xochimilco tourist trap

Ultimate Guide to the Fantastical Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, Mexico City [UPDATE 2022]

When planning our trip to Mexico City , Xochimilco was one of those things on the list that I was really on the fence about. I had seen so many pictures online and it looked amazing but could it really be all that ? Was it worth the 45-minute drive out of the city? It seemed like a long way away and I was worried we’d get there and it would be this big tourist trap. There is nothing worst than wasting hours of your precious time when you’re on vacation!

I asked the locals, trying to get their honest opinion. I was surprised to hear how positively even the locals, not just the tourists, spoke about it! With so many resounding responses we decided to make our way down to Xochimilco . To see what all the fuss was about. And let me just say right off the bat, it was my favourite thing we did while in Mexico City! And I would implore everyone to go and see it for themselves.

Group Tours

Groups and collectivos.

Xochimilco is the Venice of Mexico. It’s an enormous network of canals which spread across this southern district of Mexico City. There are over 170 km of canals which spread out in all different directions. Before the Spanish arrived in Mexico City, the indigenous people of Mexico had created an incredible network of canals. They used these both as a means of transport and as a way to ensure there was a constant supply of water throughout the country.

Xochimilco means “ Floating Gardens ” as the Aztecs filled the land with thousands of flowers and vegetation. These fields were called chinampas and were artificial agricultural plots rich in minerals. After the Spanish invasion, they dried up many of the canals in the centre of Mexico City in order to make room for modern roads. But the canals in Xochimilco remained. Today, Xochimilco is UNESCO World Heritage Site as it preserves this Aztec technology.

To access Xochimilco my recommendation would be to take an Uber or find a local guide. Local guides can be both your driver as well as a local ‘fixer’ along the way. If you simply want to get an Uber there are plenty of drivers always on the road to get you there and back. The trip takes about 45 minutes depending on where you’re staying in the city. But there can be heavy traffic at peak times of day which will increase the time and cost. A one-way ride with Uber costs around $10-$15 USD but if there is heavier traffic it could be as much as $25. That’s still very cheap for a 45-minute ride but just something to keep in mind.

Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas

Be sure to arrive at the ‘ Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas ‘. There are multiple embarcaderos, or ‘piers’, which service the canals. But the Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas is the official pier to catch your boat and where you’ll find the most honest pricing. It’s also where you’ll find food, shopping and restrooms. If you’re taking an Uber to the pier you might find that along the way, people on bikes will stop your Uber along the way. They’ll tell you that the pier is closed and you need to access the canals through an alternative embarcadero. This is completely untrue and a scam to get you to access their alternative dock.

We asked a local if they’ve ever taken the route the bikers lead them on just to test out the scam. He said he had and was brought to a less than savoury-looking entrance. There he found only a few meagre boats which had clearly seen better days . He passed on their offer for a ride and then headed over to the Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas. Which was, of course, not closed at all!

Bus to Xochimilco

If you want to save some money you can always take the bus. The metro is another option but the bus requires only one mode of transportation. Whereas the metro requires a few transfers. Take the bus number 47-A-XAlameda Oriente towards Xochimilco / Bosque de Nativitas . It takes about an hour depending on traffic and costs 30 pesos (about $2).

You can also access Xochilmilco with a group tour. These are often combined with trips to the Frida Khalo Museum or the Pyramids of Teotihuacan . If you really want a huge, group party type of atmosphere then this is the best way to get it. Personally, I find these tours a little pressed for time, often rushing you around from place and to place. I like to take things at my own pace so we chose to do this on our own. But if you’re short on time and want to see all these destinations this is a great option.

The Trajineras

‘Trajinera’ is the name for the iconic brightly coloured boats which float up and down the canals. They have flat bottoms and float throughout the canals, pushed along by a long wooden ore. The boat is controlled by your rower, just like a gondolier. In the center of the boat is a large table and about a dozen chairs on either side. So you can have an entire group ride on the same boat! The covered roof is perfect for keeping the sun off on hot days. But if you want to sit out in the sunlight the front of the boat has ample room.

The boats are vibrantly painted to resemble the flowers which used to grow on either sides of the canals hundreds of years ago. Each boat is given a different name. Half the fun is looking at all the different unique names. You can even call ahead (if you have a local to help) to get your name painted onto a boat. This is perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties or quinceaneras.

How Much does a Trajinera Cost?

Getting a Trajinera inexpensively isn’t something you should expect when you come to Xochimilco. This isn’t one of those super budget-friendly excursions. The maximum rate set by the city is 500 pesos per hour, per boat (not per person as some tricky boatmen might quote you). You can try and haggle your way down but unless you have a good grasp on Spanish haggling, you’ll find it pretty difficult. I generally go with the set price as it’s a great deal and well worth the price you pay. Remember to tip your boatman at the end of the trip! Most of the money you pay at the start goes to his boss and the actual driver sees little of that. So a nice tip will go a long way for them.

Two-hours is the minimum time you can book as the boat drivers need to make it worth their while. I would go for two or three hours since it takes a while for them to get the boats out of the dock and away from the most crowded areas. When we first went we only booked two-hours and I honestly wish we’d gone out for longer!

If you meet fellow travellers along your travels it’s always worth asking them if they’re interested in a trip out to Xochimilco and that way you can save a bit of money going in as a group. Just be warned that you need to arrive as a group, not just glom onto other tourists who are asking about pricing who are already at the docks. There is also the ‘collectivo’ boat. This larger motorized boat runs every half an hour and only costs 30 pesos each way. It only runs back and forth from one station to another so its a much shorter, less leisurely ride, but if you’re looking for a budget option, this is it!

Once you have secured your boat, you set out from the dock into the canal. Most of the boats are located near the pier and blocked in by dozens of other boats. I didn’t even think it would be possible for us to get out but they did it! Make your way through the field of trajineras into the open water. This felt a little bit like a giant version of bumper cars and was so interesting to watch our driver make his way through the pile of rainbow-coloured boats.

You are allowed to bring whatever food and drinks you want with you on the Trajineras. Just a few minutes away from the main pier is the Mercado Xochimilco , a great place to grab some fresh snacks and delicious treats. There are also various food stalls located along the pier when you arrive at the Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas.

Depending on what day of the week you visit will change what’s open (the weekdays tend to have fewer stalls and sellers open than the weekends), but there’s always something to buy both on land and on the water. That’s right, there’s food available throughout the canals as you travel. Vendors with roasted corn, coconut water, tacos, cold beer and freshly made micheladas float up and down the canals. The prices are more than you’d pay in the market but you pay for the privilege of having them coming right to your boat!

La Isla de Las Muñecas

‘ The Island of the Dolls ‘ or ‘ La Isla de Las Muñecas ‘ is a famous attraction along these canals. You probably have seen it on Anthony Bourdain or Buzzfeed Unsolved . Many boatmen will say they’ll take you to the island in 2 hours but the truth is the real island is about 5 hours out from the main pier. There are various replicas of the island you’ll see along the main route but these are not the original. While I think a 5 hours journey might be a little much for most people, the farther out you go the more and more in touch you’ll get with the empty expanses of natural canals and yes, you’ll eventually come to the island of the dolls. Most people who really want to visit the island chose to hire a motorboat to bring them out to the island.

This place is infamous for being one of the most haunted places in Mexico City. Legend has it that the island’s caretaker daughter drowned in the canals after losing her favourite doll in the river. To honour the drowned girl’s spirit the father began collecting dolls and placing them all over the island. He began with a small altar surrounded with dolls and when he ran out of room began hanging the dolls all over the trees on the island. Being left out in the elements the dolls have begun to rot and take on a ghastly appearance. While the reproductions of the islands along the main canals aren’t the real thing, they are pretty interesting to see as you float along.

Entertainment along the Canal

As soon as we set off into the canals, the sound of musicians playing across the waters can immediately be heard. Mariachi bands floating on their own individual boats float down the river. As they pass you by they’ll offer to board your boat and play a song or two or really as many as you want! Songs cost about 150 pesos per number but are cheaper the more songs you want. We floated by and listened to various other boats with their mariachi bands and it sounded like so much fun that when one approached us we couldn’t refuse the offer.

We hired them for simply one song and asked our guide to choose his favourite tune to get played. It felt so special to have a group of almost 10 musicians board our boat and play just for us. In addition to the mariachi bands, you’ll also see various smaller boats with only 2 to 3 people playing the xylophones as they float down the canal. So much music fills these canals, then entire place feels like a giant party even in the middle of the week when we were told it would be a fairly calm day. One can only imagine has loud and exciting it would be on the weekend when this place is filled to the brim with people!

Artisans & Merchant Boats

As you float down the river people also come up to you on their boats selling various souvenirs and craft goods. You’ll see some selling embroidered blankets, others selling flower crowns inspired by the ancient flower fields. You’ll see wooden toys, traditional Mexican dolls and mini replicas of the Trajineras. While this might not be the cheapest place to buy souvenirs the experience of purchasing them on the water is pretty unique and makes for a great story.

We happily drank and ate as we floated down the river and the farther and farther out we got the more and more peaceful and quiet the canals became. When we were about an hour out from the docks, almost no boats remained with us. The canal was almost empty except for our boat and the occasional corn or drink seller. The lush trees contrasted perfectly against the bright blue sky. With all that eating and drinking you might be wondering, “ how do you go to the bathroom? ” Sounds like an odd question but it’s a very important one. Well, fear not! Many of the homes on the edges of the canal have installed their own public washrooms at the end of their lot.

The boats simply pull up and dock near the edge of the canal and you hop out. Most of these cost about 20 pesos but trust me when you need to go you’ll be more than happy to pay the money. They’re relatively clean but I would always recommend using hand sanitizer after using them since the water isn’t potable.

