Taxco was the first Spanish mining town in Mexico, originally the land was surveyed for tin but greater riches were discovered and Taxco’s boom and bust love affair with silver began. Taxco presently is in a boom and, though only a small town, could be considered as one of Mexico’s premier tourist destinations as the charm and magic of Taxco entices visitors to stay much longer than they originally planned.

Taxco spans the side of a steep hill with white washed colonial styled dwellings lining the narrow cobbled streets. These narrow streets climb from the main, and only two directional road, up to the towns largest flat area the Plaza Borda and the magnificent Santa Prisca Church. At the highest point of the town the statue of Jesus provides panoramic views over the wondrous mountainous scenery that Taxco lies within.

 

The Taxco’s fortunes, and population, have swelled and dwindled as new veins of silver were discovered and later depleted. Presently the economy is based upon on the beautiful crafted silver jewellery fashioned in the numerous silver smitheries which lie within the towns boundaries.

This silvery jewellery is exported the world over as Taxco jewellers’ have the repartition of quality and delicate detail. Taxco is a silver lovers paradise, do not expect stand out bargains but instead the highest quality of workmanship that are significantly cheaper than the exclusive retailers the items are in sold back home.

 

Taxco’s second main industry is tourism with over 40% of the population directly or indirectly working in the tourist trade and the town is keen to maintain its charm and character. All new construction must conform to the designs approved by the town council by being white washed and less than 3 stories. There are no traffic lights and heavy traffic is banned from Taxco making Taxco a breath of fresh air in comparison to other Mexican cities.

As Taxco was foremost a mining town the topography is total unsuitable for a settlement or construction, roads or pedestrians who must climb the never ending hills. The narrow cobbled streets climb at some ludicrous angles up from the only two way street and location of the two bus stations.