Full Day: Taxco and Cuernavaca

Explore Two Historic Cities in One Day: Taxco and Cuernavaca from Mexico City

This full-day guided tour offers a practical way to visit Taxco and Cuernavaca without the hassle of planning your own transportation. Priced at $54.69 per person and departing from Mexico City, the trip lasts about 10 to 12 hours, making it a manageable day trip. The tour features round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle from select central Mexico City hotels, ensuring a comfortable journey. With a small group size of 14, you get more personalized attention from the guide, which adds a friendly, relaxed vibe to the experience.

Highlights include visiting the Cathedral of the Asencion in Cuernavaca, exploring Santa Prisca Church in Taxco, and browsing silver jewelry and handicrafts at a local silversmith center. This tour is especially suitable for those interested in cultural sights, beautiful architecture, and charming towns, with reviews praising knowledgeable guides and scenic views. However, note that the long ride and lack of included lunch might be considerations for some travelers.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour visiting Taxco and Cuernavaca from Mexico City
• Cost of $54.69 per person with round-trip transfers included
• Stops at the Cathedral of the Asencion and Santa Prisca Church
• Shopping for silver jewelry and handicrafts in Taxco
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning and a small group of 14
• Tour duration of approximately 10-12 hours makes for an easy day trip

Departure from Mexico City at 8:00 am

The tour starts early at 8:00 am with pickup from select hotels in central Mexico City. The return is at the same meeting point, after a full day of sightseeing. The air-conditioned vehicle helps make the long ride more pleasant, especially on hot days. Since the tour is designed for most travelers, it offers a relaxed pace without feeling rushed, and the small group size ensures that the guide can give more personalized explanations.

The Charm of Cuernavaca: The Palace of Cortes and the Cathedral

The first major stop in Cuernavaca is at the Cathedral of the Asencion, known for being one of Mexico’s oldest churches built by the Franciscans. Its open chapel and surrounding chapels are particularly notable. Visitors appreciate the free admission and the opportunity to see a historic religious site that reflects early colonial architecture.

Following the church, the tour proceeds to explore the Palace of Cortes, a prominent landmark in Cuernavaca. The city itself is famous as the “City of Eternal Spring”, thanks to its mild climate and lush scenery. The timing allows enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling hurried, making it an ideal way to experience Cuernavaca’s charm in a single visit.

Discovering the Silver Town of Taxco

Taxco is renowned for its quaint streets, scenic views, and silversmith traditions. The tour includes stops at Linda De Taxco, where artisans showcase their handcrafted jewelry, giving visitors the chance to observe local craftsmanship firsthand.

The highlight is Santa Prisca Church, constructed from pink quarry stone. Built by José de la Borda, the wealthiest miner of the colonial era, it is a stunning example of baroque architecture. Visitors typically spend around two hours at this site, with plenty of time to admire the intricate details and take photos.

In Taxco, shopping for silver jewelry and handicrafts is a common activity, as the town is famous for its high-quality silver items. The tour provides a good balance of sightseeing and shopping, with enough free time to explore and pick up souvenirs.

Practicalities: Transport, Group Size, and Included Fees

The tour includes round-trip transfers from select central Mexico City hotels, with most travelers able to participate comfortably. The vehicle is air-conditioned, helping to offset the long ride—which typically lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes to Cuernavaca and longer back from Taxco.

All fees and taxes are included in the price, simplifying the experience. However, lunch and tips are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. The tour ends back at the starting point, with no additional transportation needed.

Highlights and Notable Features of the Tour

The small group size of 14 enhances the overall experience, allowing for more interaction with the guide and flexibility during stops. The knowledgeable guides are often praised for their great sense of humor and clear explanations about the sites visited.

The itinerary ensures a balanced day, with sufficient time at each stop to enjoy the sights and shop comfortably. The tour’s cost-effectiveness is reflected in its reviews, with many travelers mentioning good value for money and enjoyable visits to Taxco’s streets and Cuernavaca’s historic sites.

Considerations and Limitations

The ride between Mexico City and the two towns can be lengthy, with some reviews noting the long hours on the road. The lack of included lunch means travelers should bring snacks or plan to eat in Taxco or Cuernavaca independently.

Another point to keep in mind is that some reviews mention occasional issues with the organization or timing, such as delays or group shuffles, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. The tour offers a reliable way to see two distinctive towns with plenty of cultural highlights.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This tour appeals most to those interested in historic architecture, artisan shopping, and scenic small towns. It’s ideal for travelers who want a guided experience with transport included and relaxed pacing. It suits visitors seeking an easy day trip from Mexico City without the hassle of planning their own transportation or logistics.

The affordable price and small group size make it especially attractive for first-time visitors or those wanting a convenient overview of Taxco and Cuernavaca. It’s less suited for travelers looking for culinary experiences or those who prefer more time in each town.

Final Thoughts on the Taxco and Cuernavaca Tour

This full-day excursion offers a well-organized, affordable way to explore two of Mexico’s most charming towns. The highlighted sites, such as Santa Prisca Church and Cuernavaca’s cathedral, are notable for their architecture and history. The tour’s small group setting enhances the experience, allowing for more personalized attention.

While the long ride and lack of included meals are considerations, many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and scenic stops. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a cost-effective and comfortable way to see Taxco’s silver streets and Cuernavaca’s colonial charm in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The tour departs at 8:00 am from select hotels in Mexico City.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or eat at their own expense during the day.

What is the group size?
The tour limits maximum group size to 14, which helps ensure a more personalized experience.

Are the stops at Taxco and Cuernavaca free?
Yes, admission tickets to the Cathedral of the Asencion and Santa Prisca Church are free.

Can I do shopping during the tour?
Yes, the stops at Linda De Taxco and the silversmith center offer opportunities to browse and purchase silver jewelry and handicrafts.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the air-conditioned vehicle is comfortable for the long ride between the cities and the starting point in Mexico City.