: Wear comfortable footwear while staying in Taxco. The streets here are STEEP and you will regret not coming prepared!

The Zocalo, the heart of Taxco

Also known as the Santa Prisca Church, this Taxco landmark is said to be one of the most beautiful churches in all of Mexico. Located on the eastern edge of the Zocalo, the cathedral boasts a unique architectural style known as Churrigueresque, a Spanish Baroque style of elaborate sculptural architectural ornament.

When it was constructed between 1751 and 1758 by Jose de la Borda – a wealthy silver mining mogul – in the same location as a working silver mine, the Templo de Santa Prisca was the tallest building in the country.

Highlights include the Churrigueresque twin towers, a chapel decorated with Spanish Talavera tiles, the colorful cupola and the depiction of the Assumption of Mary on the cathedral portal. Also noteworthy is its nine floor-to-ceiling altarpieces decorated with gold, particularly those that pay tribute to the town’s patron saints, San Sebastian and Santa Prisca.

At the time of publication of this article, the church is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but you can still take in its stunning exterior from the Zocalo or a nearby rooftop terrace.

View of Santa Prisca de Taxco from the rooftop of Restaurante La Parroquia

Savor local specialties

There are so many restaurants and cafes to try in Taxco, it can be overwhelming when choosing where to dine – not to mention what to eat!

I tried a few really delicious local specialties during my stay in Taxco, and recommend you do the same! First, you’ve got to try mole rosa, a type of mole that is traditionally cooked with pink-colored pine nuts which give the sauce its rose-like hue. Sometimes beetroot is added to further accentuate the color. I noticed quite a few of the restaurants offered this dish, but I tried the Mole Rosa Enchiladas at Restaurante La Parroquia. I quite enjoyed it (though I think Rosa Mexicano does a better version of it) and the views from the rooftop terrace were absolutely phenomenal. A great spot for a unique perspective of the Santa Prisca Church.

Mole Rosa Enchiladas at Restaurante La Parroquia

Another highlight for me was a stunning seasonal dish of crepes, roasted poblano peppers and mushrooms at Rosa Mexicano Restaurant and I can say with certainty that it’s been one of the best things I’ve eaten in Mexico. Everything about this place was amazing: the food, the ambiance, the views of illuminated Taxco and the drinks (think local mezcal, craft beer and some killer cocktails).

Of course, I had to try the Bertha, a cocktail created by Doña Bertha – one of the original creators of the margarita and founder of Taxco’s nearly century-old Bar Bertha. A nod to the popularity of silver in Taxco, the drink is based on silver tequila; a splash of honey is added for sweetness, fresh lime juice and an egg white for creaminess. So, so, so good – a sweet finish to a glorious meal.

The terrace of Rosa Mexicano Restaurant

Note that currently, restaurants and bars are technically supposed to close at 9pm (last order at 8pm) because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue

Standing tall and watchful over the city of Taxco atop the Cerro del Atache hill, the Christ the Redeemer Statue is one of Taxco’s most iconic monuments. Similar to the statue of the same name in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, (though smaller in scale) this massive structure offers some of the best views of the city.

Christ the Redeemer stands tall and watchful over Taxco

You can climb to the El Cristo Panoramico (the Christ Viewpoint), but expect a bit of a workout. From the Zocalo, the statue doesn’t seem very high, but it is! Should you need a ride back down, there are plenty of cabs available atop the hill, as well as a small store where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Expect to pay around 50 pesos for a trip to the statue from the center of town.

View of Taxco from El Cristo Panoramico

Take the teleférico

For even more impressive views, head to Taxco’s teleférico, a Swiss-built cable car. Sure, the 10-minute voyage may be rather unnerving to those with a fear of heights (like yours truly), but the panoramic views are well worth the anxiety. A round trip adult ticket will set you back about 100 pesos.