Other Sights along the way

Other things you’ll see along the canals are everything from florists to independent zoos where you can see some the amazing wildlife that lives in these rivers. A lot of these are a little bit of a tourist trap and while we didn’t see the need to go and visit them it was neat to pass them by.

Our Experience

Since we visited on Wednesday, the river was relatively calm and I could only imagine how busy it would’ve been in the weekend when hundreds and hundreds of people come here to celebrate and also just relax with their friends. Almost like an open-air park. We saw there were signs on the outside of houses along the canals selling everything from hot chocolates to coffee to fresh tacos and while most of these were closed, only open on weekends, it was still interesting to see how all the neighbours which face onto the canal have made a life serving the people of their community.

As we floated down the river we saw four boats all tied together having an enormous party. The music could be heard from miles as well as their laughter and jaunty singing. It looked like so much fun and we waved ‘hola’ to them as we passed by. They all waved back to us with huge smiles on their faces. Everyone in the canal in some way felt like family, and I loved that feeling of being surrounded by loving, happy people.

The Titanic

The name of our boat was ‘Titanic’ and our guide told us that this name had been requested by a Mexican comedy show which visited the canals a few months previously. They thought the name would be a funny one for the little skit they were filming there. It was indeed very funny and every other boat we passed would get a good chuckle as we floated past them.

I loved this trip so much and absolutely didn’t wanted to end! As the day has wore on, more and more people began to float the river and on our way back to the dock we past dozens of happening parties on their way out. We finished our day in Xochimilco with a meal by the river, so we could still enjoy watching the boats and people pass by. We ate at one of the small restaurants near the Embarcadero where they even moved a table to their outside patio just for us, it felt like a private room just for us!

All my hesitations and worries about visiting here couldn’t have been further from the truth of this magical place! While you might think it would be touristy, we saw very little tourists when visiting. It was mainly locals we saw enjoying themselves and spending time with family and friends. If you have any doubts about visiting I would push those aside and do everything you can to make it out here. It truly is something so unique to Mexico City and an adventure you won’t soon forget.

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So colourful!

How can we email Gilberto for a tour??

[email protected]

Hi Krista! You can email him at [email protected] !

Great post! Just as an additional information, it is now possible to make a reservation online for a trajinera, which will save you a lot of haggling time and money, even on the busiest days of the year. You can choose what kind of tour you’d like to have and even hire additional services like musicians, portable speaker, tour guide, food, drinks and even your name on the boat. Check out the website: http://www.trajinerasxochimilco.com.mx I hope this is useful!

Thanks for the info Nephtalí! I’ll have to check out this service too.

We booked through this company. Total waste. They offer a cheaper price because their boats are so deep into the boat parking that it takes 30 minutes of the 2 hour trip just to get in and out. The guide was texting for 50% of the time so we were just floating in the middle of the canal not moving. He’d look up when we were going to hit another boat or the bank. With the 30 minutes of in and out of the boat parking time, they still shorted us 20 minutes on the actual canal. We only had 80 minutes of 120 minutes on the actual canal.

The Creative Adventurer

That’s really good information to have Kathryn, thanks for sharing!

What day and time did yall go? I’m trying to figure that out. I’ll be there early on a Friday.

We ended up going on a Wednesday, it was very quiet there but picked up later in the day. We arrived around 11 am, enough time to have some food along the route. I’d recommend the weekends if you’re looking for everything to be open and there to be more action on the canals. While we loved the quiet serene atmosphere I know that people looking for a party would be disappointed. Friday later afternoon into the evening should also be pretty busy and a great time!

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Floating Gardens of Xochimilco: Exploring Mexico City’s Secret Paradise

• June 6, 2023

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Xochimilco , located in the southern part of Mexico City, Mexico , is a unique destination that offers an amazing experience . The floating gardens of Xochimilco , along with its rich culture and beautiful colors, attract visitors from around the world. In this comprehensive guide to Xochimilco , we will provide you with all the essential information to make the most of your trip. Discover the origin of Xochimilco , the best time to visit, what to do, where to stay, and other tips for having a great experience.  Get ready to immerse yourself in this cultural treasure of Mexico City!

Table of Contents

What is Xochimilco?

Xochimilco  is a neighborhood in southeastern Mexico City that is built on the southern shore of Lake Xochimilco . 

Why is Xochimilco famous?

Xochimilco is famous for its canals and waterways as the main form of transportation among residents. These canals are remnants of a vast transportation system dating back to the Aztec Empire during the 1400s .

Floating gardens of Xochimilco

As the population of the Aztec Empire grew, they needed to find more sustainable ways of growing crops . They did this by creating artificial islands in the shallow waters of Lake Xochimilco . These islands, or chinampas , were made by piling layers of mud and plant material to use as a foundation. Crops were then planted in the nutrient-rich soil. The canals provided irrigation and a means of transportation around these floating gardens. These chinampas can still be seen today, and are know as the floating gardens of Xochimilco .

Natural habitat of the axolotl

The axolotl is a unique creature endemic to Xochimilco . Its original Nahuatl name, which translates to water monster , is a testament to this amphibian’s unique qualities. Although it has legs, axolotls spend their entire lives in the water, and can even regenerate lost limbs and organs such as their heart and brain !

What does Xochimilco mean?

Like many other places in Mexico , the name Xochimilco comes from Nahuatl , which is the language of the Aztecs. Roughly translated, it means the place of flower fields . This refers to the chinampas , or floating gardens , that the Aztecs created on the lake.

How do you pronounce Xochimilco?

Xochimilco is pronounced sho-chee-meel-ko . 

Where is Xochimilco?

Xochimilco is in Mexico City, Mexico. It is located in the southeastern part of the city.

How to Get to Xochimilco

Mexico city to xochimilco by public transportation.

Take the Metro Line 2 to the Tasqueña station . Once there, transfer to the light rail . Xochimilco is the last stop. Total cost: 5 pesos ($0.30 USD).

There are several buses that can take you to Xochimilco from Mexico City. However, I recommend using the Metro , as it is much more convenient.

Mexico City to Xochimilco by car

Take Calzada de Tlalpan southbound and continue until you reach Xochimilco.

Parking options

Xochimilco has designated parking for all visitors.

What to Do in Xochimilco

While there is plenty to see and do in Xochimilco, here are our recommended top 5!

Go on a trajinera boat ride

You can’t visit Xochimilco without taking a trajinera , or wooden boat , out to see the canals. Depending on how well you negotiate, a private trajinera could cost between 300-600 pesos ($17-34 USD) per hour . If you go on a weekend, you can take a shared trajinera for about 50-100 pesos ($3-6 USD) . Enjoy the floating gardens of Xochimilco , the bright colors, and the peaceful atmosphere as you drift down the canals.

Visit an axolotl exhibit

While you pass through the canals in Xochimilco , you will see various stores on the banks that sell everything from food to carnivorous plants ! There are also several businesses that have axolotl exhibits. For a small fee , you can go inside and learn about the different types of axolotl and witness the conservation efforts trying to save them from extinction. I learned a lot about axolotls and I highly recommend you take this opportunity to see them in their natural environments .

Check out the Island of the Dolls

You may be shocked to hundreds of decomposing dolls hanging up around a certain part of Xochimilco. These can look creepy, and numerous stories about how the dolls are possessed have been spread. However, the reality is much sadder. Many years ago, a man found a young girl who was drowning, and was not able to save her. In honor of her, he began collecting dolls and hanging them up . Over time, the sun and water have caused the dolls to break down, leading to their eerie appearance. You can check out the Island of the Dolls for only 50 pesos ($3 USD) .

Listen to traditional Mexican music on the trajinera

One of my favorite parts of the trajinera boat ride is hearing the different types of Mexican music that is performed. Mariachis ride in boats and will pull up beside you, asking you to request a song. There were even Cumbia and Norteño bands who performed on boats as well. Bring some extra money and request your favorite song!

Eat traditional Mexican food at the markets

After you finish your boat ride, you should head to the markets just a few blocks away . There are several different markets that offer every kind of fruit, vegetable, and meat that you can think of . I stopped by Mercado Guadalupe Ramirez and was able to get some blue tacos made by hand! These are made from blue corn , which gives it a unique flavor. 

Best Time to Visit Xochimilco

The best time to visit Xochimilco is during the spring months, from March to May . The weather is mild and pleasant during this time. During this time, you’ll be able to witness the colorful flowers and blooming plants along the canals and chinampas . Try to avoid the rainy season from June to September , as heavy rainfall can affect boat rides and outdoor activities. 

Whenever you do decide to visit Xochimilco , I recommend visiting on a weekday . The canals are much less crowded, and you will be able to negotiate a much cheaper price than the posted 600 pesos/hour .

What to Wear to Xochimilco

When visiting the floating gardens of Xochimilco , you are free to wear anything you want. However, I have a few recommendations.

• Wear non-slip shoes: The trajineras can get slippery. Especially if you are sipping on some pulques, you don’t want to slip and fall
• Wear jeans or long pants: This is less about modesty and more for the unpredictable weather that you may experience while on the boat ride. 
• Wear something that looks good: Chances are, you will be traveling with friends or family and will want to take lots of photos . You could rock an undershirt and shorts if you want, but I think you’d rather look good for the photos.
• Wear something comfortable enough to move around in: Once you get a few drinks in you, you may want to get up and dance. Make sure you can move around in your outfit.

Where to Stay in Xochimilco

There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Xochimilco . What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.

Motel Caban

Located just minutes away from Lake Xochimilco , Motel Caban is a great option for budget travelers. This hotel is conveniently located near the embarcaderos , so you will easily be able to arrive early in the morning for your boat tour. This hotel goes for about $22 USD/night .

