1. Hotel Posada de la Misión.2. Hotel de la Borda.3. Hotel Victoria.4. Volkswagen Taxco.5. Seat Taxco.6. Mexicayotl.7. Hotel Loma Linda.8. William Pratling.9. Rotary International.
10. Union Tours.11. Daniel Espinosa.12. Servicios Mexicanos de Turismo S.A. de C.V.13. Autofinanciamiento Automotriz.14. Álvaro Cuevas.15. AF Centro Exportador.16. Canaco Taxco.17. Domino's Pizza.
the northern part of the Mexican state of Guerrero on the western arm of the Sierra Madre del Sur. It is located 200 km southwest of Mexico City along the old highway to Acapulco at an elevation of 1,800 m (5,900 ft). The city serves as the administrative center of the municipality of the same name, which covers a total area of 347 km2 (134 sq mi) of the surrounding territory. With a population of 50,415, Taxco is the fifth-largest in the state. The municipality has a population of 98,854,which also includes the cities of Tlamacazapa and Acamixtla.
The city is built on the side of a mountain, with very steep narrow cobblestone streets lined by whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs.
History
The Aztecs founded a city they called “Tlacho” meaning the place of the ballgame.
Hernán Cortés mined tin for his artillery in the area of Taxco:
I commenced to inquire everywhere if anywhere there was any (tin), and Our Lord, Who takes care, and has always taken care, wished to provide with the greatest speed, so that I came upon by chance amongst the natives province which is known as Tachco, certain small pieces of it in the manner of a very thin coin, and proceeding on my inquiry, I found that in the said province, even in others, it was used as money; on becoming more familiar with the matter, I learned that it came from the said province of Tachco which is a 26 leagues distances from this city, and then I learned of the mines and sent tools and Spaniards and they brought me a sample of it, and at that I gave the order that they extract all that was necessary, and whatever more may be needed will be extracted, although with great labor; and even when travelling in search of these metals a vein or iron in great quantity was found by chance, according to what I am informed by those who say they know it.
—Cortés, Fourth Letter of Relation, dated in Mexico 15th October 1524, addressed to Emperor Charles V
Taxco was incorporated in 1532. The books in the Court of Letters, Taxco's first-known public registry, go back to 1529. In 1542 the Mayor, Don Luis de Castilla, was the first Spaniard to make his fortune from the mines of Taxco.
Two hundred years later, Catalan prospector Joseph de la Borda discovered a rich silver deposit. Taxco is the world's capital of silver, with over 200 shops and dozens of renowned silver jewelers. Silver is still the most important aspect of Taxco's economy.
The parish church of Santa Prisca, a 250-year-old baroque-style church, is found in Taxco.
Taxco was named a "Pueblo Mágico" in 2002.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
In Taxco’s environs you’ll find beautiful natural settings where you can go hiking or cave diving near caverns.
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park – Located 31 km (19 mi) northeast of Taxco, off Highway 55. This protected area of 2700 hectares (6,669 acres) consists of a group of 20 caverns that have peculiar calcareous rock formations. From the parking lot, follow the trail down to two caverns. There you’ll see the waters of the San Jeronimo and Chontalcoatlan rivers running through the mouths of the caverns. During the dry season, when the entrance is accessible, you can hire a tour guide and rent equipment for an exciting cave diving experience.
Alejandro Humboldt National Park – Located 10 km (6 mi) northwest of Taxco, off the state highway. In this 1,080-hectare (2,667-acre) reserve you’ll find abundant pine and oak forests that offer beautiful natural scenery for hiking.
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
In Taxco you’ll find an important group of buildings and colonial constructions that reflect the city’s rich history and culture.
Ex-Hacienda de El Chorrillo – Located on Av. de Los Plateros. This building served as a silver smelter during the viceregal era. The old aqueduct that supplied the hacienda with water remains partially intact. Currently, the hacienda operates as a language school for foreigners.
Casa Borda – Located at 1 Plaza Borda. Jose de la Borda, a Spaniard who made a fortune from silver, ordered the construction of this two-story house in the 18th century. The building features monograms of the Holy Family. The rear façade is of four levels. Inside you’ll see a series of patios and stairs that lead to balconies. Open daily from 10:00 to 7:00.
Parroquia de Santa Prisca y San Sebastian – Located on the western end of Plaza Borda. This is one of the best examples of Mexican baroque architecture due to its rich ornamentation. The parish church features columns and rose-colored stone sculptures that adorn the façade and the towers. The main cupola has beautiful tile work. The interior houses frescos and 12 altarpieces covered with gold. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Templo de San Bernardino de Siena – Located on Estacadas Street. Considered one of the oldest buildings in the Americas, this church has a simple neoclassical façade. The edifice houses a collection of paintings and two sculptures devoted to the city’s inhabitants: El Cristo de los Plateros (The Christ of the Silversmiths) and El Señor del Santo Entierro (The Lord of Holy Burial). Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Casa Humboldt – Located at 12 Juan Ruiz de Alarcon. Famed German naturalist Alexander Von Humboldt stayed in this 18th-century building. The baroque-style façade is adorned with Moorish details. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 5:30 and Sundays from 9:00 to 3:00
MOJIGANGAS
