For most people in Mexico and in fact around the world, the word silver is most associated with the hillside city of Taxco (pronounced tahs-ko). Perched along the mountainside at 5,000 feet, Taxco de Alarcón, as it's officially known, offers incredible views from almost any location. For the traveler there are the narrow and often hidden cobblestone streets and alleys, charming cafes and restaurants, and a wide variety of lodgings to meet any budget.


Rich in history, Taxco was originally discovered and conquered by Hernan Cortez 1552. Two hundred years later French prospector Joseph de la Borda discovered a rich silver deposit, which made him very wealthy. With this great wealth, Borda commissioned the seven year long construction of the Parish of Santa Prisca, giving rise to the famous words: "God gives to Borda, Borda gives to God". Today Santa Prisca is both the visual and historical center of Taxco, and the great cost of its elaborate construction and interior decoration left Borda nearly penniless at his death.