Hotel Amala

Hotel Amala is also located close to Lake Xochimilco . This hotel is in the northern part of Xochimilco,  and is an ideal spot for couples. Its comfortable accommodations and peaceful atmosphere make it a nice getaway from city life. Prices go for about $40 USD/night .

Residence Xochimilco CDMX

For a truly “home away from home” experience, check out Residence Xochimilco CDMX . This apartment is also located near the shores of Lake Xochimilco , making it very convenient for those who want to beat the crowd. This is the perfect spot if you decide to spend a few days exploring Xochimilco .

Xochimilco Mexico: FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Xochimilco .

1. What time does Xochimilco open?

The trajineras are available for rent every day, from 9 AM to 6 PM .

2. Is it safe to go to Xochimilco, Mexico?

Yes, it is safe. However, if you are going to stay in Xochimilco overnight, you shouldn’t wander around at night, as certain areas can be dangerous .

3. Can you see axolotls in Lake Xochimilco?

There are very few wild axolotls left in Lake Xochimilco due to pollution. However, there are several exhibitions in Xochimilco where you can see axolotls in aquariums . This will be your best bet for seeing axolotls.

4. Is Xochimilco a tourist trap?

A lot of tourists go to Xochimilco , but I do not consider it a tourist trap . This area has centuries’ worth of history and cultural importance to both Mexico and the Aztec Empire . In addition, Xochimilco is a calm and beautiful destination away from the stress of urban life . There is a good reason why people want to visit.

5. Do you need tickets for Xochimilco?

No, just show up. There are several different embarcaderos , or piers , where you will find hundreds of trajineras waiting to take you through the canals.

Need help planning your trip? Click HERE to find a variety of tools and information that can help make your travel planning more enjoyable.

Resources for your trip.

Book A Cheap Flight The first place to look for cheap flights is Skyscanner . This website gathers information from different companies and websites around the world to find the best deals for you. One of their best features is the ability to see the cheapest day to fly each month. Google Flights is another excellent resource.

Book A Place To Stay Booking.com is my go-to website for booking accommodations. They consistently have some of the best prices for hotels and frequently have deals. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . If you specifically want to rent a home, check out AirBnB or Vrbo .

Looking For A Tour? The best resource for looking up tours is GetYourGuide . This company will make planning your itinerary a breeze. For budget travelers , I recommend looking up available tours here and trying to organize them yourself to save some money.

Use Your Phone Abroad Whenever I travel abroad, I use Airalo . This is a company that offers eSIM services via a phone app. It is very convenient and you won’t have to worry about swapping SIM cards out of your phone. You can pay a few dollars for plans that range from 1 week to 1 year. Use the Promo Code ANDREW9734 for $3 off your first purchase!

How To Travel On A Budget? Traveling on a budget is my specialty. Check out my post on Traveling Internationally With Only A Personal Item . For other ideas on saving money while traveling, check out my ebook The World Is Yours: How to Afford International Travel on a Budget .

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Andy Alcala

Hey there! I'm a travel enthusiast always seeking new adventures. I've visited over 70 countries, mostly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. I prefer to travel off the beaten path, where I've discovered hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences that are often overlooked by most travelers. I look forward to sharing my stories with you!

I’ve been to Mexico many times but have never visited Xochimilco. Thanks for highlighting this great place for a future visit!

Glad you enjoyed reading it!

Great blog post about Xochimilco and it looks amazing! I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico City and now I’m even more excited. I love the idea of exploring the canals on a trajinera and taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

Thank you very much! I hope you are able to experience Xochimilco and Mexico City soon.

Xochimilco Mexico City: How to Get There and What to Do

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Going to Xochimilco Mexico City is one of the trips that you just have to make when you’re in this part of the world.

When people talk about visiting Xochimilco, what they’re usually referring to is the network of canals known as The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco rather than the surrounding area.

The photogenic, brightly coloured gondolas, or Xochimilco Trajineras, that cruise up and down the waterways are what have made it so popular among both foreign and Mexican tourists alike.

Granted, Xochimilco has got a very mixed reputation, with some people absolutely loving it and others despising it with a passion.

And I’ve seen it variously described as the Mexican Venice, a cultural booze cruise, and even a youth club on water.

But here’s the thing – it’s impossible to know which camp you’ll fall into unless you go and experience it for yourself.

I can tell you that from personal experience, because I didn’t have very high expectations of our trip here.

But in the end we had a fantastic day out and discovered there’s a lot more to Xochimilco Mexico City than the canals.

Xochimilco Mexico City

This post will run through everything you need to know about planning a trip here.

We’ll cover how to get to Xochimilco by public transport. We’ll also go over some of the history of the Xochimilco canals, and what to expect on the Xochimilco boats plus other essential Xochimilco tips.

We’re also going to recommend the best Xochimilco tour to book – after all, Xochimilco is really far away from the centre of Mexico City.

So if you’re not confident using the public transport system or break out in a sweat at the idea of bartering (more on that below), a Xochimilco tour will be the best option.

How to Get to Xochimilco Mexico City

It’s relatively easy to get to Xochimilco Mexico City by your own on public transport.

And there’s much more to do here than just ride on the famous Xochimilco trajineras.

You can easily spend a whole day here, so if you’ve got the time to spare and are comfortable navigating Mexico City’s public transport then this is a great option.

How to get to Xochimilco by public transport obviously depends on where you’re starting from. But your first point of call is to get yourself to your local metro station.

If you’ve not used the metro system in Mexico City then don’t worry, it’s just the same as the metro anywhere in the world.

Yes it gets crowded at times, but it’s super convenient and extremely cheap at only $5 MXN per journey.

We got told various bad stories about pickpocketing, but in truth you should be aware of this no matter which city’s metro you’re using.

Use your common sense, watch your things and you’ll be fine.

Start by navigating your way to Tasqueña station which is at the very end of the Blue Line 2.

From Tasqueña there is a dedicated train called the Tren Ligero which starts in Tasqueña and finishes in Xochimilco.

It’s basically an overground metro line which goes all the way there.

If you don’t have one of the rechargeable cards then you’ll need to get one to use the Tren Ligero.

You can pick one up at any station, including Tasqueña. You’ll then be able use it on all the main forms of public transport in Mexico City

When you arrive, you’re in the heart of Xochimilco and can easily walk to all of the points of interest.

When you leave the station you’ll be confronted by lots of guys in official looking lanyards.

They’ll be pointing you in the direction of the embarcaderos or ports where the trajineras launch from.

They actually work for the different companies that run the trajineras so will try and get you to go to their particular launch point.

Don’t feel bullied or harassed into going with them, remember it’s always your choice where you spend your money.

Still trying to choose your backpack? Look no further! The Osprey Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack is perfect for big trips. It’s lightweight but durable, incredibly comfortable, super spacious and even has a detachable daypack.

The Best Xochimilco Tour

If the idea of heading to Xochimilco Mexico City by yourself doesn’t appeal for whatever reason, don’t worry.

There are some great Xochimilco tours that allow you to enjoy the magical waterways with none of the stress.

No navigating the Mexico City metro and no haggling for a better price on your boat.

Most of the Xochimilco tours combine a boat ride with visits to other attractions on the way.

There are two Xochimilco tours that we would highly recommend depending on what your interests are.

The first Xochimilco tour to consider is this awesome 5 hour trip that includes a visit to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

The campus is a UNESCO Heritage site, thanks in part to being decorated with murals by famous Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros.

The largest and most important university in Latin America, UNAM is pretty special in its own right.

Not only is it interesting to look at, but it boasts a fascinating history featuring esteemed academics, innovation and the seeds of revolution.

The other Xochimilco tour we’d recommend is this one , which in addition to Xochimilco and UNAM, also takes in a stop in Coyoacan.

We’d suggest opting for this one if you haven’t already visited Coyoacan and it isn’t already in your plans.

Coyoacan is one of our favourite parts of CDMX so we don’t think it should be missed. It’s the birthplace of Frida Kahlo, and where the incredible museum dedicated to her is.

But more than that, it’s like a little individual town in its own right and totally different from the rest of Mexico City.

Uber to Xochimilco Mexico City

If you’re not interested in going by public transport or doing a Xochimilco tour, you have a third option to get there.

Getting an Uber to Xochimilco is easy and hassle free, just bear in mind that depending on the time of day, traffic in Mexico City can be bonkers.

Because of this, it may not be the quickest way to get there and back. And it certainly won’t be the cheapest.

An cost of an Uber to Xochimilco from the centre of Mexico City starts at around $185 MXN ($9.70USD, £7.45GBP).

That’s one way and can fluctuate significantly depending on traffic and demand.

The History of the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

Incredibly, the whole of Mexico City is built on a vast lake, and Xochimilco is no exception.

However, the actual construction of the famous floating gardens of Xochimilco was slightly different.

The so called gardens are actually named chinampas, and far from floating. In fact they’re actually islands that remain permanently in situ.

They were constructed by the local population, way back in pre-hispanic times. They would pack mud and silt from the bottom of the lake high enough until it broke the surface.

They’re held together with the roots of trees, so though they’re man made, they’re created entirely from natural resources.

Thanks to the nutrient rich soil in the lakes and the year round abundance of water, these islands are ideal for farming.

The Aztecs used to cultivate huge amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables on the chinampas. And in part you can see that they’re still used for growing things and are covered in lush greenery.

Nowadays though, they’re largely maintained for their touristic value rather than for farming.

We always travel with a filter water bottle. Not only does it stop us getting ill, but it means we’re not killing the planet or wasting money on plastic bottles. The GRAYL Geopress is hands down the best on the market & makes water from virtually any source safe to drink.