Once at the top, stop by the outdoor bar/restaurant of the Montetaxco Hotel & Resort for a margarita or michelada (beer with lime juice and salt). The terrace offers outstanding views of the city and the lush mountains that surround it – not to mention the inviting pool of the hotel. Time your visit to coincide with sunset. As the sun goes down, the city transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights. Note that the cable car stops running around 7pm, so you’ll want to make your way back down by then. (Taxis are available, should you decide to stay later.)

View of Taxco at sunset from Montetaxco Hotel & Resort

Shop for silver

Once a booming silver mining town, Taxco is renowned for its silver. In fact, it’s been dubbed the silver capital of Mexico, despite the fact that its resources have mostly dwindled. People travel from all over to shop the silver markets all over town. And believe me – these shops are EVERYWHERE in Taxco. There’s also something for everyone – from mass-produced pieces to more artisanal, handcrafted works. I’ve never seen more unique jewelry designs in my life than I did at the silver tianguis (markets) here.

Silver tianguis (markets) in central Taxco

I was told by the owner of my hotel that most of the silver shops here are reputable, and that the items are priced by weight, depending on the quality of the silver. Make sure that you’re paying for the real deal by checking that the silver is marked with a .925 stamp, which proves that it’s indeed sterling. Should you want additional confirmation that the piece you’re buying is in fact authentic, you can ask them to perform a test or, in the more upscale shops, ask for certification.

The Tianguis de la Plata (Silver Street Market) is worth a visit for affordable silverware and trinkets, and if you’re looking for something special, head to the Spratling workshop in Taxco Viejo.

Explore a prehispanic silver mine

If you’d rather learn about silver than shop for it, don’t miss out on visiting the Pre-Hispanic Mine of Taxco. Dating back some five centuries, this mine was only recently discovered in 2013, when the bar of the Hotel Posada de la Misión was being remodeled. During the course of the otherwise routine work, a deep hole in the ground opened, revealing a long-forgotten mine.

Going deep into the Pre-Hispanic Mine of Taxco

Today, tours are offered to the public, providing a unique look at the marvels of Earth’s mysterious underground world, and insights into what the life of a miner was like hundreds of years ago. As you’re led deep underground, the guides point out the veins of silver and gold that still streak the cavern space. Many of the tunnels here have yet to be explored, but those that have been fitted for touristic purposes are quite spacious; you can even rappel down some of them if you choose to do so.

Admission is about 100 pesos per person, and includes a drink at the hotel bar. After your tour, enjoy your complimentary juice, mezcal or beer at the pool. Here, you can see a mural of Emperor Cuauhtémoc that Juan O’Gorman (the same man who created the murals at the Central Library of the National Autonomous University of Mexico) designed for the hotel. The interior dining room also offers gorgeous views of the city. You really can’t go wrong here.

Mural of Emperor Cuauhtémoc

Want to learn more about Taxco’s silver history?  Visit the Museo de la Plateria (the Silver Museum), a silver factory where you can watch the silversmiths go about their expert ancient craft.

Take a taxi. (Punchbug!)

Hailing a cab doesn’t sound like it’d be something that would make a top 10 to-do list. But in Taxco, it is! This is because the majority of the taxis in this quaint town are white Volkswagen beetles, which match the white-washed facades of the town’s buildings. The front seat of the cabs has been removed, so it’s easy to get in and out, though the capacity is only two passengers.

I really enjoyed seeing the city from the taxis and was quite amazed at how they were able to zip through the narrow, steep streets! Also, all of the taxi drivers I encountered were soooo friendly and hospitable. One even offered to take photos for me at the various landmarks.

The cobblestone streets of Taxco at night

Check out a museum

Unfortunately, most of the museums were closed due to COVID-19 during my visit to Taxco. But, when I get the chance to go back, I’ll definitely be visiting:

• The Museo Guillermo Spratling, an anthropological museum that features an extraordinary collection of pre-Hispanic jewelry, artwork, pottery, silverware, and other archaeological artifacts from Mesoamerica.
• Casa Borda, a cultural center in an 18th-century colonial building that features 14 exhibition rooms of paintings, contemporary sculptures and historic photographs.

