Taxco de Alarcón, Mexico

​Taxco de Alarcón is a historic hill town nestled in the rugged Sierra Madre del Sur range about three hours southwest of Mexico City in the state of Guerrero. Known as the Silver Capital of the World for its robust collection of sliver crafts, Taxco was designated Mexico's third "Pueblo Mágico" (Magical Town) in 2002. The city is very reminiscant of what you find in the hills of Italy or Spain and a joy to visit. Its primary feature, the 16th century Temple of Santa Prisca towers above the city's central square which functions as a collection point for a complex matrix of roads and walkways that service communities of the mountain slopes. Taxco was along my route south to Guatemala for visa renewal and highly recommened by locals so it was a logical destination. I stayed five weeks.

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On weekends, Taxco is loaded with Mexican tourists seeking silver bargains while embracing the spirit of its old world charm. Unfortunately, Taxco resides inside of Mexico's cartel country otherwise it would probably receive twice the current flow of visitors. Personally, I never felt danger. Nor do the locals. All of the illegal activity happens outside of town and in small pockets within the surrounding mountains where poppy is cultivated for heroin production. 

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​Putting that aside, it should be noted the entire region is beautiful and a hidden gem embedded within the country. The drive from Mexico City mimics much of what you experience in Colorado and feels completely different than the high desert rock and cactus many associate with Mexican landscapes. My upper mountain apartment near the village of Casahuates was a ten minute walk from hiking trails that cut deep into the pine forest slopes that dominate the mountain. The views are stunning, the breezes cool, the silence notable.

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One other feature worth mentioning is the fleet of Volkswagen Taxi's running up and down the hillside and through the narrow corridors of Taxco proper. No, these are not late model replications of the famous German automobile that dominated the world for decades, rather, these are the original 1960's VW Bugs. Obviously, parts are still available because they look and run as if they just came off the production line. An ideal car for Taxco's cobblestone streets and narrow passages that rarely exceed eight feet in width. Clearly unique and a fun experience you're not going to find elsewhere.