While close enough to be a long day trip from the capital, the fresh air, the colonial atmosphere and the allure of Taxco’s quintessential colonial character are best enjoyed by a longer stay, which will also give you the opportunity to explore Taxco by night with its softly-lit streets and alleys and more relaxed atmosphere.

Staying for a few days also offers an opportunity to see worthwhile nearby attractions including the beautiful blue-water wells of Atazala, William Spratling’s ranch, and the limestone caverns of Cacahuamilpa.  You can also take a cab ride up to the Cristo statue to experience remarkable panoramic views of the town and the surrounding natural beauty of this area.

The town itself is enormously picturesque, whether you’re on the mountaintop looking down into the city, gazing across one of the many vantage points afforded through the Taxco’s steep terrain, surreptitiously exploring the narrow streets and alleyways that break open into plazas and courtyards, or looking upwards to admire the great mountains that frame this idyllic colonial setting.  The natural light in this highland mountain town is something to behold, and the sunsets can be extraordinary.

A key attraction that draws visitors to Taxco is the abundance of high quality, reasonably priced silver craft-work available throughout the town.  The city is dotted with stores, stalls and markets selling a wide assortment of silver crafts. Many of the traders sell identical goods —rings, chains, bracelets, ornaments, curiosities— at remarkably variable prices, generally becoming less expensive as you move further from the center of the town, so it’s a good idea to wander off and meander down the side alleys and streets, to find merchants where you can compare the different styles and prices with those on offer in and near the center.

The famous Santa Prisca Cathedral, an impressive baroque structure that looks out onto the main plaza, is itself situated on a vantage point at Cerro del Atache mountain, making it readily visible.  The church was built, and paid for, between 1751 and 1758 by Don Jose de la Borda, a Spaniard of French descent and a devout Catholic who made his fortune from the town’s silver mines.  Borda himself reactivated silver mining here, as the industry had gradually diminished over the preceding two centuries when more profitable and easier to exploit deposits were discovered elsewhere in the country.

While wandering the picturesque winding streets, you are certain to come across the name of William Spratling, an architecture professor from New York whose work promoting Mexican art and artists made him popular among the country’s elite.  In the 1930s, Spratling began developing Taxco as a producer of fine silver-craft, a work that reignited the local economy then, and a trade for which the city remains famous to this day.  Taxco is home to the Spratling Museum, which honors the “Father of Mexican Silver,” and you can also visit his old ranch on the outskirts of town.

Taxco is arguably one of Mexico’s better-kept secrets on the colonial trail: unassuming, it offers authenticity and old-world nostalgia.  Explore Taxco patiently on foot and allow it to reveal its delightfully unexpected charms.

Mexican colonial cities evoke images of streets paved in cobble stones, meandering alleyways which break out into sun-drenched courtyards, copious varieties of brightly-colored flora, majestic cathedrals, restored haciendas with magnificent landscaped gardens and beautiful architecture, elegant fountains, and shaded nooks where one may rest and take quiet contemplation during the late afternoon…

The country’s colonial cities are also vibrant hubs of cultural activity.  Many are cultural centers in their own right and each one hosts a series of local events and festivals which are energetically celebrated and diligently attended by local residents, national visitors, and foreign tourists.

Mexico’s colonial wealth was originally founded upon silver mining and the development of local haciendas between the 16th and 19th centuries. Today, they are centers where culture, art and crafts, farming and livestock, tourism, and knowledge-based industries thrive.

Attractions in Mexico’s colonial cities are as diverse and intimate as the cities themselves.  Here is a highlight of some of the main experiences you can enjoy:

Cultural centers: Most of the larger colonial cities in Mexico have at least one cultural center offering a range of events and activities including local history studies, dance and costumes, and specialist cultural activities related to the local indigenous heritage of the region.

Language study: Learning Spanish by attending a residential Spanish course is the best way to learn the language and colonial cities serve as key locations for language schools and language study here.  Foreign visitors who choose to mix learning with pleasure in Mexico can often be found in one of the country’s colonial cities.

Arts and crafts: Mexican artisans are extremely talented craftspeople and they sell their art to locals and visitors in Mexico’s colonial cities: sometimes via street stalls, and sometimes at craft markets specially set up by the local government or other organizations dedicated to promoting Mexican art and culture.  Some colonial cities feature artists’ enclaves where visitors can watch as art is created and buy unique pieces of art directly from its creator.

Festivals: Some of Mexico’s most remarkable festivals take place in colonial cities.  For example, the Guelaguetza in Oaxaca, and the Cervantino festival in Guanajuato are both world-class events; Day of Dead is particularly poignant in Pátzcuaro and Oaxaca.  Whatever time of year you visit Mexico, you will find an ample choice of festivals and events to attend and enjoy during your stay.

Local Markets: Mexicans are keen traders —the Spanish were amazed by the markets of Tenochtitlan— and today, the traditions of tianguis remain alive and vibrant across Mexico.  Attending the marvelous variety of local markets is a highlight of any visit to Mexico, and one that should not be missed.  You’ll find a rich assortment of markets in Mexico’s principal cities offering a panoply of products including arts, jewelry, crafts, silver, local foods, herbs and spices, precious stones, and much more.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Mexico as a destination is the enormous range of experiences it offers visitors and residents alike.  While Mexico is often associated with its world-class beaches and resorts, delve deeper and you’ll also find a rich colonial heritage, archaeology centers offering unique insights into important ancient civilizations, a funky and breath-taking capital city, and an abundant choice of destinations which offer inspiring nature and adventure activities amidst the backdrop of this country’s outdoor landscapes which are at once dramatic and beautiful.

Alamos is one of a group of old Silver Mining cities which includes Queretaro, San Miguel, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas. You can discover all these places with Mexperience.

These cities are all situated northwest of Mexico City. Each has its own unique character, features and atmosphere – but together they make up some of Mexico’s best inland travel experiences. These cities are friendly places; the areas are not overwhelmed with tourists as some of the coastal areas can be.

It is in the colonial cities that the real Mexico begins to emerge. Experience magnificent scenery; stay at wonderful colonial hotels that offer terrific value for money; savor local foods and flavors as colorful and diverse as the cultures that created them. The road network in this region is well developed, and traveling through it is fast and efficient in most places.

Alamos is one of the lesser known of Mexico’s Colonial Cities situated in northwestern Mexico. It was nevertheless an extremely important silver mining center and like its sister “silver cities”, Alamos’s wealth was built on the significant lodes of silver that lay beneath the ground here.

In 1683, this silver was discovered and following the opening of a number of mines, Alamos became the wealthiest city in Mexico north of Guanajuato. 17th century Andalusian architects brought their designs and built fabulous mansions here. The city’s population ballooned to over 30,000; Alamos was a hive of activity—a real boom-town.

