Exploring the Silver Jewel of Mexico: Taxco

• HelloHola
  [o-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [a-di-ós]
• YesSí
  [sí]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fa-vor/de na-da]
• Thank youGracias
  [gra-cias]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [per-dón/lo sien-to]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [¿có-mo es-tás?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bien. ¿y tú?]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [¿ha-blas in-glés?]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [no en-tien-do]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [me gus-ta-ría ver el me-nú, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [no co-mo car-ne]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [¡sa-lud!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [me gus-ta-ría pa-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [¡a-yu-da!]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [¡ve-te!]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [¡ya-ma a la po-li-cía!]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [¡ya-ma a un mé-di-co!]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [es-toy per-di-do]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [es-toy en-fer-mo]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [qui-sie-ra com-prar...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [so-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [¿cuan-to cues-ta?]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [e-so es de-ma-sia-do ca-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [¿pue-des ba-jar el pre-cio?]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [¿qué ho-ra es?]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es la u-na]
• Half past (10)Y media (las diez)
  [y me-dia (las diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [ma-ña-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tar-de]
• EveningNoche
  [no-che]
• YesterdayAyer
  [a-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [hoy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [ma-ña-na]
• 1Uno
  [u-no]
• 2Dos
  [dos]
• 3Tres
  [tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [cua-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [cin-co]
• 6Seis
  [seis]
• 7Siete
  [siete]
• 8Ocho
  [o-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [nue-ve]
• 10Diez
  [diez]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [¿dón-de es-tá un/el...?]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [¿cúal es la di-rec-ción?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Me puedes mostrar (en el mapa)?
  [¿me pue-des mos-trar (en el ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [¿cúan-do es el pró-xi-mo (au-to-bús)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [un bo-le-to (a ....)]

In the early 16th century, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés discovered rich silver deposits in the region that is now Taxco. This discovery transformed the area into one of the most important silver mining centers in colonial Mexico. The influx of Spanish settlers and indigenous laborers led to the establishment of the town, originally named Taxco de Alarcón, in honor of playwright Juan Ruiz de Alarcón who was born nearby.

Taxco's colonial past is evident in its stunning architecture. The town is renowned for its narrow, cobblestone streets and white plaster buildings with red-tile roofs. The Santa Prisca Church, completed in 1758, is a prime example of baroque architecture and was funded by José de la Borda, one of the wealthiest mine owners of the time. This church remains a focal point of the town and a testament to the wealth generated by the silver mines.

Taxco played a role in the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821). The town’s strategic location and wealth made it a target for insurgents fighting against Spanish rule. Key figures, such as José María Morelos, passed through Taxco, rallying support for the cause. The struggle for independence disrupted mining activities but also laid the groundwork for the town’s future as part of an independent Mexico.

The early 20th century saw another silver boom in Taxco, driven by improved mining techniques and global demand for silver. American entrepreneur William Spratling, often called the 'Father of Mexican Silver,' arrived in the 1920s and revitalized the local silver industry. He established workshops that employed local artisans, blending traditional Mexican designs with modern aesthetics. Spratling's efforts helped position Taxco as a leading center for silver craftsmanship.

Today, Taxco is a vibrant town that attracts tourists from around the world. It is famous for its silver jewelry and crafts, with many shops and markets offering exquisite pieces. The town hosts the National Silver Fair each year, celebrating its rich heritage and craftsmanship. Taxco's historical significance, combined with its picturesque setting in the Sierra Madre mountains, makes it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Taxco is located in the state of Guerrero, about 170 kilometers southwest of Mexico City. The nearest international airport is Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City. From Mexico City, you can take a direct bus to Taxco, which typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, renting a car for the journey offers more flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy the scenic drive through the Mexican countryside.

Taxco is a small city with narrow, winding streets, making walking one of the best ways to explore. Local taxis and combis (shared vans) are readily available and reasonably priced for longer trips or for reaching specific destinations within the city. Renting a car is also an option, but be prepared for challenging driving conditions due to the steep and narrow roads. Additionally, the city's iconic Volkswagen Beetle taxis are a fun and unique way to get around.

The official currency in Taxco, as in the rest of Mexico, is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's wise to carry cash for smaller establishments, markets, and street vendors. ATMs are available throughout the city, but it's recommended to withdraw sufficient cash in major cities before traveling to avoid any inconvenience.

Taxco is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Taxco does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive items and be cautious of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Taxco. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and chapels. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Hola'. A slight nod can also be a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Taxco like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Tianguis de Plata, where you can buy silver jewelry and other traditional Mexican crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Santa Prisca Church, a baroque masterpiece. For a unique experience, take the cable car up to the Monte Taxco hotel for breathtaking views of the city.