A Trip on the Xochimilco Boats or Trajineras

The first thing to know about a ride on the Xochimilco boats (or trajineras as they’re known locally) is that they’re not especially cheap.

In fact, if your negotiation and haggling skills aren’t up to scratch then they can work out to be pretty damned expensive.

There’s no fixed price as such (though there is a maximum hourly rate) so you have to barter for a good price depending on what you want.

You hire Xochimilco boats by the hour, and generally people tend to go for two hours at a minimum.

The hourly maximum rate is set by the local government body, this currently stands at $500 mexican pesos per hour.

This price is for the boat, not per person so obviously the more people you have the cheaper it becomes for each of you.

Be prepared for some extortionate quotes though, as the operators like to try their luck whenever possible.

We made a fatal error in our negotiations, as the guy we were speaking to caught us off guard with an offer of $1,900 MXN for a two hour ride.

Unfortunately my first counter was to tell him how ridiculous that was because we knew that the maximum rate was $450 MXN per hour.

It didn’t leave us very much wiggle room, so when he reduced his rate to $900 it was pretty much impossible to barter down any more.

To avoid making the same mistake I’d suggest going in with a low ball offer and working from there.

If you’re not happy with the price then there are lots of operators so don’t be afraid to move on and try another one.

We were not really in the mood to trawl up and down for a cheaper price, so aware that we weren’t getting totally ripped off just went for this.

If you’re not confident negotiating in Spanish, don’t worry too much as most of the salespeople speak fluent English.

Once you’re on the boat, all you need to do is kick back, relax and enjoy the carnival as you get ferried around the busy waterways.

The canals are crowded with hundreds of boats going up and down, particularly on the weekends, everyone enjoying a few drinks, a bite to eat and the music.

Many of the trajineras have full mariachi bands on, there are also xylophone players, singers and brass bands playing everything from Mexican classics to modern chart music.

For a small fee they will either attach their boat to yours, or even jump on for a few minutes and play a selection of tunes.

It’s a bit like a floating market in parts, as trajineras laden with all kinds of traditional Mexican arts and crafts work their way along the waterways.

There are also plenty of food stalls and drinks sellers, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve not brought anything on with you.

You can get everything from beer and pulque to water and fruit juices, BBQ corn and tacos to freshly cooked steaks, all right there on the water.

Xochimilco Hours

The Xochimilco hours of operation for the trajineras start at 9am. You can get a boat road anytie from them and they carry on all day, winding up at 6pm.

If you’re wondering how many hours to allocate for a trip to Xochimilco, that depends on what you plan on doing.

Boat rides can last anywhere from an hour to all day if that’s what you want!

At a minimum allow 3-4 hours to visit Xochimilco, more if you’re planning on seeing the town as well.

Bear in mind that Xochimilco is busiest on weekdays and extremely chocka during holidays.

If you want a more peaceful Xochimilco boat trip, head down during the week.

However, for many people, the lively atmosphere you’ll encounter on the weekend is the best part.

Not found the perfect travel camera yet? We have. The Olympus Tough Tg-6 is waterproof, shockproof, dust proof, crush proof & freeze proof. But best of all it takes awesome photos with very little skill required.

What Else to do in Xochimilco and top Xochimilco Tips

While a boat ride is obviously the main reason people come here, there are plenty of other things to do in Xochimilco Mexico City.

Here’s our selections of what not to miss on your visit plus our top Xochimilco tips for an amazing visit.

Xochimilco Market

Before you get on your Xochimilco trajinera, it’s a good idea to pick up some food and drinks for the excursion.

The cheapest and most interesting place to do this is at the market. Visiting Xochimilco Market is a great experience in itself.

The colorful, bustling, traditional Mexican market is principally housed in a vast colonial style building, but spills out freely onto the surrounding streets.

The sights and smells are enough to get you excited, and there are different sections for anything you might want.

There’s a large fresh produce area where the fruit and vegetables are beautifully laid out in immaculate, symmetrical piles.

There’s a whole aisle of taco makers where you can buy them by the kilo, freshly made and still warm for about $12 MXN.

Wandering around you’ll see everything from pet stores selling goldfish and hamsters, to little outlets selling chapulines (fried grasshoppers) and dried fruit and nuts.

You can also get all sorts of prepared foods like barbacoa (BBQ goat), nopales (cactus), mole (meat in a savoury chocolate sauce) and various other different Mexican dishes.

Check Out a Traditional Pulqueria

Just a couple of blocks away from the market on the corner of Avenue 5 de Mayo and Francisco I. Madero, you’ll find the truly incredible the Pulqueria el Templo de Diana .

If you have no idea what a pulqueria is, that’s because they’re a dying form of bar that specialises in a very traditional Mexican, alcoholic drink made by fermenting the sap of the agave plant.

Pulque is a hard drink to describe both in its taste and its effects. So I’m going to put in a quick disclaimer here that it’s not everybody’s bag and you may well hate the stuff!

It’s quite a thick, gloopy, white substance, so just the texture alone is off putting to some people.

It’s also extremely sour in a way that will make your face scrunch up the first time you try it.

Having said that, I personally really enjoy pulque as I’m not a big fan of sweet drinks, so it suits my taste buds perfectly.

But worry not, if you don’t like the natural variety, it also comes in an endless number of surprising and whacky flavours.

At Templo de Diana they range from fruity tastes like mango, tamarind and strawberry right through to a strange concoction called an Ostión.

The Ostión contains tomato juice, chile sauce and a healthy portion of oysters and prawns thrown in for good measure. It’s served with a side of crackers.

Clearly we had to try one, and though it sounds a bit bonkers, it was actually really tasty.

Drink in Xochimilco’s Fascinating Culture

There are a number of historic churches in Xochimilco that are worth taking a look at and are walking distance from the city centre. 

San Bernardino de Siena is probably the most famous but there are a few dotted around, each with their own unique appearance and backstory.

Xochimilco is full of life and an exciting place to just wander around the backstreets between the market and the embarcaderos where the trajineras leave from.

There are lots of street food stalls, open fronted shops selling everything from trinkets to trainers, and we even saw a family riding through the streets on horseback.

Though the trajineras are undoubtedly the main attraction here, Xochimilco Mexico City is a really great place to spend a day.

You’ll get a totally different impression from many of the other main areas of Mexico City and get to enjoy some totally unique experiences at the same time.

At the very least, go so you can make your own mind up as to whether it’s a great cultural experience or a horrific, tacky tourist attraction.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

While Xochimilco is overwhelmingly safe, it’s absolutely essential that you have a good quality travel insurance in place for your trip to Mexico.

Accidents and unexpected incidents can easily occur and it’s far better to be covered than take the risk.

Our go travel insurance provider is World Nomads. They have a no bullshit approach to travel insurance policies & are perfect for adventurous travellers like us. Get a free, quick quote here:

Have you got any questions about your upcoming trip to Xochimilco? Let us know in the comments below!

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Travel lover, professional writer and football (soccer) obsessive, James loves nothing more than getting outside and exploring little known corners of the globe. He’s also very partial to a drop of Guinness.

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This is so helpful, thank you! Wondering how long the aboveground metro trip takes? We’re staying in Condesa.

Ah love Condesa! I can’t remember specifically but I’m guessing somewhere between 30-45mins…Have an awesome time Megan!

I am so happy to come across your website , it has been so helpful. I will be staying in Mexico for few days then heading to Guanajuato. My question i do want to visit Taxco is it worth it, have you been there?

Hi Lynn, so glad you’ve found our information helpful. We haven’t made it to Taxco however so we can’t help there! Have an awesome trip!

I’ve been following on Igram for awhile now. We finally have had enough with covid and got on a plane to CDMX. I googled how to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City and your wonderful article came up. It felt like meeting an old friend. Thank you for all the valuable information.

Hi Eileen! Ah so happy we could help. We’d love to get back to Mexico soon. Have an incredible time 🙂

This was really helpful!! Thank you so much. Heading there today. Apparently todays the busiest day. How are they with just 2 people on the boat?

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Hi, we’re James & Sarah

Full time backpackers turned vanlifers.

We’re here to provide you with valuable travel tips, kickass destination guides & serious vanlife inspiration to help you get your travel adventures off the ground!

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The floating gardens of Xochimilco

Enjoy boat tours of the canals with friends and try traditional Mexican snacks in Xochimilco, one of the most iconic places in Mexico City

One of the most classic places to visit in Mexico City is Xochimilco. Since 1930, they’ve been offering tourist trips in trajineras through more than 184 kilometers of waters that integrate the zone’s canals and chinampas .  

The chinampas represent a cultivation method that has been used since pre-Hispanic times in the Valley of Mexico. The area was, after all, a lake, and the best way to farm was to use artificial islands in the lake itself. Today, they are an example of sustainability and productivity: they provide five annual harvests of high-quality vegetables. Yolcan, a project that focuses on fair trade and rehabilitation of the chinampas , offers a food club that delivers fresh produce from farms in Xochimilco to homes and businesses across the city. 

Enter the canals of Xochimilco and enjoy its trajinera tours, along with the theater programs during the Day of the Dead season and discover the richness of its ecological reserve. And don’t forget to take advantage of a snack or two during your tour.

The best places to visit in Xochimilco

In operation since June 5, 1993, this is the zone’s most ecological space as its tours pass through the Xochimilco ecological reserve, a place where they still preserve chinampa traditions. It’s also the headquarters of La Llorona, a piece of musical theater, with lights and dance that has been hosted among these canals – illuminated by torches - every October and November for the past 20 years.

Isla de las Muñecas

Your tour through the wetlands of Xochimilco will be altered by an island where doll parts hang from trees. The story goes that an old inhabitant of the area, Julián Santana Barrera, collected dolls that were taken out of the trash, and hung them around the property in order to protect himself from the spirit of a little girl. Julián later drowned in the canals, which adds to the site’s already enigmatic nature.