Following Mexican Independence from Spain, the city began a terminal decline; the Mint closed in 1896, and although a railway was installed for awhile, it served more as an escape route for its inhabitants instead of the inward investment channel it was designed to be.

The Mexican Revolution in the early part of the 20th century also took a huge toll on Alamos; it was attacked several times, and although fiercely defended by the Yaqui indigenous peoples, by the late 1920’s, their struggle was lost. The population decimated, the mines closed and the buildings left to decay, Alamos was left virtually a ghost town.

Events began to turn after William Levant Alcorn, an American farmer, visited Alamos in the late 1940’s and bought one of the decaying mansions there, restored it and opened a hotel. The publicity he brought to Alamos breathed new life into this once prosperous city, which in turn attracted further investment in the years ahead.

Following a steady stream of investors (principally from the USA) buying land and property here and making further investments to restore the old buildings, the introduction of new infrastructure and modern transportation links, modern-day Alamos has re-awakened.

Today Alamos is a picturesque colonial city offering visitors a glance into a world long past, with its narrow cobbled streets and Spanish and Moorish mansions and haciendas. Many of the old mansions have been converted into hotels and restaurants; their courtyards beam with the color of bougainvillea, and there is even a House Tour that you can take which will give you a further insight and ‘behind the scenes’ peek at the glorious architecture here.

In November 2000, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo declared Alamos a National Monument.

Alamos is situated between two major ecosystems: The arid and hot Sonora Desert to the north and the lush Sinaloa jungles to the south. As a result there are hundreds of different wildlife species to be seen here, some endangered, and the surrounding area is well known as a Mecca for bird watching.

Most visitors to Alamos arrive between November and February to take part in a range of outdoor pursuits (see Key Attractions), and the location is a favorite with Mexican families during the school summer holidays in July and August. The rest of the time Alamos is a quiet, serene and peaceful destination.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

Most of the activity in the colonial centre is focused around the Plaza de Armas. On Sunday evenings especially, people come here to stroll, and watch life go by for awhile.

Off the Plaza de Armas is the city’s elegant Cathedral built during the 18th century Alamos hey-days. Downtown you can also find the Museo Costumbrista de Sonora (Museum) that will enlighten you about Alamos’ boom times, although you’ll need to know some Spanish as it’s not bi-lingual.

The Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) is the main seat of local government, housed in a grand building as is typical in all of Mexico’s colonial cities.

Enjoying the Surrounding Natural Beauty

Horseback riding, hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking, mountain biking and swimming are popular pastimes here. Wildlife are in abundance and bird-watchers should know that Alamos is one of Mexico’s ornithological hotspots!

Local Vantage Points

La Carcel (The Jail) is no longer a jail, it’s a cultural centre located up on the hill from where you can get a good view of the city; however, for the best views head to El Mirador from where you can take in the whole of Alamos and the surrounding mountainside.

Getting There & Around

By Air – The closest airports to Alamos are Los Mochis and Ciudad Obregon. If you fly into Los Mochis Airport, you will need to drive north on Highway 15D (tolled)  to Navajoa and then travel east towards Alamos. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – Regular buses run from Navojoa to Alamos and back, generally every hour between 6 am and 6 pm. Buses from Alamos to Hermosillo, Guaymas and one to Phoenix AZ (USA) also run; check locally for schedules. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Alamos from the southern border of the United States at Nogales will take you about 8 hours on Highway 15D (tolled) to Navojoa, where you’ll turn east towards Alamos. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Local Buses – Local buses are available, but most of Alamos is accessible on foot provided that you’re not averse to a good walk!

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Alamos Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of Alamos. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s cheques and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Local Climate

Because of its elevation above sea-level, the climate in Alamos enjoys year-round temperate weather with cooler winters, especially up in the mountains, so if you’re travelling in the winter, take some warm clothes.

During the summer monsoon season (July – September) Alamos witnesses some fabulous thunderstorms—natural sound and light shows that are a truly spectacular experience…just another one of the good reasons to visit Alamos in the summer!

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Guanajuato is one of a group of old silver mining cities, which also includes San Miguel, Zacatecas, Queretaro, San Luis Potosí and Alamos. You can discover all these places with Mexperience.

These cities all lie northwest of Mexico City. Each has its own unique character, features, and atmosphere and together they make up some of Mexico’s best inland travel experiences.  Mexico’s colonial cities are not overwhelmed with tourists as some of the coastal areas can be. It’s in the colonial cities that the real Mexico begins to emerge: places where you’ll experience magnificent scenery, stay at wonderful colonial hotels that offer terrific value for money, and savor local foods and flavors as colorful and diverse as the cultures that created them.

Guanajuato (gwah-nah-HWAH-toh) is a colonial gem sitting in a valley around 220 miles northwest of Mexico City. If Mexico’s colonial cities were a crown, Guanajuato would, without doubt, be its prime jewel. The town has been named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The great architecture of this gorgeous city was built using the enormous wealth generated from the silver mines that enjoyed their heyday during the 17th and 18th centuries; during this period, Guanajuato was the source for one-third of the world’s silver.

Today, you can see Guanajuato in its unspoiled and beautifully preserved splendor. Coming here is like stepping back in time; the city is remarkable and offers visitors an authentic colonial experience amidst one of the most picturesque colonial backdrops to be found anywhere in Mexico.

Guanajuato is clean, tidy, and very safe. Its cobbled streets twist and turn, so just walking around is an adventure. The city’s maze-like layout often creates opportunities for serendipitous encounters, with visitors discovering things they had never planned to see, but are glad they did.

This city has a genuine colonial look, style, feel and atmosphere. Cobbled streets, churches, asymmetrical buildings, an amazing tapestry of color, vibrancy and sheer historical splendor await all who visit.  You’ll need a good pair of walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the city on foot, some roads and alleyways feature steep and steady climbs, sometimes along cobbled pavements.

Guanajuato remains largely an undiscovered treasure among foreign tourists to Mexico. It’s a very popular weekend getaway for Mexicans and their families living in the region, and if you make the time to come here, you won’t be disappointed.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

Guanajuato doesn’t have a main square like the other colonial cities; but the Jardín de la Unión (Union Garden), an intimate tree-covered urban green space, is a popular meeting place.

However, Guanajuato does have lots of small plazas, each of which is connected by an intricate and complex series of cobbled streets and narrow alleys. Guanajuato winds and bends all over the place—it’s a delight to discover. Get a tourist map at the local tourism office (see below). If you get lost, the locals are very friendly and will point you in the right direction.

Some of the more photogenic plazas are Plaza San Roque, which hosts outdoor theater productions during the Festival Cervantino and Plaza de la Paz, adjacent to the Basilica and surrounded by mansions, owned by former silver magnates who lived here during the boom years.

Teatro Juarez is a major attraction – the architecture outside and the decor inside are both well worth a look.