I love this city!

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is an important religious festival that takes place for about a week over the Easter holidays throughout Mexico. While most of the events associated with the holiday have mellowed over the years, Taxco continues to celebrate the original traditions, which include some rather brutal reenactments of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Throughout the week, wooden crosses and sculptures from the churches of Taxco and surrounding villages are carried through the city by men in black robes as part of the Procession of the Souls of Purgatory. The Procession of the Virgins includes hundreds of Virgin Mary sculptures paraded through the streets by young, veiled women in white and children dressed as angels. The locals all hold palm weavings and burn incense. Folk dance performances are often held in the evenings.

Statues depicting Semana Santa traditions

If you can time your visit to Taxco during this week, I’m sure it’s quite spectacular to watch. (I haven’t seen the processions in Mexico but I did see similar Semana Santa celebrations in Seville, Spain a few years ago.) Even if you’re not around Taxco during this week, you’ll likely still see statues and crafts associated with the traditions, so keep an eye out!

How to get to Taxco

By Bus – You can travel to Taxco on a luxury bus from Mexico City (southern bus terminal, known as Taxqueña) or from Cuernavaca. The trip takes around just under 3 hours from Mexico City or less than two hours from Cuernavaca. The buses leave fairly frequently with services every day of the week. (When I went, there were only 2 buses departing Mexico City for the day, so check the schedule and availability of seats ahead of time.) 

By Car – Driving to Taxco is fast and efficient using the toll-road from Mexico City south of Highway 95D. It will take you around 2 to 3 hours to get to Taxco from the capital.

Enjoy your Taxco travels!

I take a deep breath as the puerta to the clay hut in which I sit is closed. Darkness permeates the space as I settle into place, readying my mind for what’s to come. Words I do not understand are chanted by a shaman while he douses the hot rocks in front of me with a bouquet of water-soaked eucalyptus, filling the cramped structure with hisses of steam. Soon, every inch of my skin is drenched. I breathe again, this time feeling less anxious about my claustrophobia and more comfortable with what’s unfolding here. This is a temazcal, and I am about to be reborn.

Temazcal experience in Mexico City

What is a temazcal?

Dating back thousands years, the temazcal is a prehispanic tradition practiced throughout Mesoamerica. The powerful purification ceremony was very commonplace in ancient times and was used for many purposes, from treating illness to preparing for war.

Basically, the ritual involves crawling into a rounded mud hut (also known as a temazcal), which symbolizes the womb of Mother Earth. During the ceremony – which can last for hours – the participant will chant, set intentions and not surprisingly, sweat. A lot. Sitting on the ground in darkness provides an opportunity to connect with one’s body and soul. Crawling out of the hut (or womb) represents returning to the world as a reborn human.

Although not as commonly practiced as it once was, the temazcal still exists throughout Mexico (and many parts of the Americas, really), though most people today opt to participate in one to experience a release and have a chance to cleanse the body and mind. (The high-intensity heat helps the body to purge itself of toxins, while the meditative and intention-setting aspects of the experience help to heal the mind of past traumas and negative energy.)

The adventure begins

Marking the end of the wild ride that was 2020, I decided to start the new year by cleansing myself of any lingering bad juju by signing up for one I came across listed on Airbnb’s Experiences platform. (This has become my go-to site for finding unique activities when traveling to new places. Unlike standard tours, these small group experiences are very intimate and allow you to genuinely connect with true local experts. If you haven’t tried one yet, you’re missing out!)

My Experience host, Luis Belmonte, picked me up in Condesa around 6:30pm and by the time we arrived at Ectagono, a sustainability-focused farm in southwestern Mexico City, the full moon was high in the sky. Despite being in the city, I felt as if I could’ve been in a small town. It was so quiet and peaceful. As I got my bearings, nervousness set in. Here I was, in the middle of what seemed like nowhere, about to participate in an ancient ritual that involved a tiny space and very high heat. What was I doing?