Belem de las Flores

From here, you’ll see tours leaving for the most popular canals, including the chinampa canals and night tours. On Fridays and Saturdays, they operate practically all night, and it’s worth asking about the next event: movie projections, theater works or other spectacles are common place.

Fernando Celada

Opened in 1968, motivated by the Olympic Games, and carrying the name of the poet, dramatist and journalist: Fernando Celada, a famous local son. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some of the native bird life.

Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas

This is where you’ll find the final remnants of the México-Tenochtitlan lake. This shoving off point into the canals is one of the most popular and here you’ll find an artisan’s market and a food market. The rent of a trajinera reaches 500 pesos per hour. It doesn’t matter how many people are in your group, nor the size of the boat. Nor can they force you into a minimum rental period. Don’t be fooled, and don’t miss out on your chance to take part in the lovely custom of bartering.

Check out more attractions in Mexico City

The best attractions in Mexico City

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We recommend the places that house the archaeological legacy of pre-Hispanic cultures, monuments and the city’s biggest lung, just past the metropolis’ first skyscraper.

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The Not So Innocents Abroad

11 Tips When Visiting Xochimilco

Here’s what to know about trajineras, how to rent these xochimilco boats, and how to get the most of your trip to chinampas and the isla de las muñecas..

Xochimilco is nicknamed the Venice of Mexico City — though the boats are much more whimsical than Italian gondolas.

Wally enjoyed a pleasant few hours at Xochimilco.

1. Pronounce it properly.

It’s “So-chee-meel-ko.”

“ A long table runs the length of the trajinera, situated under a canopy. Food and socializing are the main priorities. ”

Floating gardens called chinampas line the waterways.

The Xochimilco canals are some of the only remaining features from Aztec times.

2. Learn a bit about its history before you go.

The Xochimilco canals are a vestige of the ancient Aztec Empire and still provide much-needed water to Mexico City. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they’re located about 17 miles south of the Centro Histórico. 

The name is from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, and translates to Flower Garden, a reference to the “floating gardens” now known as chinampas. These man-made islets are situated throughout the waterways and are covered with fruits, vegetables and other plants. (We passed a large poinsettia farm on our excursion.) They’re a clever way to create more arable land in the midst of a wetland. 

We chose to launch from Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas.

3. Choose your embarkation point.

This confused us a bit, as there are a few different spots you can launch from. We ended up choosing Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas, as it’s the best spot to leave from to visit the closest Island of the Dead Dolls (see below). 

Duke and Wally aboard the Esperanza

No motors on these boats — they’re propelled and steered by a pole.

4. Don’t worry about haggling over the price.

Duke and I walked the docks, looking out at the brightly colored armada, wondering how we were going to choose one of the flat-bottomed boats known as trajineras, which sport painted archways and look like Mardi Gras floats. But then one of the captains, Sandro, approached us and offered to take us out for 500 pesos an hour (about $25 an hour). We had no idea if this was a good price — but he pointed to an official sign that had that rate right on it. That sold us, and we were glad we didn’t have to barter. So Captain Sandro aboard the Esperanza (which translates to Hope ) it was!

A nearby store provided snacks and adult beverages to enjoy on our boat ride.

5. Bring some food and drinks.

As our Uber pulled into Nativita, the first thing we did was pop into a local market and buy some snacks and booze. We were glad to find a shop but next time we’ll plan a bit better and make sure we have a picnic, including fixings for margaritas. In fact, it would be a lot of fun to have a party on one of the boats. A long table runs the length of the trajinera, situated under a canopy. Food and socializing are the main priorities. 

Some of the boats in the waterways are the equivalent of floating food trucks.

The delicious quesadillas we had for lunch that were made by a nice couple aboard a trajinera.

6. But save room for the waterborne food vendors.

It’s not too tragic if you forget to bring along some food. There are people who paddle narrow, flat boats along the canals, selling freshly made Mexican dishes. We bought quesadillas from a nice couple who parked near the Island of the Dead Dolls (hold your horses — it’s coming up).

Hire a mariachi band and have a dance party aboard your trajinera.

Strains of mariachi music can often be heard on the canals.

7. Hire a floating mariachi band.

We cheated and just enjoyed hearing the strains of the lively music as we passed by. There are entire boats filled with musicians in their traditional garb, and we saw a couple of bands aboard a rented trajinera, playing their tunes as people danced.

Horrifying (but cool) dolls like this are strung up all over the Island of the Dead Dolls.

The creepy Isla de las Muñecas

8. Plan a trip to the Island of Dead Dolls.

If you like creepy, off-the-wall spots, like we do, you have to stop by la Isla de las Muñecas, aka the Island of the Dead Dolls. This small isle is covered with dolls left in offering to appease the ghost of a little girl who drowned. Duke and I had found a doll on the street behind the Uptown Theater in Chicago, brought it with us to CDMX and left it on the island. Read more about the Island of Dead Dolls here .

As the day wears on, the canals get more and more crowded.

9. You might want to go a bit early in the day. 

We had a relatively early start to our excursion, and the canals weren’t too busy for most of the time we spent there. Until, that is, we started heading back, and the canals were utterly clogged. When we got back to the embarcadero, I didn’t know how we were going to get through the traffic jam to dock. But Captain Sandro somehow eventually  maneuvered us through the deadlock. 

While we visited Xochimilco, the bizarre Danza de los Voladores was taking place.

10. Don’t miss the Danza de los Voladores.

After a pleasant couple of hours on the canals, we disembarked and walked around Nuevo Nativitas, where some market stalls had been set up. We cut over to head back to the parking area — and beheld quite a sight! Four men were hanging head-first in the air, spinning around a pole, held by ropes tied around their ankles. They circled the pole while one of their compatriots played something between a pipe and a percussion instrument while sitting atop the pole. I had actually seen such a spectacle on the Yucatán and knew it was a traditional ceremony — it’s part of the native Totonaca people’s folk culture and is known as la Danza de los Voladores, or the Dance of the Flying Men.

While you’re in this neck o’ the woods, visit the Museo Dolores Olmedo to see a large collection of Frida and Diego paintings on the grounds of an amazing estate.

11. Pair Xochimilco with a visit to the Dolores Olmedo Museum.

This gorgeous estate holds one of the largest collections of the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Come for the art, stay for the peacocks that roam the grounds. From Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas, it’s about a 10-minute drive away. Read more about the Museo Dolores Olmedo here . 

Before we left for Mexico City, a couple of friends who had lived there told us we absolutely had to check out Xochimilco — and they were right. It’s definitely one of the things that we will do again when we return. –Wally

This perro hopped from boat to boat in search of food and affection.

Duke’s on a boat!

Xochimilco Guide: It Might Be Super Touristy, But I LOVE It!

My favorite thing to do on a weekend in Mexico City gets a bad rep as a tourist trip.

At first, I wasn’t into the idea of visiting Xochimilco (seems kinda like Mexico City’s fluorescent Venice), but my mother-in-law had found some pretty cool articles and photographs, painting it as a very beautiful cultural experience. I’m willing to try almost anything at least once, so we set off on a damp, dark, and drizzly day (after calling to be sure the boats were still going, which we were assured they were) – not knowing quite what to expect.

While it didn’t turn out to be quite the authentic cultural experience I was anticipating (there was a LOT of booze, and that’s coming from someone who spent a short stint in a sorority), it was way better than I ever could have imagined . After going with my mom-in-law, we’ve since brought my brother, my best friend and her boyfriend, and my sister.

To be honest, it is a bit tacky, just a little gaudy, and definitely touristy to float down a shallow, slightly stinky canal in a garishly psychadelic boat propelled by a Mexican gondelier who has a 1/3 chance of being drunker than you* (and that’s saying a LOT).

At the same time – it is just STRAIGHT UP FUN. For me, being on the water + friends + booze + snacks = the best time ever, no matter where in the world I am. Make that booze tequila, add in live mariachi and grabbing snacks from a passing canoe… and that obviously triples the fun level.

Top Tips for Enjoying Xochimilco, Mexico City

Xochimilco tip #1: go on a busy day.

Weekends or holidays are the best bets for the biggest crowds, and always in the afternoon. For the first time ever when considering a tourist attraction, you actually WANT to go when it is busy.

Xochimilco Tip #2: Don’t let (light) rain scare you off

All of the boats you ride in are covered. A bit of drizzle won’t hurt anything, but a serious downpour might keep  the crowds away. One of the busiest days I’ve visited was during a light rain. No problem!

Xochimilco Tip #3: Bring friends

The boats are big and can fit 20 people, at least. Going by yourself is really no fun. Round up some friends (or acquaintances) in Mexico City, and set off together.

Xochimilco Tip #4: Pack snacks and booze

There are also floating bars and floating snack stations, but you never know when one will cross your path. If you get the munchies or need a Michelada STAT, you want to have your own supplies on hand. Just save yourself the trouble and pick up whatever strikes your fancy at the local convenience store, like OXXO. Don’t forget cups (like I always do)!

There are also restaurants along the way, but you have to park your boat to order, and the food quality really isn’t great (especially for vegetarians), and it is overpriced. Being so close to the face-stuffing food mecca that is Mexico City, don’t disappoint yourself.

Xochimilco Tip #5: Plan your bathroom visits

You’re on a boat in the middle of a canal, but you’re also consuming a lot of beverages.

You’re going to need to use the bathroom. Try not to wait until you’re in a crisis situation (been there, done that) because bathrooms are pretty few and far between (though they do exist). They are in pretty shabby condition, you’ll need to pay to use them (5 or 10 pesos usually), and you should bring your own toilet paper.