For great bird’s-eye view photographs of the city get up to El Pipila; the statue at the top of the hill, commemorating Jose de los Reyes Martinez, who is said to have given his life opening the doors of the granary where Guanajuato’s rich and powerful were sheltering, enabling the rag-tag independence army to take control of the town during the struggle for Independence.

Templo de Cata is a small miner’s church, which you’ll see up on the mountain to the north of the city. Admission is free and this is another good place from which to take photographs.

The Basilica is the main place of worship in Guanajuato; other main churches include Iglesia de San Diego, Templo de la Compañía de Jesus and Templo de San Francisco.

Callejon del Beso – alley of the kiss – is famous for its balconies, which are so close to each other they nearly touch. Locals will recite an old tale of forbidden lovers for a small tip.

Museums and Art in Guanajuato

Guanajuato’s Mummy Museum is situated just outside of the town on the northwest side. The local water supply is so packed full of minerals, that people who drink it all of their lives are effectively preserved naturally when they die. Coupled with the ultra-dry climate, their bodies don’t decompose, and those who cannot afford the cemetery’s land rents end up cremated or on display at the mummy museum (only about 1% end up here). Glass cabinets house mummified remains of the dead, and a tour guide will happily tell you stories about the people currently on display. Rather macabre, but also a fascinating tour – certainly different.

Those who like art won’t want to miss Diego Rivera’s birthplace. The house has been restored recently and converted into a museum. Some of Rivera’s early works are on display.

Festival Cervantino Internacional

This festival, held in October each year (exact dates vary) is in celebration of Cervantes (of Don Quixote fame), during which time you can experience exhibitions, arts and performances from artists around the world. This festival is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Mexico, and one of the most repected festivals in the world. To find out dates and events, visit the organizer’s official website. This is an incredibly busy time in Guanajuato and we recommend that you Book your hotel accommodation early.

See Blog: International Cervantino Festival

Learn Spanish in Guanajuato

Besides being one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities, it is also a top venue for people who want to attend a residential Spanish School to mix learning and pleasure in the World Heritage city of Guanajuato. There’s no better way to learn Spanish than by becoming immersed in it at a language school in Mexico. Read our guide to Learning Spanish in Mexico for more details and to find a language school in Guanajuato.

Golf in Guanajuato

The climate in this region is ideal for golf and there are several good golf courses in the area to enjoy.

Getting There & Around

By Air – The closest airport is between León and Silao “Bajio International Airport”, and stands about 40km (about 25 miles) from Guanajuato. The closest (main) airport is Leon. The only way to get back and forth to Guanajuato from the airport is to drive you own car or take a private taxi. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Guanajuato on a luxury bus from Mexico City— the trip takes around 4 hours. There are plenty of buses to Guanajuato, all day, every day. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Guanajuato is very fast and efficient now that many high-speed and safe toll roads connect with the city. It looks longer on the map, but Highway 57, leading to Highway 45D, then Highway 45, and lastly bear east on Highway 110 is the fastest route (tolled, four-lane carriageways all the way). See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Taxis – Guanajuato’s taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish

Local Events Calendar

Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Guanajuato. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Festival Cervantino Internacional: This festival, held in October each year (exact dates vary) is in celebration of Cervantes (of Don Quixote fame), during which time you can experience exhibitions, arts and performances from artists around the world. This festival is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Mexico, and one of the most respected festivals in the world. To find out dates and events, visit the organizer’s official website. This is an incredibly busy time in Guanajuato and we recommend that you Book your hotel accommodation early. See Blog: International Cervantino Festival

Cervantino Festival Bookings: If you plan to visit and stay in Guanajuato during the Festival Cervantino, book early. Last-minute hotel rooms are impossible to find at this time, and most last-minute visitors to the festival end up staying in the nearby towns of Queretaro, Leon or San Miguel and drive in to Guanajuato during the day.

Local Climate

Guanajuato enjoys year-round, spring-like and very dry weather. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rain is seldom; the infrequent thunderstorms happen April thru November and tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoons, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off. Winter nights can get quite cold – down to freezing, so pack some warm clothes during these times.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Queretaro is one of a group of old Silver Mining cities which also includes San Miguel, Zacatecas, Guanajuato and San Luis Potosi.

These cities all lie north-west of Mexico City. Each has its own unique character, features and atmosphere—but together they make up some of Mexico’s best inland travel experiences. These cities are friendly places; the areas are not overwhelmed with tourists as some of the coastal areas can be.

It is in the colonial cities that the real Mexico begins to emerge. You’ll see real people living real lives; experience magnificent scenery; stay at wonderful colonial hotels that offer terrific value for money; savor local foods and flavors as colorful and diverse as the cultures that created them.

The road network in this region is well developed and traveling through it is fast and efficient in most places. These cities are safe: crime is low and its a great region to consider if you want to treat your family to a real cultural experience in Mexico.

Santiago de Queretaro, or just Queretaro as its known, is a colonial city steeped in Mexican history. The Spanish took control of the city in 1531 and designated it the “third city of New Spain”. It was here where the father’s of Mexico’s Independence Movement met in secret to discuss the overthrow of their Spanish rulers.

Installed by the French in 1864, Emperor Maximilian surrendered here three years later in 1867 after a 100 day siege. He was subsequently executed by firing squad, on an order handed down by Benito Juarez in San Luis Potosi.

The Mexican Constitution, written in 1917, was composed here— the same document that underscores the rule of law in Mexico today. Queretaro was also the birthplace of the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI)—the political party that governed Mexico for 71 years, before Vicente Fox’s PAN (Partido de Accion Nacional) ousted the regime in July of 2000.

Queretaro itself is a bright, lively and very clean city. It’s just 130 miles north-west of Mexico City and is connected by high-speed modern highways (tolled).

The feel here is Baroque. Take time to browse its churches, its mansions with their graceful balconies, the myriad of tree-lined plazas and the quaint colonial side streets and alleyways. The local government in Queretaro strives to make the colonial city a pleasant place for people to live in and visit; and you will find that the historic colonial center is pristinely well kept and maintained.

This colonial city is one for walkers. Walk around the streets and discover little plazas leading off narrow alleys. At night, Queretaro lights up with a carefully orchestrated system of flood lighting, giving the whole place a wonderful look, feel and atmosphere.

Surrounding Queretaro are a series of beautiful small towns like Tequisquiapan and San Juan del Rio. This area is one of Mexico’s natural hot spring regions, which are a very popular attraction with locals and visitors alike. You’ll also find a good number of quality spas in this region, too.

Queretaro and its surrounding attractions are so close to Mexico City that it makes the destination an ideal one for visitors looking for a first stop on a colonial city tour starting from the country’s capital. Although day trips to Queretaro are easy from Mexico City, as well as other nearby colonial cities, it’s recommended that you spend at least one night here to have enough time time to experience Queretaro’s charm and elegance properly. Those who do, often stay longer, or come back for a longer stay later on.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

Begin your exploration at one of the the town’s key plazas: Jardin Zenea. The bandstand dates back to the 1800’s and live music can be heard playing from it at weekends.

