Cuernavaca and Taxco Tour from Mexico City

Explore Two Historic Cities in One Day from Mexico City

The Cuernavaca and Taxco tour from Mexico City offers a convenient way to see two of the region’s most picturesque colonial towns in a single day. Priced at $45 per person and lasting approximately 10 hours, this tour is perfect for those seeking a mix of history, architecture, and shopping. Its highlights include guided visits to Cuernavaca’s famous landmarks and the silver workshops of Taxco, known as the World Silver Capital. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to relax and focus on the experience.

While reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the scenic views, some note the timing can be tight, especially at stops like Cuernavaca and the silver shops in Taxco. The tour is suited for active visitors with moderate physical fitness who enjoy cultural sightseeing and shopping for high-quality silver jewelry and artworks.

Key Points

• Full-day experience covering Cuernavaca and Taxco from Mexico City
• Guided tours of Cuernavaca’s historic cathedral and Palace of Cortes
• Visit the Santa Prisca Cathedral and silver workshops in Taxco
• Optional buffet lunch included or available for purchase
• Pickup and drop-off at selected Mexico City hotels
• Moderate physical activity required, mainly walking on cobblestone streets

From Mexico City to Cuernavaca: The Land of Eternal Spring

This tour departs from Mexico City at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup included for a smooth start. The 53-mile (86 km) drive takes visitors to Cuernavaca, famously called the city of the eternal spring due to its pleasant climate. Upon arrival, the guide leads a panoramic tour of the city’s most important colonial sites.

In Cuernavaca, the tour emphasizes the oldest cathedral in the Americas and the Palace of Cortes, showcasing gothic mudéjar architecture and historic mansions. The two-hour stop provides enough time to appreciate the city’s elegant streets and architectural charm. The review mentions that some visitors wish for more time to explore the historic center, but the guided tour ensures key highlights are covered efficiently.

Walking Through Cuernavaca’s Colonial Landmarks

Inside Cuernavaca, specific sites include the Cathedral of Cuernavaca, recognized as one of the continent’s oldest churches, and the Palace of Cortes, which offers a glimpse into colonial history. The guide explains the history behind these landmarks, adding context to the visual experience.

Guests have the opportunity to stroll along elegant streets and mansions, absorbing the atmosphere of this historic city. The admission tickets to these sites are included in the tour price, making the experience more seamless. Although reviews suggest some visitors felt the two-hour stop could be extended, the guided nature ensures efficient sightseeing.

Moving on to Taxco, the Silver Capital of the World

Following Cuernavaca, the tour continues into the mountains of the Sierra Madre to reach Taxco, a town renowned for high-purity silver. The drive provides scenic views of the mountain landscape, setting the scene for the town’s picturesque charm. The six-hour stop in Taxco allows visitors to explore the Baroque Santa Prisca Cathedral, a highlight of the town’s architecture.

The cobblestone streets of Taxco are lined with silver workshops and shops, where visitors can browse handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, and art pieces. The town’s whitewashed homes and mountain backdrop contribute to its enchanting atmosphere. As noted in reviews, Taxco’s silver jewelry makes for excellent souvenirs, with many shops offering exceptionally pure silver.

Visiting Silver Workshops and Shopping Opportunities

The silver workshops are a central part of the experience, offering insight into the silver-making process and a chance to purchase authentic, high-quality jewelry and souvenirs. Visitors are encouraged to browse the local artisans’ creations, often more affordable than in Mexico City, and to find unique gifts.

Many guests appreciate the quality of the silver and the friendly workshop owners, although some mention that stores close around 6 pm, so timing is important. The guided visits ensure visitors learn about the history of silver mining and craftsmanship in Taxco.

Lunch Options and Dining Experience

The tour includes an optional buffet lunch that features salads, soups, pasta, rice, stews, and desserts. The all-you-can-eat style offers a variety of Mexican and international dishes, making it a convenient choice for most groups. Some reviews suggest that the buffet can be mediocre, and others recommend exploring local restaurants for better quality and value.

Guests who opt for the buffet should be aware that they might spend some time at the designated restaurant, which impacts the overall schedule, especially since the return trip can be tight. The tour suggests that lunch is part of the experience, but there’s flexibility for guests to explore their own dining options if desired.

Managing the Schedule and Timing

The tour starts early at 9:00 am and usually concludes around 7:00 pm, depending on traffic and group size. Timing at stops can be tight, especially in Taxco, where stores close around 6 pm, and the guide might drop visitors off until 7 pm. The long drive back to Mexico City can lead to arrival times around 10:30 pm, which is worth considering for those with early commitments the next day.

Several reviews note that delays happen, sometimes caused by traffic or the time spent at the silver shops. However, the guides are praised for their knowledgeability, fluency in both English and Spanish, and friendly attitude, often making the long day enjoyable despite the schedule pressures.

Logistics: Pickup, Transportation, and Group Size

The pickup service is available at Mexico City hotels, streamlining the start of the tour. The tour operates with a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring a balance between group size and comfort. The vehicle provides roundtrip transportation for the approximately 86 km journey to Cuernavaca and Taxco.

Travelers should arrive prepared for moderate walking on cobblestone streets and some uphill sections in Taxco. The shared service uses a bilingual guide, which can mean some moments of translation, as noted by a few reviews. The meeting point is also an option if travelers prefer to join directly.

Cost and Value for Money

Priced at $45 per person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to visit two major colonial towns with guided tours and admission to key sites included. The buffet lunch is optional, giving flexibility for those wanting to save or indulge.

Some reviews mention that food quality varies and suggest choosing options outside the included buffet for better value. The combination of transportation, guided visits, and shopping opportunities makes it a reasonable choice for those wanting a comprehensive day trip at an affordable price.

Considerations for the Practical Traveler

Travelers should be prepared for long hours and walking on cobblestone streets, especially in Taxco. The schedule is tightly packed, so flexibility and patience are essential, particularly if delays occur. The guides’ knowledge and local insights compensate for some schedule constraints, but those seeking a more relaxed pace might find the day somewhat rushed.

The closes of shops around 6 pm means shopping time might be limited, especially in Taxco. The lunch experience is generally satisfactory but not gourmet, so those looking for top-tier dining might prefer exploring local eateries at their own expense.

Final Thoughts on the Cuernavaca and Taxco Tour

This full-day tour offers a well-rounded experience of Mexico’s colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and silver craftsmanship. The guided visits and scenic drive provide a comprehensive look at these two charming towns, making it suitable for visitors interested in culture, history, and shopping.

Despite some scheduling challenges and mixed reviews about the lunch and timing, the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery make this trip worthwhile. It’s ideal for active travelers who want to maximize their day and enjoy a cost-effective, guided exploration of Cuernavaca and Taxco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at Mexico City hotels are included, making the experience more convenient.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending around 7:00 pm, depending on traffic and group size.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Cuernavaca’s cathedral and Palace of Cortes and Taxco’s Santa Prisca Cathedral and silver workshops.

Does the tour include lunch?
An optional buffet lunch is available, featuring salads, soups, pasta, and stews. Guests can also choose to explore local restaurants.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking on cobblestone streets and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
Participants should have moderate physical fitness due to walking and uneven streets in Taxco.

Can I buy silver jewelry during the tour?
Yes, Taxco is famous for its silver shops and workshops, where you can browse and purchase high-purity silver jewelry.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance receive a full refund.

What language are the guides?
Guides are bilingual, offering commentary in English and Spanish.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour’s moderate physical activity and walking may be best for older children or teenagers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Where can I book this tour?
The tour is available via Viator, operated by Mexitours, with contact at +5215542383966 or [email protected].