Xochimilco Tip #6: Don’t drive

A lot of the fun of Xochimilco is relaxing, letting loose, and having (more than) a few beverages. Don’t drive yourself to Xochimilco. Take an uber (the most convenient and easiest option. never tried it? use my code to get your first ride for free ), the bus, or the metro.

No matter where you are in the world, drinking and driving is stupid, dangerous, and unnecessary – but especially in Mexico.

Xochimilco Tip #7: Wear layers and nonslip shoes

The temperature in Mexico City changes so quickly, especially as the day transitions into night (and vice versa), whether clouds appear, and if it starts to rain. Bring a sweater, even if it isn’t cold.

You’ll thank me.

Xochimilco Tip #8: Bring a game

Xochimilco Tip #9: Go to the main entrance

Sometimes taxi drivers trying to be helpful will over to take you to a more “family friendly” or peaceful part of the canal. Opt out of this. The fun is being surrounded by tons of other boats, mariachi bands, snack canoes, Michelada vendors. This is a situation where the beauty truly is in the chaos, and getting through the canal isn’t a race.

Insist on going to the main, busy entrance.

(I’ve done the main entrance, the family friendly entrance, and some weird back alley entrance. Trust me.)

*Based on scientific research, or my own personal firsthand experience. Basically the same thing, right?

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Have you ever unexpectedly loved a supposed tourist trap like me?

A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative ) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!

Find me on: Web | Instagram | Facebook

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How to Visit Xochimilco (Mexico City): The Ultimate Guide

• Xochimilco (Mexico City): Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Mexico may evoke images of bright colors, mariachis and cacti in your mind.

Is that a stereotype? Not exactly!

These are all elements of the Mexican culture that you can find in Xochimilco , a must-see destination in Mexico City !

In this post, I will share with you My Complete Guide to Visiting Xochimilco with everything you need to know to plan your trajinera ride along the canals, choosing the best dock depending on the experience you want, whether it’s partying with the mariachis or exploring nature.

I will also give you my tips and practical information to discover the other attractions of Xochimilco, which are much less crowded.

So, are you ready to see what Xochimilco has to offer?

Book your boat ride in Xochimilco

What to see in the canals, which dock to choose, how much do tours in xochimilco cost, frequently asked questions about trajineras, 2. discovering the heart of xochimilco, 3. eating at the xochimilco market, 4. drinking a good pulque, 5. visit the flower market, 6. horseback riding, how far is xochimilco from mexico city, take a tour to xochimilco, go to xochimilco on your own, when to go to xochimilco, how much time is necessary to visit xochimilco, where to stay in mexico city, want to rent a car in mexico, book your plane ticket at the best price, tourist map of xochimilco, xochimilco from the sky, you’re traveling in mexico these articles will help you, 1. take a trajinera ride.

A trajinera ride in Xochimilco is a must-do activity in Mexico City.

Xochimilco is famous for its chinampas , a large network of islands and canals that were built in pre-Hispanic times, and are recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO .

Back then, the valley of Mexico was filled with five big lakes and this clever system allowed them to grow corn and other crops. They developed a sustainable farming method that still produces five harvests a year!

Over the centuries, the lake of Xochimilco shrank to a few canals and today you can explore the floating gardens of Xochimilco by trajinera, a colorful wooden boat. That’s why it’s called the Venice of Mexico.

During the ride, you will encounter other boats that will offer you a variety of food, drinks, crafts, flowers and traditional Mexican music.

The mariachis from Xochimilco are the most famous, but you can also listen to norteño and marimba groups.

To make the most of your visit in Xochimilco, here are 3 different tours that you can chose from. To book it just click on the name of the tour you are most interested in!

The main thing to do in Xochimilco is to cruise through the canals in a trajinera, but there are also other places and activities to explore.

Actually, there are two different areas: the tourist canals and the natural reserve .

So what you will see will depend on the tour you choose, and also on the time and budget you have :

• The agricultural greenhouses
• Lake Xochimilco or lakes Xaltocán, Caltongo, del Toro.
• The Island of the Dolls : this is one of Xochimilco’s most popular and mysterious attractions, located in the Teshuilo Lagoon. The island is filled with dolls that were collected and hung by its former owner, Julian Santana Barrera. It is a place unlike any other, and some might find it creepy.
• Ajolotario : it is a conservation area for the axolotl , a salamander species that is endemic to Xochimilco , that has the amazing ability to regenerate its injured limbs. It is endangered and has become an symbol of Mexico (you can even see it on 50 peso bills).
• The interactive Chinampa : this is an island in the Xochiquetzalli community, where you can learn about the traditional planting and farming methods of the locals
• The National Museum of Axolotl : it is a museum located in a chinampa where a biologist explains the importance of the axolotl, and there are also snakes, tarantulas, frogs, etc.
• Bird watching : the protected area of Xochimilco is home to many endemic and migratory species from Canada and the United States. There are specialized tours that leave early in the morning because it is the best time to see them.

Xochimilco has ten different docks to choose from, depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. You can either explore the tourist canals or the natural reserve.

1-The tourist canals

This is where you can enjoy a classic Xochimilco tour with mariachis and other musical groups, and join the festive atmosphere.

The tourist docks are : Nuevo Nativitas, Las Flores, Zacapa, Caltongo, Salitre, San Cristobal, Belem, and Belem de las Flores.

• Nuevo Nativitas is the largest dock, with a craft market, a big parking lot, and several restaurants nearby.
• Salitre, San Cristobal, Belem and Belem de las Flores are close to downtown Xochimilco and easy to access.
• If you are into architecture, you can visit Los Manantiales restaurant on the Zacapa dock. It is a building shaped like a lotus flower, designed in 1957 by the famous architect Felix Candela

2-The natural reserve

This is where you can discover the Xochimilco ecological park , a 200-hectare reserve, where you can see different kinds of birds. You can also learn about the traditional farming methods that are still practiced in the chinampas.

These tours are much quieter and less crowded, and they are ideal for ecotourism in Xochimilco.

The docks are: Cuemanco, Fernando Celada and Puente de Urrutia.

Cuemanco is the main dock to access the Xochimilco reserve, but it is very calm because there are not many boats. There is no music or food here, to preserve the environment.

Cuemanco is also famous for its flower, cactus and succulent market, one of the biggest plant markets in Mexico City.

So, what is the best dock in Xochimilco?

It depends on what kind of tour you prefer.

If you want to experience the classic Xochimilco ride with music and party, you can go to Nativitas or Las Flores. If you want a more peaceful and natural ride, you can choose Cuemanco.

It is very important to understand that the price varies a lot depending on the tour you choose .

These are the prices for Xochimilco (keep in mind that they are approximate and may change):

Shared Trajinera (1h) – the cheapest option

There are shared boats (trajinera colectiva) that go back and forth between the Nativitas and Salitre docks.

The price of the shared trajinera is then 45 pesos (30min one way) or 90 pesos per person (1h round trip). If you are 2 or 3 people, this can be a good option to visit Xochimilco on a budget .

The traditional tour (1h, 2h, 3h)

This is the classic boat tour (with room for 18 people) through the canals of Xochimilco .

You can find boats that offer food and music, but you can also bring your own snacks and drinks (and save some money 🙃).

The 1 hour tour is round trip along the same route, so you don’t get to see much in 30 minutes. That’s why I suggest you take a 2 or 3 hour tour , which lets you explore the canals better, and have a great time with your family or friends!

Ecological route (4 to 5h30 hours)

The tour goes through the ecological zone of Xochimilco , which is much more serene. You can observe the many birds, visit the greenhouses, lakes (depending on where you start) and see some attractions: Ajolotario, Interactive Chinampa, the Axolotl Museum or the Island of the Dolls.

You have to pay approximately 1800 pesos per boat for 4h30, or 2000 pesos for 5h, 2200 pesos for 5h30.

Other prices to keep in mind

Although these stops are included in your tour, the entrance fee must be paid separately:

• Ajolotario (adults 100 pesos, minors 50 pesos)
• Interactive Chinampa (50 pesos per person)
• Island of the Dolls (50 pesos per person)
• Axolotl Museum (50 pesos per person)

You can also customize your trajinera by requesting it in advance: 500 pesos for the name painted on the front or 2000 pesos with flowers.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, you can bring any food you want . You can also buy it at the dock, or from one of the many vendors who come with their boats. Some packages include food as well.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes, you can bring any drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) without any extra cost. You can also buy beers, michelada, pulque, etc. at the dock or during the tour.

Are there restrooms?

Yes, there are some at the docks for about 5 pesos, and also on the tour (ask the guy who drives the trajinera, he knows 😉)

How much do mariachis cost in Xochimilco?

A mariachi song costs 150 pesos, but they often offer packages like 4 songs for 520 pesos. Marimba is cheaper, usually 70 pesos per song or 4 songs for 200 pesos.

What is the schedule in Xochimilco?

The trajineras are usually available from 7 am to 7 pm. You can also take a night tour between 7 pm and midnight, but you need to book it ahead of time.

Xochimilco is more than just the canals, though. It also has a charming local life that you shouldn’t miss.

In the main square of Xochimilco , you can see the Cathedral and Ex-Convent of San Bernardino de Siena (16th century). It is a stunning building and I have heard that its altarpiece is amazing but… it was closed when I visited because of the damage from the 2017 earthquake.

By the way, if you also like churches (for their architecture), there are several beautiful ones, tucked away in the streets of Xochimilco.

For example, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary (18th century) which I find interesting with its tiles. It is right across from the Xochimilco market.

The best way to experience local life in Mexico is to visit the market. It is a colorful and lively place filled with vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs and piñatas.

It is the perfect place to discover the variety of local products, and also to enjoy delicious and affordable food in Xochimilco.