The main plaza is Plaza de la Independencia—central, and a very good place from which to explore the rest of city’s colonial charm.

For an excellent example of baroque architecture, visit the churches of Santa Clara and Santa Rosa de Viterbo, which you’ll find in the downtown colonial area of Queretaro.

Other places of historical and architectural interest include the Casa de La Corregidora, where Doña Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez lived (Heroine of War of Independence), La Casa de la Zacatecana, which is an excellent representation of the way that mansions looked and felt like during the colonial era, and the Cerro de Campanas (Hill of Bells), which is where Emperor Maximilian was executed after his capture here in 1867.

Queretaro also has a 1.3km Aqueduct (Acueducto) featuring 74 arches and is still used today as a means to transport water to the city.

Between Tuesday and Sunday, there is a tour that will take you around 21 of the most historical buildings and places of interest in Queretaro and explain the history behind them. The tour starts from the local Tourism Office – see Practical Information for details of where to find this.

Wine Production

In recent years, the state of Querétaro has become one of Mexico’s top wine-producing regions, and wine and cheese tours are one of the highlights of a visit to this area.

Hot Springs & Day Trips

Just 40 miles west of Querétaro is the beautiful little town of Tequisquiapan. You can buy great arts and Mexican crafts here, and it’s also famous for its hot springs. This whole area has volcanic springs situated under it, so warm pools of water are said to be therapeutic and able to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, gout and insomnia.

Also nearby is the growing town of San Juan del Rio, which boasts high quality textiles and Mexican craftwork, as well as hot springs, and colonial architecture dating back to the 16th centuries.

Museums and Art in Queretaro

The Museo Regional (Regional Museum) offers visitors a selection of artifacts from pre-Hispanic, colonial and and republican times.

The Museo de Arte (Art Museum) hosts some of the finest collections of Mexican colonial artwork in the country, all housed in the fabulous 18th century Baroque architecture of Ex-Covento de San Augustin.

Getting There & Around

By Air – Situated 8km northeast of the city center, Queretaro’s modern international airport has regular flights to and from Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. You can take a taxi or a city colectivo (the more economical option) to the city center. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Queretaro on a luxury bus from Mexico City – the trip takes around 3 hours. You can get a bus directly from the Airport or from the Northern Bus Terminal in Mexico City. Buses run all day from Mexico City to Queretaro at least once an hour. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Queretaro is very fast and efficient on the toll roads that connect the Capital to Queretaro. Take Highway 57D from Mexico City, Highway 57D (South) from San Luis Potosi, or Highway 111/57D from San Miguel de Allende. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Querétaro Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Queretaro, especially around the main plaza. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s cheques and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

What to Buy in Querétaro

Queretaro is well known for its sale of Opals—soft stones which have chameleon-like properties as they exhibit different colors and play games with the light they reflect. Queretaro still mines Opals for their local, national and international sale. Be sure to find a bargain for yourself here in Queretaro, where the stones are particularly good value for money.

Local Climate

Queretaro enjoys year-round hot, dry weather. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rain is seldom a feature here; when they do come they tend to be during the months of April thru November. Rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

San Luis Potosi is one of a group of old Silver Mining cities, which includes San Miguel, Queretaro, Guanajuato, Zacatecas and Alamos. You can discover all these places individually with Mexperience as part of the Colonial Cities section.

These cities all lie north-west of Mexico City. Each has its own unique character, features and atmosphere – but together they make up some of Mexico’s best inland travel experiences. These cities are friendly places; the areas are not overwhelmed with tourists as some of the coastal areas can be.

It is in the colonial cities that the real Mexico begins to emerge. You’ll see real people living real lives; experience magnificent scenery; stay at wonderful colonial hotels that offer terrific value for money; savor local foods and flavors as colorful and diverse as the cultures that created them.

The road network in this region is well developed and traveling through it is fast and efficient in most places. These cities are safe: crime is low and its a great region to consider if you want to treat your family to a real cultural experience in Mexico.

San Luis Potosi is the capital city of the state bearing the same name. At 2,000m (6,000 feet) above sea level, it’s one of Mexico’s highest cities, and lies at the heart of the interior plateau in Mexico. Read the related article about getting used to altitude with Mexperience.

With a population nearing 700,000 San Luis Potosi is a thriving city, and one of Mexico’s most historically significant places—so much of Mexico’s formative history revolves around it and this region.

San Luis Potosi was the capital of Mexico twice during its history. Benito Juarez ran an exiled government there in 1863, when the French installed Maximilian as a foreign ruler over Mexico. It was in San Luis Potosi where Juarez handed down Maximilian’s death sentence three years later in 1867. (Maximilian was executed in Queretaro).

Like the other ‘Silver Cities’, San Luis Potosi’s wealth was derived from the silver mines in the area. This was the largest and most developed of the silver cities and its colonial inheritance of magnificent building, art and public spaces reflects this. San Luis Potosi’s elegant colonial center has been well preserved and remains true to its roots.

Today, San Luis Potosi hosts one of Mexico’s main universities, Universidad Autonoma San Luis Potosi, so it’s a lively, young and very vibrant town— features that complement its culture well. The city shows both the positive and negative signs of the expansion, growth and modernization fueled by modern industries that now sustain the city. But at its heart, this city is loyal to and proud of its place in Mexican history and strives to uphold her grandeur.

San Luis Potosi is a must-see on any heartland colonial tour of Mexico; for history buffs, arts and crafts shoppers, or the leisure traveler, this city will certainly reward you with its many splendors.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The center of the city has been excellently preserved and has a great colonial feel and atmosphere about it.

The colonial center is mainly closed off to traffic, making it very pedestrian-friendly. The Plaza de Armas is the main square, hosting the city’s amazing Cathedral, and the Palacio de Gobierno, which is where Benito Juarez governed Mexico on two occassions; once in 1863 and again in 1867. Both are a ‘must’ visit in San Luis Potosi.

The Palacio Municipal, with its striking arches, began life as a safe haven for priceless art and sculpture. The city’s violent history put paid to all of that and, after passing through the hands of nobles a couple of times, it finally ended up belonging to the state and today plays the role of city hall.

The city has several noteworthy plazas, including Plaza de los Fundadores (Founder’s Plaza), Plaza de San Francisco and Plaza del Carmen.

The city’s main park, Alameda, is a great place to rest in the shade of the trees and observe the theater of life put on by the Potosinos, the locals.

Museums and Art in San Luis Potosi

There are several art and history museums in San Luis Potosi. The main ones include:

Museo Nacional de La Mascara: (National Mask Museum) offering permanent and temporary exhibits of masks and other national art.

Casa de la Cultura: For Mexican crafts, art and archaeological finds, visit Casa de la Cultura, located on the west side of the city – you’ll need to take a cab.

Sala German Gedovius: For International art, as well as local exhibitions, visit the Sala German Gedovius, which is adjacent to Teatro de la Paz, the city’s main theater.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can fly to San Luis Potosi from the US and and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Leon. The airport is just 7 miles from the city center. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to San Luis Potosi on a luxury bus from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Leon, Monterrey and Aguascalientes. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to San Luis Potosi is very fast and efficient on the inter-city highways that connect this region with the USA and Mexico City. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

San Luis Potosí Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of San Luis Potosi, especially in the area around the main plaza. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s cheques and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

What to Buy in San Luis Potosí

Milk-based, sugary sweets and candies are a specialty here; and you’ll be able to buy a variety of these almost anywhere in San Luis Potosi. There are also several arts and craft centers, including FONART, a government-sponsored artisan center where you can get your hands on high quality authentic Mexican arts and crafts at reasonable prices.

Local Climate

San Luis Potosi enjoys year-round, warm and generally dry weather. Because of its altitude, the climate is spring-like all year round. The weather here is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rain is seldom a feature here; April thru November is the ‘rainy season’, but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off. You may want to pack a warm pullover for the cooler evenings, especially in the winter months.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

San Miguel de Allende, most often referred to as San Miguel, is one of a group of old Silver Mining cities, which also includes Guanajuato, Zacatecas, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi.

Over the last two decades San Miguel de Allende—once a quiet, quaint, cobble-lined town that developed a following among artists in the 1950s—has exploded in popularity with foreign expatriates who have chosen to live (full-time or part-time) in Mexico. The overall feel is still colonial and bohemian, but the town is alive with activity and growth which also makes it an exciting place to visit.

Although this is a small city, it successfully combines old world charm with modern-day cosmopolitan lifestyle. Most activities surround arts and learning, painting, weaving, photography and sculpture. Spanish Language schools are big here too; you can learn more about residential Spanish Language Courses with Mexperience’s Learn Spanish section.

Although San Miguel can be enjoyed as part of day visit, you really need to stay here for a few days to grasp the essence of what this colonial city has to offer. It’s a very popular weekend destination, and people from Mexico City will spend weekend breaks in San Miguel to escape the urban congestion of the capital. As a result, Thursdays to Sundays are much livelier in San Miguel, although hotel rooms in San Miguel are harder to come by at the weekends.

The town is known for its fine hotels and B&Bs, quaint restaurants and fine boutique shops pureying a wide assortment of articles from arts and crafts, to fine clothes and jewelry.

Gathered around the colonial center are a number of fine examples of great colonial architecture, including the Parish Church which resides in front of the tree-lined main plaza.

San Miguel is magical and lively place to visit. It is a must-see destination as part of a tour of Mexico’s colonial cities. If a local festival is going on, you’ll have a first-hand experience of the colorful traditions celebrated in this region; but even during quieter times, this city has a unique, attractive charm that reflects all that is best about Mexico. Come here for a visit and experience what so many others have encountered here: an irresistibly draw cast by a spell that is uniquely Mexican, uniquely San Miguel.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

San Miguel is endowed with stunning views and equally stunning colonial architecture. From the minute you enter the town square you’ll be enchanted by its antiquated beauty. The Parish Church, which faces the main plaza (zocalo), is one of the main architectural attractions here.

Be sure to visit the recently restored home (colonial mansion) of Ignacio Allende, the famous Patriot who the town was named after.

Another colonial gem that should be seen is La Casa del Conde Canal (House of the Count of Canal), now occupied by the famous art institute, Instituto Allende (see below). You can walk through the salons and watch as students paint, weave and sculpt as part of their courses.

Instituto Allende

One of the most famous art schools in Mexico, the Instituto Allende hosts thousands of art students from all over the world who come here to learn arts and languages in the heart of San Miguel. Students come here and stay for weeks or months; rented accommodation is plentiful and available in nearby residential areas.

Museums and Art in San Miguel

Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez – Also known as the Escuela de Bellas Artes (school of fine arts), this is a local art institute where you can take courses in art, sculpture, music and dance. The center is hosted in a former convent; one of its most treasured inheritances is an unfinished 1940’s mural painted by David Alfaro Siqueiros. Large trees, a huge courtyard and colonial fountains set the scene for this magnificent place to study, learn and explore. Concerts and lectures are given here; check locally for details.

Casa del Mayorazgo de Canal – This is the old family home of the Canal family – now occupied by Banamex Bank. Check out the wooden-carved door.

There are plenty of art galleries allowing you to find art for sale everywhere in San Miguel, but there is also a selection of fine galleries from which you can buy artwork in San Miguel. See the What to Buy in San Miguel section for further details.

Exploring Around San Miguel

There are hot springs nearby, where you can bathe in natural warm mineral waters. The most popular are La Gruta and La Taboada—both lie about 30 minutes’ outside of San Miguel.

From San Miguel, day trips are available to the town of Dolores Hidalgo, named after the famous Patriot who sounded the “Grito” (Cry) for Mexican Independence. September 16th is huge in Dolores Hidalgo—it is traditional that Mexico’s President comes here to re-enact the “Grito” on his last year in office. Dolores Hidalgo is also famous for Talavera—a very strong ceramic which is used to make a variety of crockery and also wall and floor tiles. The pottery is colorfully decorated. Talavera is plentiful here and a lot less expensive than you could buy it elsewhere.

Special Events

San Miguel has a huge number of festivals and parties. There is a saying that Mexicans will find any excuse to have a party. This is no more true than in San Miguel de Allende which literally has a celebration (big or small) happening every week of the year. See the local events section below, for more details about some of these.

Getting There & Around

By Air – There is no airport at San Miguel de Allende, but if you want to fly close, you have two options: Aeropuerto Internacional del Bajio near Leon (95 miles) and Aeropuerto Internacional de Queretaro (53 miles)—note that both airports are virtually equidistant from San Miguel in travel time: taking around 90 minutes to reach by car.  Check carriers that fly to each location. Mexico City’s international airport, which is about 170 miles away, takes approximately 3.5 hours to get to by car (subject to traffic congestion in and around the capital). Private ground transport to San Miguel from airports is via private taxi or airport transfers. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to San Miguel on a luxury bus from Mexico City – the trip takes around 4 hours and departs from Mexico City’s northern bus terminal. If you don’t want to travel across Mexico City from the airport to the bus terminal, you can board a bus from Mexico City’s airport to Queretaro, where you can can change and board a second bus to San Miguel. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to San Miguel is very fast and efficient with the roads and toll roads that connect the region. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Local Events Calendar

San Miguel is host to a significant number of Local Events all year-round; many related to arts and culture. The principal ones are detailed here.

January 21st – Ignacio Allende’s Birthday – a local parade and celebrations take place to mark the birthday Ignacio Allende—one of Mexico’s most revered historical figures and the person whom the town of San Miguel Allende is named after.

