Mexico City: Cacahuamilpa Caves and Taxco Small-Group Tour

Imagine spending a day exploring underground caves full of natural sculptures, then walking the steep streets of a colonial silver town. For $180, this 11-hour small-group tour takes you from the bustling Mexican capital into some of its most photogenic and historically rich sites. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit the awe-inspiring Cacahuamilpa Caves, walk through the charming streets of Taxco, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

What we love about this tour: First, the Cacahuamilpa Caves are a natural marvel, filled with intricate formations and mysterious figures shaped by water erosion over thousands of years. Second, the chance to stroll through Taxco’s colonial streets and marvel at the Baroque architecture—especially the Parish of Santa Prisca—adds a rich historical layer.

A consideration to keep in mind is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking on steep streets and inside uneven cave corridors, which might not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Also, some parts of the experience, like the cable car ride after lunch, are optional and not included in the price, so if you’re eager for that, budget accordingly.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate natural wonders and historic towns, enjoy guided experiences that balance education and leisure, and don’t mind a full day on the go. If you’re comfortable with walking and want a taste of underground geology combined with colonial charm, this trip could be a highlight of your Mexico City adventure.

Key Points

• Natural Wonder: The Cacahuamilpa Caves reveal impressive formations and figures carved by water over millennia.
• Historic Charm: Taxco offers a beautifully preserved colonial feel, highlighted by the Santa Prisca church and old silver mines.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides make history and geology accessible and engaging.
• Flexible Options: The optional cable car adds to the fun, offering spectacular views but requires extra planning.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Value: For $180, you get transportation, guided commentary, and a full day of diverse sights—excellent value considering the depth of experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: From Mexico City to the Cacahuamilpa Caves

The day starts early, with pick-up at the Maria Isabel Sheraton Hotel, right next to the Angel of Independence. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride through the scenic Mexican landscape. It’s about a 2-hour drive to the caves, giving you time to settle in and get excited about what’s ahead.

What sets this trip apart is the expert guidance from your local guide, who offers lively commentary both in English and Spanish. As one traveler remarked, “Ulises was a great guide,” making the experience not just informative but genuinely pleasant.

Exploring the Cacahuamilpa Caves

Once at the site, you’ll enter through a massive rock door—an entrance that hints at the grandeur inside. The caves themselves are a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, formed by centuries of water erosion. Walking through the cool, damp corridors, you’ll see figures of animals, faces, and even structures that nature has sculpted over time.

The guide will explain the significance of these formations, which include figures from local Chontal tribes, honoring their gods of the underworld. It’s a chance to see a kind of underground artistry that feels both mysterious and awe-inspiring.

A couple of travelers shared that the caves are “magnificent,” and you’ll likely find the experience both humbling and fascinating. The uneven footing inside the caverns means comfortable shoes are a must, and it’s wise to be prepared for some narrow passages and uneven terrain.

From Underground to Colonial Streets: Taxco

After a couple of hours underground, the tour moves on to the charming town of Taxco. Known as the City of Silver, it’s a place where steep cobbled streets climb around the central square. The Parish of Santa Prisca, an elegant example of Mexican Baroque architecture, is a highlight and a must-see for visitors interested in colonial history and craftsmanship.

The guided walk through Taxco is tailored to your interests—your guide will ensure you get a good look at the old mining center and the town’s colonial buildings. The town still stores silver in its shops and workshops, making it a perfect spot to browse or buy authentic jewelry and souvenirs.

One review notes, “The guides at Taxco were good,” emphasizing that the tour’s success hinges on knowledgeable guides who can tailor the experience.

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Lunch and Optional Cable Car Ride

Lunch is at the Hotel Monte Taxco, where you can enjoy local dishes and relax before your next adventure. Afterward, the optional cable car ride offers sweeping views of the hills surrounding Taxco—though it’s not included in the price, it’s worth considering if you love panoramic vistas.

Visiting the Historic Sites

Post-lunch, the tour includes visits to ex-convent of San Bernardino and the church of Santa Prisca, both well-preserved and beautiful examples of colonial architecture. These sites give you a tangible sense of the town’s historical importance and its ongoing cultural vibrancy.

The Humboldt House Museum, where the famous German explorer stayed, is a quieter moment, offering insight into the town’s international connections. Visiting local workshops and museums gives a firsthand look at silver craftsmanship, a tradition that has shaped the town’s identity.

Wrapping Up the Day

The tour wraps up around 6:00 pm, with a comfortable ride back to Mexico City. It’s a full, enriching day that combines natural beauty, history, and local culture—all within a manageable schedule.

Practical Details and What To Expect

This tour is priced at $180 per person, which covers transportation, a certified guide, and live commentary. Food and drinks aren’t included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan for a meal during the day. The small group size (up to 15 people) ensures personal attention and flexibility, especially when exploring narrow streets or visiting sites.

The entire experience lasts about 11 hours, typically starting in the morning and returning by early evening. The meeting point at the Sheraton Hotel is convenient, right next to the Angel of Independence, a central landmark in Mexico City.

Given the walking involved—especially on steep streets and inside uneven caves—you’ll want comfortable shoes and an ID. It’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, due to the physical nature of some activities.

What Travelers Say

While most reviews are glowing—highlighting Ulises’ friendliness and the stunning views—a few mention some pressure from shop employees at stores, which is common in tours involving shopping stops. One traveler commented, “The tour guides had an idea with certain restaurant and silver stores,” indicating some commercial influence, but overall, the experience is highly praised for the guides’ knowledge and the sights.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a curious traveler who enjoys natural wonders, this tour’s underground caves are a highlight you won’t want to miss. The historic town of Taxco appeals to those interested in colonial architecture, silver craftsmanship, and charming streets. It suits visitors who are comfortable walking and want an authentic, guided experience that balances education, culture, and a touch of adventure.

This trip may not be ideal if you have mobility issues or prefer a more relaxed day without walking or stairs, but for most, it offers a well-rounded glimpse of Mexico’s geological and colonial treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around 11 hours, starting in the morning and returning by early evening, allowing plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
You’ll meet at the Maria Isabel Sheraton Hotel, next to the Angel of Independence—a central, easy-to-find location in Mexico City.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle takes you from Mexico City to the caves and Taxco, ensuring a comfortable trip between sites.

Are guides bilingual?
The guides provide live commentary in both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible for diverse travelers.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, a certified guide, and live commentary are included. Food, drinks, and the cable car are extra.

Is there free time in Taxco?
Yes, after visiting key sights like Santa Prisca and the ex-convent, you’ll have free time to explore shops or enjoy a stroll through the town.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, an ID (or copy), and perhaps some cash for optional extras or souvenirs.

Can I do this tour if I have limited mobility?
It’s not recommended, as some walking involves steep streets and uneven cave corridors.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case your plans change.

This tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and local culture. The Cacahuamilpa Caves are a highlight for anyone fascinated by geology and underground formations, while Taxco’s colonial streets and silver shops add a charming, historical layer.

For travelers who thrive on guided experiences that maximize learning and authentic sights, this trip delivers on all counts. The small-group format makes it more intimate and enjoyable, and the overall value—considering transportation, guides, and multiple sites—is excellent.

Keep in mind the physical demands, and plan accordingly. If you’re eager to explore underground caves and see a true colonial gem, this tour will leave you with plenty of memorable moments and genuine insight into Mexico’s diverse heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: