Taxco is about 100 miles south of Mexico City, perched on the side of a mountain that became one of the invading Spaniards’ most productive silver mining areas after they discovered silver there about 1532. The city was founded by Spanish leader Hernán Cortés himself sometime shortly after.
Large scale mining has ended there, with the last major mining operation having closed only about 10 years ago. Now, tourism is the most important industry, along with the fabrication and sale of jewelry and other silver goods.
As soon as you arrive in Taxco, you’ll be swarmed by silver vendors and hawkers for silver tours, shops, and galleries. The main plaza is surrounded by silver shops.
The most important consideration as a tourist is the terrain. Taxco is situated on the side of a steep mountainside. The main highways enter Taxco about 150 feet in elevation downhill from the downtown area. Taking a leisurely walk means walking up and down the mountainside.