Easter Week – Religious celebrations are big in San Miguel, not least because it has six Patron Saints—and Easter week is, of course, one of the biggest. The festivals during Easter week will include a variety of celebrations, parties and street performances.

Third Saturday in September – sees what is probably San Miguel’s biggest festival—that of it’s Patron Saint Archangel Saint Michael. The celebrations last all weekend and include bull-fights, cock-fights, street performers, dances, music and the very famous “pamplonadas“, which include letting loose bulls to run through the streets, chasing the crowds around a pre-determined route. Beware! Accidents tend to happen every year during this event, some of them can be fatal. Stay clear of the bull-run if you’re not prepared to run hard, fast and possibly be prepared to dodge an agitated two-ton bull.

Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of San Miguel. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s cheques and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

WiFi Access at the Library: The town’s central library (biblioteca) offers free WiFi (wireless internet) access, so if you have a laptop and need access to the web for email or other information, you can get online at the library. It gets busy in the afternoons, when school children go there to study and use the internet access too.

What to Buy in San Miguel Allende

San Miguel is principally known for its fine artwork and crafts which is widely available throughout the town with niche and boutique shops selling an ample range of high quality art-related items.

Local Climate

San Miguel enjoys year-round, warm-to-hot & dry weather. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rain is seldom a feature here; thunderstorms happen infrequently during the months of April thru November, but tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off. Winter evenings and early mornings can be quite cool – so pack some warm pullovers if you’re visiting during the winter months.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Just over 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Mexico City is one of Mexico’s most beloved colonial towns. Perched on a steeply sloping hillside 5,000 feet above sea level, Taxco (“tass-ko”) was once a silver mining town, but with silver nearly exhausted, it is now best known for its silver craft.

The American architect and writer, William Spratling, established the first silver workshop in Taxco in the 1930s and revitalized the slumbering economy. Today, Taxco is one of Mexico’s principal tourist destinations, and silver jewelry and goods are the mainstay of its local market traders.

This city is picturesque in a very traditional Mexican way—white stucco buildings with red-roof tiles, winding cobbled streets, antique churches, and romantic little plazas overlooked by bougainvillea-laced balconies. Because it was laid out on a steep incline with no regard to logical patterns, Taxco’s streets have a roller-coaster feel about them—true seat-grabbing ascents, descents and twists—especially if you take a ride in the Vocho (Beatle) taxis or combis (mini-buses).

As a well-preserved colonial town, Taxco is a treasure trove of valuable historical architecture. In the town center, you will find many examples of sixteenth through nineteenth century architecture. The pride of Taxco, El Templo Santa Prisca, was a gift from Taxco’s great silver-mining baron, Don Jose de la Borda, who nearly went broke financing its construction. This eighteenth century baroque style cathedral marks the heart of town; its unmistakable rose-colored twin towers dominate the main plaza, Plaza Borda, and beguile onlookers with its elaborate beauty.

As a silver crafts center, Taxco is unrivaled in Mexico. Hundreds of platerias (silver shops) line the streets, offering beautiful designs at a great value. See What to Buy in Taxco, below for tips about trading here.

Taxco’s streets are a bustle of activity and they come alive particularly over the weekends. The locals as well as visitors fill the main plaza and restaurants on a Saturday night—chatting, laughing, and merry-making. Because sidewalks are so conspicuously absent on its colonial cobbled-streets, you must share the road with lots of foot and vehicular traffic. It can feel congested at times, but you can always slip down an alley to find a quiet café and take a reprieve from the crowds.

A city rich in artistry, history, and romanticism, Taxco is worthy of any traveler’s short list of must-see places in Mexico.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The center of the city has been excellently preserved and has a great colonial feel and atmosphere about it. The streets are cobbled and steep; small alleyways lead off the roads and some eventually break open into quaint little plazas.

Taxco is an authentic colonial city. It has been declared a national heritage site by the government and building regulations here are strict—take a look at the local gasoline station to see how keen they are to keep the place looking and feeling colonial.

By night the town lights up softly, adding a wonderful feel and atmosphere to the whole place; the lighting, coupled with fewer people as day-trippers leave, changes the ambiance of the town as it becomes more relaxed and romantic.

Taxco also has several noteworthy churches; the most magnificent, Parroquia de Santa Prisca, is on Plaza Borda (the Main Square) and its pink stonework is revered world-wide. The interior decoration here is also magnificent: marvel at the of the gold-covered altars and the exquisitely sculpted figures. There are seven other colonial-era sanctuaries that noteworthy: Capilla de Santa Veracruz, Capilla de la Santisima Trinidad, Capilla de San Miguel Arcangel, Capilla de la Virgen de Guadalupe and Ex-Convento de San Bernadino de Siena

Museums and Art in Taxco

Casa Borda Centro Cultural

The eighteenth century home of benefactor Jose de la Borda, this magnificent mansion sits on the western end of Plaza Borda. It exhibits sculptures, paintings and photos by artists from the state of Guerrero, and serves as the town’s main cultural center.

Museo de Arte Virreinal

Built in the sixteenth century, this Moorish-influenced grand edifice is one of Taxco’s oldest colonial houses and exhibits works of religious art from the colonial period. Among its small and modest collection are relics taken from Santa Prisca including a well-preserved example of a colonial funeral altar.

Museo de Guillermo Spratling

This museum is named after the great twentieth century American patron of the city, William Spratling, who opened a silver workshop here, producing unique silver designs which skillfully combined pre-hispanic motifs and modern art-deco styles. His love and promotion of the city brought about its economic revival. The museum hosts pre-Columbian works of art from Spratling’s private collection—the inspiration for many of his designs. You can also see some fine examples of Spratling’s signature silver design work in the form of jewelry, tableware, and other decorative pieces. To see more of his silver work, you’ll need to visit the Rancho Spratling (see below), located in Taxco Old Town.

Panoramic Views

One of Taxco’s main attractions are its topographical vantage points from which to admire a sprawling carpet of green hills, valleys, and cliffs. You will find several great vantage points in and around town, but two of the best for panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains are the Monte Taxco and the Cristo Monumental.

Monte Taxco

The only cable car system in town leads straight up to a four-star hotel resort named Monte Taxco. Go to the north side of town—just off Avenida de los Plateros—and look for the signs to the teleferico (cable car station). There’s a small fee to pay, and on the cable run you’ll enjoy an eye-catching ascent over a deep gorge with good views across the city and the surrounding mountains. Named for its location, the Monte Taxco Hotel has a restaurant and bar which is precisely positioned to give you a panoramic view of Taxco and the surrounding natural landscape.

Cristo Monumental

Opened in 2002, the Cristo Monumental (Christ Monument) is now one of Taxco’s most prominent landmarks and an exceptional vantage point. The towering statue of Christ with outstretched arms (reminiscent of Rio’s famed Cristo) stands atop Cerro de Atachi. The statue itself is three meters in height set on a pedestal and looks over Taxco like a protective symbol. You can walk (you’ll need to be fit for the steep climb) or take a taxi up to the monument.