I then met Javier Moctezuma, the shaman that would be leading the ceremony. He had a calming energy that was immediately noticeable. Introductions were made over a cup of hot cacao. Known as the “food of the gods” bythe Mayans, the beverage, made from cocoa beans, was often consumed in rituals and healing processes. Not tainted by sugar or dairy, pure cacao is absolutely delightful and has positive effects on the mind. After meeting Javier and finishing my cup, I felt far more at ease and ready for whatever was to come.

Next, Javier led us in a dance lesson of sorts while Luis interpreted his explanation. The dance moves, which are closely linked to the four directions, followed a beautiful rhythm, created by Javier on his drum. Although we all had a bit of a difficult time following (God knows I looked incredibly awkward), our dancing together created a sense of bonding among the group and warmed us up, as the temperatures had dropped quite a bit at this point. We’d later dance these same motions – in our minds – in the hut.

We changed into our bathing suits and were ready to start the ceremony.

Returning to Mother

Before we entered the sweat lodge, we offered our intentions and prayers to the Aztec god Ōmeteōtl, each tossing a pinch of a plant mixture into the fire which heated the rocks that would be used in the temazcal. These plants helped to convey our prayers to the spirit world. We prayed for clarity, for peace, for the end of the pandemic. For the people in our lives: our friends, our families, the new faces we’d met that evening.

Javier then performed a purification ritual, chanting over us individually and cleansing us with what appeared to be a burning bushel of herbs and leaves. We then each entered and took our spots around the temazcal, known as Tonantzi, or “our mother.” The four of us sat in each of the four directions – North, South, East and West – to create a powerful channel of energy in which our communal cleansing could pass.

The heated volcanic rocks were then brought in, one by one, each of which was marked by Javier. As the temperature quickly rose, I found myself getting nervous again.

Surrendering fear, harnessing courage

I should mention here that another reason I chose to participate in the temazcal was because I knew it would be a mental challenge. For some reason, in recent years, I’ve become quite fearful of small spaces, and have even experienced a few panic attacks as a result.  I saw this as an opportunity to confront and overcome my fears. I turned my attention toward my breath and was able to center myself just as the door to the hut was closed off and darkness filled the space around us.

As Javier doused the rocks with water using a bundle of eucalyptus – a plant believed to have healing properties – steam began to fill the hut. Breathing seemed to be more difficult, but I continued to focus on my inhales and exhales. Slowly but surely, my anxieties eased as I freed my consciousness of the fear, bit by bit.

Over the next hour or so, Javier led a number of chants and songs and stories, all of which were spoken in Nahuatl and interpreted by Luis. It was explained that this was a way of communicating with the spirits, but also with one other. And I felt it. There I was, sitting with three minimally clothed strangers in a dark, humid mud hut in the middle of a farm in Mexico. But strangely enough, for the first time in months, I felt a sense of human connection that I had unknowingly been yearning for.

At one point, when we were prompted to once again voice the things we were grateful for, Javier attempted to call me by name, but admitted he was having trouble getting it right. (After all, Mimsie is a rather uncommon name.) When I repeated it to him, he noted that it reminded him of “Metzi,” the goddess of the moon and night in Aztec mythology.

Ectagono Farm, the site of our temazcal

For the remainder of the evening, that’s what I was called: Metzi. And, I suppose if I were going to be renamed, the temazcal could not have been a more appropriate place for it to happen. As the ceremony came to a close, we exited Mother Earth’s womb, reborn new versions of ourselves.

For me personally, I felt a little lighter, a little more focused, a little braver and a lot more prepared to take on 2021 following my temazcal experience. (And could I not after having been renamed after a goddess!?)

Ready to try a temazcal?

Temazcals are offered throughout Mexico (from those in people’s homes to ones at luxury resorts) and each will provide a very different experience.