I had a tlacoyo , a typical Mexican dish. It is a thick corn tortilla, stuffed with beans and topped with nopales, cheese, onion and spicy sauce – a very satisfying snack for only 20 pesos!

A pulqueria is the place where they sell pulque , a fermented Mexican drink (with about 6 to 8 % alcohol).

I love the pulquerias in Mexico City for their unique atmosphere, where you can meet all kinds of people, from colleagues to families to friends.

For me, there is no better place to discover the soul of a neighborhood and yet, tourists rarely visit pulquerias (except maybe in Roma Norte) What a shame!

So of course, I had to go to the Pulqueria el Templo de Diana which is the most famous in Xochimilco. It is a true institution that has been around for 4 generations.

Personally I don’t like the natural pulque , as it is a bit sour and thick, but luckily the Templo de Diana has an amazing list of cured pulques with different flavors.

By the way, I have never seen a pulqueria with so many flavors of cured pulque: chocolate, lemon cake, grape, beet, cherry, pistachio, almond, walnut, guava, apple, chia, mango, coconut, oreo, you name it.

A small glass costs between 50-70 pesos and a large one 60-90 pesos, depending on the flavor. I suggest starting with the small glass as it is quite big.

We ordered two small glasses, one of marzipan and another one of peanut.

• Templo de Diana: Av 5 de Mayo 65, Santa Crucita, Xochimilco (1 block from the plaza and market)

Xochimilco is famous for its flowers and plants.

There are four markets in Xochimilco: Madre Selva, Mercado Acuexcomatl, Palacio de la Flor and Cuemanco.

They say the most interesting ones are Cuemanco and Madre Selva. I chose the latter, located at the entrance of the Bosque de Nativitas, because Xochimilco is very big and I wanted to make sure I could walk back to the center.

Here you can find all kinds of flowers, plants, succulents and cacti in amazing shapes that I had never seen before. Mexico is truly the land of cacti!

The Madre Selva Market is at the entrance of the Bosque Nativitas , a park of more than 17 hectares that attracts families on weekends.

Here you can enjoy horseback riding, or ponies for the little ones.

• The official rate is 80 pesos for 30 minutes or 160 pesos for 1 hour.

Xochimilco is located in the south of Mexico City, about 12 miles (20 km) away from downtown and other tourist areas.

The travel time to get there can vary a lot depending on your mode of transportation and the traffic conditions.

You can choose to go by car or public transportation, but be prepared for some delays in the busy capital!

How to get to Xochimilco?

Here I explain how to get to Xochimilco on your own or with a tour:

Avoid traffic and hassle by booking a tour that picks you up from your hotel , takes you to the boat ride in Xochimilco, and visits the Frida Kahlo museum.

• Boat ride in Xochimilco + Frida Kahlo Museum (shared)
• Boat ride in Xochimilco + Frida Kahlo Museum   (private tour)

By public transport – the cheapest way to get there

• Take the metro to Tasqueña , the last station of the blue line 2 (1h30 from downtown, ticket 5 pesos).
• Then take the light train to Xochimilco station (40 min, ticket 3 pesos but you need to have the 20 pesos electronic card which includes 1 ticket)
• It is about 25 min walk to the Nativitas pier or 1 hour to Cuemanco.

You can book this boat ride that includes illimited alcohol, mariachi music and lunch on a floatting island!

Taking an Uber – faster and more comfortable

These are estimated fares (one way), as they depend on the traffic: from Colonia Roma or Condesa 180-230 pesos, from Coyoacán 120-150 pesos, from downtown 420-450 pesos.

It depends on what kind of atmosphere you prefer : if you want a peaceful and relaxing ride , go during the week, from Monday to Thursday.

If you want to party in Xochimilco , with all the music and fun, you have to go on the weekend.

You can visit Xochimilco any time of the year, but keep in mind that during the rainy season in Mexico City, it usually rains in the afternoon (but rarely before 3 pm).

So if you go between June and September (July and August are the wettest months), I suggest going for a ride in the morning or early afternoon.

In any case, it is always better to go in the morning to avoid traffic in the canals when there are too many trajineras.

There are also several festivals in Xochimilco :

• Candlemas Day (February 2): This is the most important religious holiday in Xochimilco. Here they worship the “Niñopa” , a sculpture of the baby Jesus that dates back to the 16th century and has about 5,000 outfits. On February 2, a big celebration is held in his honor with music, fireworks, dances and food.
• Friday of Sorrows : From 9 am in Nativitas there is a big parade of trajineras, a very colorful spectacle! When they announce the winning boat -the most beautiful and flowery- the participants of the contest La Flor Más Bella (The Most Beautiful Flower) show up in their traditional costumes.
• Festival Viva Mexico in Xochimilco (September 6th-8th): from 12 pm to 8 pm, it is a great craft and food fair.
• La Llorona (early October to late November): this is a nightly play based on the legend of “La Llorona” that is performed on the island of Laguna Tilac. It combines modern and pre-Hispanic instruments, Nahuatl songs and theater. You can take a trajinera from the Cuemanco dock to get there. The show starts at 8 pm, but you should get there an hour earlier. Get your tickets here

It depends on what you book. The trajinera ride can take half a day (2h, 3h, 4h) or more if you take the ecotourism tour (5 hours).

I recommend that you visit Coyoacán in the afternoon .

If you want to eat something simple and cheap, eat in Xochimilco , otherwise go to Coyoacan where you can find several nice restaurants. They are two very different neighborhoods.

One of the most typical dishes in Xochimilco is tlapique . It is a mixture of fish, tomato, onion, nopal and epazote (a Mexican aromatic herb), which is slowly cooked in a corn husk. I found it at the Belen dock, but it is everywhere.

• Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral (historic center): one of the best hostels in Mexico City . Clean dorms and rooms, amazing rooftop terrace with bar , great atmosphere and an exceptional view over the cathedral and the Zocalo, starting at 15$usd for a dorm and 32 $usd for a private room!
• Hotel Villa Condesa (Condesa): if you are looking for a romantic hotel in Mexico City , this is a little oasis in the heart of La Condesa. It is an elegant house with small green terraces and tastefully decorated rooms. Rooms are spacious, breakfast is very good and the service is particularly attentive. Around  160$usd per night!
• Casa Goliana (Roma Norte): high-end hotel with the best value for money in its category, located in an early 20th century house, typical of the Roma area. Rooftop terrace, comfortable rooms, very attentive staff, and good breakfasts. Around  190$usd per night
• Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City (Juarez): this 5 star hotel is one of the best hotels in Mexico City , ideal for a business trip or a romantic stay . Located on Paseo de la Reforma between Colonia Juarez and Roma Norte. A large indoor garden, gym, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar, Around 640$usd per night!

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Mexico City and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Rentalcars.com, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies , so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

do you want to go to Mexico? To get the best rate for your airline tickets , you can use our comparator, in collaboration with Skyscanner: It is the guarantee to get the best price for your international flight and flights within Mexico .

Here is the map with all the best attractions of Xochimilco that I mentioned in my guide:

And for you to see the extent of Xochimilco’s canals, here is a video taken with a drone!

Discover all my articles about Mexico : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Mexico City: The 31 Best things to Discover
• 1 Day in Mexico City – How to spend  just 24h in the Mexican capital
• 2 Days in Mexico City  – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Mexico City – The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay
• 4 Days in Mexico City – Your Four-Day Must-See Guide
• Where to stay in Mexico City? – Best areas and hotels for all budgets!
• Mexico City on a Budget: Guide + All my Best Tips to Save Money
• The Definitive Guide to 40 Best Free Things to Do in Mexico City
• Teotihuacan (Mexico City) : The Definitive Guide + Tips
• Coyoacán (Mexico City) : the Best Things to Do in Frida Kahlo’s Neighborhood
• 40+ Wifi Cafes in Mexico City that Every Digital Nomad Should Know About
• Muralism in Mexico City : The Essential Guide to the Best Murals
• Itinerary : 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Mexico   – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla , Oaxaca , Chiapas, Campeche , Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary : 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico : The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month
• Itinerary : 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary : 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary : 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan : The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to plan your next trip to Mexico, regardless of your budget. I share detailed itineraries, advice about places to visit as well as recommendations for transportation, hotels and restaurants. I hope I will also help you to discover amazing off the beaten path destinations in Mexico!

Related Stories

Mexico City on a Budget: Guide + All my Best Tips

Discovering Mexican Muralism: My Mexico City Tour Experience

Coyoacán (Mexico City): 20 Best Things to see and visit

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Mexico City

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Mexico City’s Xochimilco

Hop aboard a colorful gondola and sail down the Aztec-built canals of Xochimilco, a neighborhood in Mexico City.

Currently a canal system with agricultural sites, Xochimilco is an easy and fun place to spend a few hours on the south side of the city. Historically, Xochimilco was a lake where the Aztecs started building manmade chinampas (artificial fields) that have now overtaken the lake and left a canal system behind. These chinampas, created for farming a thousand years ago, are layers on layers of manmade “rafts.”  When a raft sunk, the farmers tied another raft to the same location, until that raft sunk and the cycle continued. Now, the once “Floating Gardens of Xochimilco” sits firmly affixed to the bottom of the lake.

The way that most people visit Xochimilco is to spend a few hours on the trajineras (barges) that are pushed through the canal by trajineros (usually local men) using long poles. These brightly painted trajineras are generally considered party boats and on a busy day (frequently Sunday afternoons) they fill the canals.

A quick online search will show you a number of available tours of Xochimilco. On many of these tours, the operator will pick you up at your hotel or a local meeting point and take you to Xochimilco for a couple of hours on a trajinera . Some even add additional experiences like visiting Casa Azul , The Frida Kahlo Museum. These tours are the easiest way to experience Xochimilco, but if you’d like to design your own day, here’s what you need to know.