Attractions Near Taxco

Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa – These are limestone caverns (grutas), formed naturally over the course of millions of years by water flowing down through the mountains. Some of the chambers reach heights of around 250 feet. There is about a mile of pathways through the caves, which a guided tour will take you through and highlight the main attractions inside. The caves are about 30 miles north-east of Taxco, but well worth a visit. Tours are generally in Spanish, and occasionally an English tour will be offered if there is sufficient demand. The air temperature inside the caves is considerably lower than the temperature outside, so if you’re prone to chills, take a pull-over with you.

Taxco El Viejo – About five miles south of Taxco is Taxco El Viejo (Taxco Old Town), which features a couple of attractions and offers visitors serene surroundings.

Ex-Hacienda San Juan Bautista – This is an old Ex-Hacienda named after Saint John the Baptist, which today hosts the School of Earth Sciences (an offshoot of the Guerrero State University) and a museum.

Rancho Spratling – This ranch is a working silver craft workshop that today continues the traditions of high quality silver craft that William Spratling started in the 1920s. You can witness the silver artisans at work; silver goods are available for purchase. The ranch is just south of the Ex-Hacienda San Juan Bautista.

Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air – The closest airport to Taxco is the Cuernavaca airport, although most visitors to Taxco will arrive at Mexico City’s airport. Connect to the Mexperience guide about Flights and Air Travel in Mexico.

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 three hours from Mexico City or less than two hours from Cuernavaca. The buses leave frequently with services every day of the week. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Taxco is fast and efficient using the toll-road from Mexico City south of Highway 95D. Taxco is beyond the colonial city of Cuernavaca and will take you around 2 – 3 hours to get to from the capital. See additional information about Driving in Mexico on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental here.

Getting Around

Local Buses – Besides using your feet to get around this very walk-able town, try the local transportation. Known as combis, these mini-buses are an economical way to get around town. To get to the town center, look for the combis that have “Zocalo” written on the windshield.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico

Taxco Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found in the central area of Taxco. During business hours the local Casas de Cambio will buy foreign currency in cash from you. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Pedestrians Take Note! Pedestrians and motor vehicles—including taxis, mini buses, mopeds, and 4×4 off-roaders which some visitors rent—share the narrow spaces between the picturesque buildings which make up the rich tapestry of architecture in this colonial town.  Take care when you are walking the streets, especially on Saturdays and Sundays when traffic and visitor levels increase significantly. Also wear a good pair of walking shoes—the steep cobble streets become even more precarious after a good rain, leaving stones very slippery.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: In addition to access via mobile data networks, internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico.  WiFi is ubiquitous now, and you can connect easily and often free from cafes, shops, hotels, etc.

What to Buy in Taxco

Visitors would be remiss to visit Taxco without engaging in its main trade: silver shopping. The main streets of Taxco feature an endless string of platerias (silver shops) and you can hardly pass by one without having an eager vendor beckon you to look inside. Jewelry, platters, statuettes—whatever may be fashioned from silver—you can be sure to find it here and at a good price.

There exist three commercial venue types in Taxco where you can make silver purchases: an established silver shop, a jewelry center where rows upon rows of stalls are manned by small independent silver traders, and street fairs and markets. It’s a good idea to take some time to browse several places before purchasing anything so that you get an idea of the available styles, quality and prices. The silver shops on Plaza Borda tend to charge higher prices and may not be as open to negotiation, but they also are among the most reputable vendors.

Whichever one you choose to patronize, you should know how to distinguish sterling silver from silver-plated. Pieces made from solid silver are stamped “.925” which certifies that the piece is at least 92.5% silver. Objects which are cast in cheaper metals—nickel and pewter are the most common—and covered with a thin silver plating are unstamped .

Some of the more unscrupulous traders may try to palm-off imitation silver, known as “alpaca” or nickel silver; however, there isn’t a huge amount of fraud of this kind as silver is a relatively inexpensive precious metal, especially compared to gold, but it’s possible to be misled, especially if you buy from vendors off the street. A little forward research can help you to buy good quality silver pieces.

We recommend that you look up the current international price for silver, quoted per ounce, so that you arrive in Taxco with an idea of the value of the pieces that you are considering for purchase. Solid silver pieces are priced based on their weight, and price mark-ups for artisanship are added depending upon the designs or if a notable artisan has been involved in the creation of the piece. Carry a small magnet on your person and use this to test pieces which are purportedly solid silver: precious metals are not magnetic.

Beware of taxi drivers trying to give you ‘advice’ on where to buy silver. Some silver shops give tips or commissions to drivers who bring potential customers to their stores. A common ruse is for the taxi driver to belittle ‘other’ places and tell you that a certain other place offers better quality at a fraction of the cost.

All good establishments will offer you a printed receipt displaying the store’s name, a description of the item, and its sale price; this can be used in case any matters arise afterwards relating to the purchase you made.

Although silver is the primary product visitors shop for in Taxco, don’t overlook some of the other authentic Mexican crafts which are sold here too; for example, embroidered clothing, papier-mâché art, wood carvings, brightly painted scenes on amate (wood bark) paper, and hand-woven baskets.

Local Climate

Taxco enjoys year-round warm and dry weather. Its altitude makes it feel spring-like year-round. Rains tend to happen more frequently during the months of April thru November, but as with most monsoon areas, they tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off. The winter months can get cooler in the evenings and overnight, so take a sweater with you if you are traveling in Taxco during these times.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Zacatecas is one of a group of old Silver Mining cities, which includes San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi and Alamos. You can discover all these places with Mexperience.

These cities all lie north-west of Mexico City. Each has its own unique character, features and atmosphere – but together they make up some of Mexico’s most authentic inland travel experiences. These cities are friendly places; the areas are not overwhelmed with tourists as some of the coastal areas can be.

It’s in the country’s colonial cities that the real Mexico begins to emerge. You’ll see real people living real lives; experience magnificent scenery; stay at wonderful colonial hotels that offer terrific value for money; savor local foods and flavors as colorful and diverse as the cultures that created them.

The road network in this region is well developed, and traveling through it is fast and efficient in most places. These cities are safe: crime is low and it’s a great region to consider if you want to treat your family to a real cultural experience in Mexico.

Zacatecas, like Guanajuato, built its wealth in the hey-days of the region’s mining boom. Geographically, it’s on the edge of the quintet of central mining cities, and if you take the cable car to the top of the mountain (see Key Attractions), you’ll be able to look out across the desert and see just how much of a frontier-city Zacatecas was at the height of its industrial prosperity.