Although I have only done this one, I found it to be very enjoyable, as I was able to not only benefit from the physical, mental and spiritual benefits it provided, but I was also able to understand what was being said/going on as the ritual progressed.

I really enjoyed the Airbnb experience I went on and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to try a temazcal while in Mexico City. If this is your first time using Airbnb experiences, you can use this link to get $15 off your experience of $50 or more.

Tips for temazcal first timers

If you’re doing a temazcal for the first time, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your experience:

1. Drink lots of water on the day before and the day of your temazcal. Coconut water can be especially hydrating. Also, limit your caffeine intake. You’ll sweat A LOT so arrive as hydrated as possible to avoid getting sick and/or dehydrated.

2. Take extra clothes. Opt to wear light, breathable and loose clothing over your bathing suit, preferably made from natural and organic materials. Again, you’ll be sweating a lot and this will ensure you’re comfortable. You’ll also take a cold shower, clothed, so you'll definitely want to have a change of clothes for when you leave the temazcal.

3. Ask to sit near the entrance door if you’re worried about the small space or heat. Should you get sick or panic, this will allow you to exit easily and quickly.

Words and photos by Mimsie Ladner of Mims On the Move. Content may not be reproduced unless authorized.

I understand the controversy around traveling internationally during a global pandemic, so when I had the opportunity to visit Mexico City in October, I spent a good few days weighing the pros and cons of booking a trip. Since the beginning of the outbreak, I’ve taken advice from medical professionals seriously. But I've also seen the ill effects the pandemic has had on the tourism industry and all those who work in it.

Enjoying a crowd-free day at Teotihuacan pyramids

As someone who has already had COVID-19, and tested positive for the antibodies, I felt relatively comfortable knowing that I would likely not catch the virus – or more importantly, spread it. Sure, there was still a risk (after all, there’s no definitive evidence on the possibility or prevalence of reinfection), but so was being out and about in my home of Mississippi, where hardly anyone wears masks, even in enclosed spaces such as grocery stores and banks.

So, in the end, I opted to go to Mexico and planned my trip so that I’d be outdoors – a “safer” environment than indoors – as much as possible to be as responsible as I possibly could. I also did as much research as I could to gauge the current situation in Mexico City, and found some helpful travel tips from Drew Binsky and Eternal Expat’s Laura Bronner, who both showcased the many precautions the city is taking in response to the virus.

And boy, am I glad I ended up deciding to go. Mexico City felt soooo much safer than the Gulf Coast here in the US. It’s very much alive right now, all things considered, and the energy of the city breathed new life into me. To be honest, it was one of the best trips I’ve gone on in recent years. So, if you too are thinking about planning a trip to the Mexican capital, read on to find out what you can expect when traveling to Mexico City during COVID-19.

On the plane

For reference, I flew out of the Gulfport/Biloxi International Airport, a very small but efficient airport in southern Mississippi. Check in was no different than any other flight I had taken in the past. My luggage was weighed and checked, and I received my boarding pass from the United kiosk. Security checks were a bit slower than usual, as they were promoting social distancing between passengers at TSA.

Most of the gates were a bit busier than I expected, and not all passengers were wearing masks while they were waiting. I opted to find an empty gate to wait for my flight. My flight to Houston, my connecting flight, was fairly empty; just about everyone had an open seat next to them. This wouldn’t be the case for the remainder of the flights there and back, but the flights themselves felt safe, nevertheless.

Passengers seemed to comply with the mask requirements, and everyone was given antibacterial wipes to give their seating area an extra clean. Drinks and snacks were served, but I passed, considering the flights were short and I preferred to keep my mask on for the duration of the flights.

The Houston airport was as quiet and as slow as I’d ever seen it. Not all the airport’s stores and restaurants were open, but there were a few places where I could grab a quick bite and have enough space to eat while keeping myself socially distant.

At no point during my flights in the US was I required to fill out any forms or have my temperature taken.

