Taxco de Alarcon
Location
Taxco de Alarcon, one of Mexico's most famous silver cities, lies three hours south of Mexico City. Set in the side of a mountain at an elevation of 5,300 feet, Taxco is a strikingly beautiful city.
The City
Taxco is famous for its crafts and silver items, particularly jewelry. There is also splendid architecture exemplified by the Santa Prisca church, a masterpiece of Mexican Baroque architecture. To admire the beauty of Taxco, you can take the cable car ride to Monte Taxco. Near Taxco, you can visit the Cacahuamilpa Caverns, considered the most beautiful caverns in the country and a popular spot for cave diving.
Taxco enjoys year-round, warm and dry weather. Its altitude makes it feel spring-like year-round. In June the average high is 81° and the average low is 62°.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is the oldest university on the American continents. The main function of The Learning Center for Foreigners (CEPE; Centro de Enseñanza Para Extranjeros) is to teach and spread Spanish and Mexican culture to students from all over the world.
The campus is located at the former Hacienda El Chorrillo, a refurbished colonial estate with classrooms, a library, theater, gardens, swimming pool, and cafe, only ten minutes from the center of Taxco.
Visitor Information
Visitor information will be available at UNAM for APSI participants. The visitor information center, the State of Guerrero Dirección de Turismo (tel./fax 762/622-6616 or 762/622-2274), is located at the arches on the main highway at the north end of town (Av. de los Plateros 1). The office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 3:30pm, and Saturday from 8am to noon. Take a ZOCALO-ARCOS combi there from the Plaza Borda and get off at the arch over the highway.
For more information about Taxco, refer to the following Web sites (click on the links below):
Introduction to Taxco
Taxco de Alarcón history
Taxco: Mexico's Silver Capital
Taxco de Alarcón, Guerrero
The History of Silver in Taxco, Mexico
Taxco Attractions