The architecture here is immensely attractive—the pink limestone used in its buildings gave the city the nickname Ciudad Rosada (the Pink City). Take time to look at the intricately-designed stone and iron works which has been invested into the colonial buildings. Many of the major buildings here took years to complete, because their sponsors and creators were determined to craft and leave something special behind them—and they succeeded in doing so.

Like some of the other colonial gems in Mexico, Zacatecas is not well known among the mass of tourist and traveling communities that visit the country. You won’t find much English spoken here, although local people, restaurants, and hotels will be obliging, helpful, and friendly with any needs you may have.

There are lots of attractions worth seeing in Zacatecas; some historical, some cultural, and some scenic. What you’ll experience in Zacatecas is a genuine city with warm and friendly people amidst a community that is proud of its history and heritage.

Choosing to explore Zacatecas you’ll enjoy a real Mexican experience; there is no tourist make-up here: what you’ll witness is a wonderful colonial city, exhibiting its old-world charms and elegance alongside modern-day Mexican culture.

This is a great place to spend a day—or a long weekend. Stay for the evenings as the temperature cools, the city lights up, and the atmosphere changes. Whether you’re traveling independently or with a family, you’ll find Zacatecas is well worth the few extra miles of road it takes to arrive here.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The Plaza de Armas (main square) is also host to the city’s cathedral, with its magnificent stone facade. You’ll also find the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) building here, as well as the Residencia de Gobernadores (Governor’s Residence) and Palacio de la Mala Noche (Palace of the Bad Night), also known as the Palacio de Justicia (Palace of Justice).

The Mercado Gonzalez Ortega, previously the main marketplace in Zacatecas, has now been renovated into a modern up-market shopping center. You can also eat here at one of the several restaurants integrated within the building.

There’s an old Silver mine, called Mina El Eden, which is located inside the Cerro del Grillo, a major attraction of the city and an important historical landmark. There were originally seven levels in this mine; level four is open to visitors, and a train ride will take you deep into the hill which hosted it. The train stops inside, and you are guided down walkways deep into the mines, where you’ll begin to see the conditions that mind workers of the day endured to get gold, silver, iron, copper and zinc out of these rocks.

Cerro de La Bufa is the imposing mountain on the northeast side of the city. It’s up here that you’ll see magnificent views across the city, and further north, the vast expanse of arid desert that streams out from this ‘frontier capital’. To get to the top, you can drive there, but it’s best to take the Cable Car (Teleferico) which will transport you across a magnificent view of the city to the top of the mountain in just a few minutes. The Teleferico station is near the mine, so both are within easy access of each other.

Museums and Art in Zacatecas

There are various museums to visit in Zacatecas.

Museo Rafael Coronel hosts what is probably the largest display of traditional masks in Mexico (over 2,000 of them).

Museo Francisco Goita gives you the opportunity to view the works of six major artists of the 20th century who were from Zacatecas, including works of Francisco Goita himself.

Museo de Pedro Colonel is regarded as one of Mexico’s best art museums outside of Mexico City. Pedro Colonel, an affluent artist in Zacatecas, left his entire works and collection of art from around the world to his native city. Besides his own work, art from places as far away as Africa and New Guinea may be enjoyed here.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can fly to Zacatecas from the US and and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Tijuana. The airport is about 18 miles outside the city on the north side; ground transportation into the city is available; buy your tickets from the airport’s terminal building. You can choose between a private taxi (most expensive) and a shared suburban van which carries about 10 passengers and their luggage comfortably. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Zacatecas on a luxury bus from Mexico City – as well as Queretaro, Aguascalientes, Guadalajara, and other places in the region too. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Zacatecas is very fast and efficient with high-speed and safe toll roads connecting to the city. From the south, you’ll need Highway 45D, and from the Northeast you’ll need Highway 54. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Zacatecas Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Zacatecas, especially around the main plaza. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy travelers checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace—from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in defined public spaces.

Easter Week and September: If your travel plans involve staying in Zacatecas during the festival dates (see Local Events Calendar, above), then be sure to book early. Hotel rooms become scarce or unobtainable during these times, and many travelers who make an 11th-hour decision to attend the celebrations, often find themselves having to stay at hotels in towns and cities away from Zacatecas, which means they have to drive in and out each day.

What to Buy in Zacatecas

There are several good places in Zacatecas where you can buy a selection of authentic Mexican arts and crafts. Silver jewelry and silver craft-ware is also a major feature of a shopping experience in Zacatecas. Some silverware is crafted locally and you’ll find silver items here are good value for money.

Local Climate

Zacatecas enjoys year-round, generally warm and dry weather during the daytime. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. The rain season runs from May thru October: summer storms tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon. Remember that you are out in the desert here: the combination of its remoteness and altitude means that mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in the winter months, so pack warm clothing layers in addition to lighter clothes for warmer daytime temperatures.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Guanajuato was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO in 1988 and Cervantino Capital of the Americas in 2005. Each year in October, this colonial city hosts the most important artistic and cultural festival in Latin America – the Festival Internacional Cervantino. The city provides an ideal stage for every field of arts and culture, and the festival has created a tradition that goes beyond Mexico’s borders; today it is one of the world’s most respected international cultural events.

The Festival Internacional Cervantino has been celebrated in Guanajuato since 1972 and is the result of the outstanding quality and tradition of its University’s Theater Group, especially its repertoire of plays from Spain’s Gold Era, and in particular, Don Quijote de la Mancha, written by Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra, from whom the festival takes its name. The festival was originally known as the “Entremeses Cervantinos” (playlets) due to the one-act plays performed at the theater. On its 20th anniversary the event came to the attention of Mexico’s then president Luis Echeverría (1970-1976), who decided to create a festival of international quality to promote cultural, artistic and humanistic relations with other countries.

With support from the country’s National Council for Arts and Culture, the state government, the city, the University of Guanajuato, and several private sector sponsors, the Festival Internacional Cervantino attracts artists and companies from all cultural fields throughout the world. One way or another, every country has been represented at this festival over the years.

The events and activities for each festival are chosen based on their cultural wealth, scope, originality, innovation and international standing. As a member of the European Festivals Association and the Asian Scenic Arts Festivals Association, the Festival Internacional Cervantino is able to offer international variety and quality at each event.

The event offers an extensive selection of cultural programs from different countries including dance, music, visual arts, cinema, theater, conferences, and exhibitions. Each year different countries throughout the world and states within Mexico are invited to participate at the event. To date, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and the Mexican state of Nayarit have accepted invitations to participate at this year’s festival, being hosted from October 12th to 30th, 2011.

The Festival Internacional Cervantino is the most important annual event held in Guanajuato attracting both Mexican and international visitors. For nineteen exciting days this quiet colonial city buzzes with activity as close to 200,000 visitors are entertained with cultural and artistic performances from around the world.

Hotels become booked up months in advance for the festival, so if you plan to visit Guanajuato in October we recommend you book early.

See Also: Mexperience Guide to Guanajuato