Zócalo, Mexico City

Arriving in Mexico City

I was truly surprised by how efficient the arrival process was in Mexico City. Just as soon as I stepped off the plane and into the immigration area, I had my temperature taken. When I was cleared to move forward, I was asked to complete a small form containing information about my stay, including the address where I’d be and how long I’d be there. The immigration officer was extremely kind and welcoming.

Unlike many other countries, Mexico does not require proof of a negative COVID-19 test, nor do they require you to quarantine. Mexico is also one of the few countries allowing American tourists to enter.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

At the luggage carousel, attendants were assisting passengers with their baggage. Some were even helping carrying luggage through the customs area. This process was quick and efficient.

I was directed to door #7 to hail an Uber, which arrived quickly. Uber is requiring all drivers and passengers to wear masks, and throughout my stay, I’d notice that not only were all drivers compliant, but many drivers had rigged up a sort of plastic shield between the front and back seats for extra protection. All cars displayed certificates of sanitization and had hand sanitizer available for use.

It was already about 11pm when I made it to the airport, so since there was no traffic, I was able to quickly get to my Aibnb in Roma Norte. Like Uber, Airbnb is requiring hosts to take extra steps to ensure sanitary environments for guests, and my apartment was no exception. They even had a closet full of items I may need so I wouldn’t have to be face-to-face with them.

Restrictions, limited hours and closures

I felt really fortunate to have been able to see many of Mexico City’s most popular attractions, including Chapultepec Park, the Frida Museum, the Zocalo and surrounding buildings in Centro Historic. 

I loved walking around the various neighborhoods such as Condesa, Coyoacán and Roma, among others. In fact, wandering these areas was a highlight of my trip. A great thing about Mexico City is that many of the restaurants, cafes and bars have outdoor seating (hello, perfect weather), while many markets and shops, too, are either open or have exceptionally good ventilation.

Sidewalk cafes, Roma Norte

That said, there were a few places I was not able to go, as they’re still closed because of the virus. The Museo Nacional de Antropología, Chapultepec Castle and the Templo Mayor Museum were among those I had hoped to visit but couldn’t. Others, while open, had limited hours (the Frida Museum, for example, caps the number of daily visitors and requires guests purchase tickets for a designated time to avoid crowds).

Still others have certain restrictions. While I was thrilled to experience the magic of the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids, I was not permitted to climb them, because of the virus.

The hours of operation and restrictions of Mexico City’s attractions are changing on a daily basis, so be sure to check the hours on the attractions’ websites before visiting.

Fewer crowds

While some may like the hustle and bustle when visiting a city, I’m perfectly content with no crowds. In this regard, visiting Mexico City was a dream because there simply aren’t many tourists traveling right now.

This was especially nice on my tours to Teotihuacan (which I booked through sustainability-focused Teotihuacan En Bici) as well as an incredible visit to a ranch/horseback riding trip I booked through Airbnb experiences. In fact, I was the only one on both of these tours, meaning I didn’t have to fret about being in an enclosed van or car with a group.

Added precautions

It was very reassuring to see that everyone was wearing masks, whether they were exercising in the park or shopping for groceries. Most places require you to wear a mask to enter, so be prepared to wear it everywhere, even if you aren’t in the close proximity of others.

Almost all businesses I entered (even outdoor spaces like parks) also required I walk on a square mat before entering, which is used to sanitize shoes. Additionally, you must use hand sanitizer upon entry into most places. A large majority of businesses (even convenience stores) also require you have your temperature checked.

It wasn’t uncommon to see waiters and bartenders in full PPE – from face shields and plastic gloves to protective eyewear and double masks. They aren’t taking COVID-19 lightly!

Inside Cafe de Tacuba

Again, I understand that many people aren’t comfortable with the idea of traveling right now. And I get that – everyone has their own comfort level. But when researched properly and approached responsibly, traveling right now (especially to Mexico City) isn’t just a possibility, it also has many benefits.

Bon voyage, and SAFE travels!