Saturday July 16, 2016
San Jose Del Cabo
Hot!
Day 3 in Mexico is an all day private tour od Cuernavaca and Taxco. My good friend Luis recommended Taxco so we decided to explore it. Our wonderful guide Sergio picked us up promptly at our hotel at 730am with a trainee guide Victor and we started our day trip.
First stop was Cuernavaca – the city of eternal spring – which is a popular getaway for many in Mexico City. Our first stop there was the Franciscan Church of the city. The church was build after the Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire, with the mission of converting the indigenous people to Catholicism. Its quite grand, serene and beautiful given its Franciscan origins.
St Philip of Jesus was from this church and he was one of the 26 Martyrs crucified in Nagasaki Japan by the shogun Toyotomi
Next stop was Taxco which became famous because of its silver mines. Even today, some of the best silver comes from Taxco. Not only did we enjoy shopping for silver but we also enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The town is build on a hill and has no traffic signals. The streets are paved with local stones which adds more beauty to the city.
We first to the cable car to the top of the mountain to get a good view of the city
First view of the unique roads that cover the city
Volkswagen Bugs everywhere! because the roads are very narrow, these bugs come in handy
After the cable car ride, we went to a silver shop to shop, then a lunch break and walked around the city. The town did remind me of the medieval cities of Italy with very steep and norrow streets that will be treacherous in the rain.
Lunch break at Taxco. Sandra and I with the "band"
Taxco was named after an Aztec ball court game as depicted in this mosaic
One of the oldest buildings in Taxco
First view of the Santa Prisca church during our walk
The city's only roundabout
We also went to the market which had the freshest vegetables and fruit
And for the last stop we toured the Santa Prisca church which is one of the most famous churches in Mexico. It was built by Jose de la Borda who became very rich as the most prominent miner of the region. It is quite beautiful and ornate as de la Borda wanted the best for the community.
Silver Virgin Mary
After a full day at Taxco with our wonderful guides, it was time to head back. Both Sandra and I really enjoyed the day. Mexico truly is a fascinating country with so much to explore.