Top Picks for You

Recommended Fodor’s Video

How to Get There

The trajineras leave from multiple embarcaderos (piers) in the Xochimilco area, but if you tell your Uber or taxi driver that you want to go to the Xochimilco Embarcaderos, you’ll end up in the right place. If traffic in the area is bad, a taxi driver might drop you off at a different embarcadero, but don’t worry as any of the piers are a great place to start for the typical trajinera experience.

As you get closer to the embarcaderos, you’ll see young men walking in and out of traffic with “official badges” selling you tours or spaces on trajineras . No need to buy from them, wait until you get to the actual embarcadero.  Each of the piers/embarcaderos have signs with a price list based on the length of time and your desired destination. The prices listed are negotiable, even if they appear not to be.

Usually, someone will approach you to see if you are interested in a trajinera and negotiate a rate with you. Once you agree on a price, they will then walk you over to your trajinera and trajinero . It’s rare that the person you agree to a time, route, and price with is the same person who will take you out on the water. Before getting on the trajinera , confirm that the trajinero taking you out has the same understanding of the price and the journey requested as you do. You’ll pay the trajinero at the end of your experience, and you typically pay per trajinera and not per person. For two hours on a trajinera (up to 20 people), expect to be quoted about 1,000 pesos (around $50 USD).

When you‘re negotiating, remember to be clear that you are paying per trajinera or per person based on what you’re looking for. More importantly, be considerate about what you’re negotiating for. A trajinero is going to manually push you through canals for several hours out in the sun. In addition, due to the pandemic, tourism has been down, and business in the canals has been low. While it might be tempting to try to negotiate for the absolute lowest rate possible, this would be a great time to be more generous.

What to See in Xochimilco

Most people coming to Xochimilco will want to spend an hour or two on the water with no specific destination in mind. This is ideal if you just want to spend time hanging out with your friends and family. But,  If you want to visit a specific destination, you have to agree to that before you get on the water. One of the popular destinations people seek is Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls), a spooky chinampa with a tragic backstory . Another destination is the ajoloterias , the breeding and care locations for the endangered axolotl, a sometimes translucent amphibian native to Xochimilco.  Both of these destinations have separate entrance fees, so bring some extra pesos if you plan on visiting.

Food & Drink

Just as food is central to Mexico City culture, it’s central to the experience in Xochimilco. Most families coming to the area pack picnic lunches and coolers of drinks. If planning a picnic isn’t your thing, there are easier options. The Xochimilco embarcaderos are full of food stalls, serving a variety of local cuisine. If you forget to stock up before you make it onto the trajinera , you’re still in luck. Along the way, vendors will row their canoes up to your trajinera offering tacos, quesadillas, and other food for sale. 

INSIDER TIP Hoping to imbibe? The same rules apply here. Bring your own, buy on the dock, or buy micheladas or beers from vendors rowing through the canals.

Experiences & entertainment.

Many visitors to Xochimilco bring their own portable speakers and blast their preferred music as they glide along the canal. This is part of the fun as each passing group joins in a socially-distanced party with their neighbors. You may even see local dogs jump from barge to barge. On a typical day, you’ll also see trajineras full of mariachis who will come up to your trajinera and offer to play a song for you. There are also often mariachi bands on the edges of some of the chinampas that you can stop to listen to.

While the trajineras are the best way to experience Xochimilco, there are other ways to make your way through the canals.  Through any of the usual tour platforms (Airbnb Experiences, Viator, etc.) you can find a variety of Xochimilco excursions that are not the typical “party on a trajinera .”

Some of the experiences now available include food tours focusing on locally grown crops, axolotl tours, kayaking through the canals, bee tours, embroidery picnics, and photography tours. Y ou can also see how the locals in the area integrate Xochimilco into their daily lives. By the Cuemanco embarcadero, you’ll see multiple futbol fields, full of fans and teams vying for a win. You’ll also see motorboats operating as water taxis, laden with people and supplies.

Xochimilco is a popular destination for visitors and Mexico City locals because it’s a great way to get outdoors, spend time with people you enjoy, and see more nature than you might typically see in the city center. While tours starting at your hotel are available, planning your own visit will cut down on expenses and prove more of an adventure. 

What to Know Before You Go

– If you want to avoid crowds on the water, skip going on Sunday afternoons. – Since Xochimilco is on the south side of the city, try pairing your time there with a visit to one of the other southern sites, like Coyoacan, Museo Anahuacalli, or Museo Frida Kahlo. – Depending on the length of your experience, you might need a bathroom break. Some can be found on the bank of the chinampas. Bring change (usually 5 pesos/person) to stop and use one if you need it. – Xochimilco is a resting stop for many types of migratory birds, so keep an eye out for the wildlife. – Cuemanco Plant Market is the largest plant market in Latin America, so it’s worth a stop when you’re in the area. – Do not jump, fall, or otherwise put any part of your body in the water. It’s not fresh and certainly not clean.

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Xochimilco in Mexico City

Are you looking to visit Xochimilco? This is one darn enthralling corner of Mexico City . Visitors come to see the remnants of elaborate Aztec canal systems that once connected the peoples of the Valley of Mexico.

They come to see strange agricultural islands that sprout flowers and local crops just as they have done for centuries. Or they come to see haunting art installations like the curious Isla de las Munecas.

This guide will run through all of the ins and outs of a trip to Xochimilco in Mexico City. As I used to live in Mexico City I’ve been to Xochimilco a million times, as it’s where the young locals throw celebratory parties.

My guide will reveal the enthralling history of this corner of CDMX and list some of the must-see attractions it has up its sleeve. There’ll also be some in-the-know tips on how to travel to Xochimilco by public transport and where to eat when you get there. Enjoy…

Where is Xochimilco?

Xochimilco is one of the 16 municipal districts of Mexico City . It’s the southernmost of the lot, too, sitting nearly 10 miles directly south of the famous Plaza de la Constitucion in the heart of the capital. 

The fertile slopes of the Volcan Teuhtli roll away on the other side of the district, which is situated directly on top of the ancient site of pre-Columbian Xochimilco and what remains of Lake Xochimilco. 

How to Get to Xochimilco

There are a few ways you can make the trip to the enthralling UNESCO area of Xochimilco from downtown CDMX. 

The most popular is by metro and then light rail . First, aim for Tasqueña station in the area of Campestre Churubusco. That’s the end of the Blue Line , but also the starting point for the Tren Ligero , which is the railway that will whisk you all the way down to Xochimilco itself. 

The total cost for this trip will be 5 MXN for the metro and 3 MXN for the Tren Ligero. The ride from Tasqueña takes around 30-35 minutes.

A direct Uber is probably the comfier and more convenient choice because you’ll get a pickup right outside your hotel door and a drop-off in the center of Xochimilco, close to the attractions. However, you’re looking at paying at least 190 MXN ($10) just for the ride. What’s more, traffic can be a nightmare in CDMX, so a transfer like this might take a whole load longer than the train!

Tips for Visiting Xochimilco

Before you set off to Xochimilco, be sure to check out my top tips. They should help your excursion run nicely and smoothly.

• Know what to expect

First, make sure you know what to expect. Most locals go to Xochimilco to party, so their boats with have music, drinks, many people and it will look very fun.

Tourists, on the other hand usually get a more quiet experience with a guy just rowing your boat. It can be peaceful or party-like, depending on how you want it to be.

• Haggle for the price of a trajinera

There are supposed to be upper limits on the amounts that the trajinera drivers can charge. From what I’ve seen, they are routinely ignored. It’s all a bit Wild West when it comes to settling on a price. If you speak Spanish you can pay less, if you don’t then you might overpay. Do not to accept anything over 1000 MXN an hour!

• Be sure you get the right Isla de las Munecas

Many people want to get to Isla de las Munecas, but it’s not so easy. There are two Isla de las Munecases these days. Only one is the real one and the other one is a replica built on the tourist route.

Trip to the real one takes around 1.5 hours each way to the island from the boarding point and it’s not something you can arrange on the spot as it’s privately owned, fenced up, and requires a permit.

If you don’t care, the replica on the “party tourist route” is just as creepy.

• Take a picnic

A day out on the Xochimilco canals is seen as a chill-out session by the locals. Feel free to pack a big picnic and plenty of ice-cold beer to take with you to get into the same spirit. The boats are well-equipped for big groups and dining on the water! 

• Don’t miss the surrounding area

Xochimilco isn’t just about the ancient canals and the spooky Island of the Dolls. It’s also a living, breathing corner of Mexico City, with some enchanting churches and a buzzing marketplace. It’s a good idea to leave some time to explore all that too!

Tours of Xochimilco

Visiting Xochimilco is one of the best things to do in Mexico City so there are plenty of tour options if you want a stress-free day exploring the area. 

Choosing a tour is another easy option for visiting Xochimilco. Doing this means you won’t have to deal with the crowds and stress of the Mexico City metro network , because you’ll be collected from your hotel in the morning and dropped back there at the end of the day. 

Typical Xochimilco tours include transfers, a ride on one of the traditional trajineras boats (more on those later), and a stop at the replica of the spooky Isla de las Munecas (again, more on that later). 

You can also fit Xochimilco into a multi-day tour of CDMX that includes other enthralling sites like the pyramids at Teotihuacan. Single-day outings start at around $30 per person but below is a list of the top tours to Xochimilco. 

Recommended Tours:

• Xochimilco, Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Museum Tour – This group tour from Mexico City is a great choice if you want to see all that the area has to offer and are interested in learning more about Frida Kahlo.
• Xochimilco: Boat ride and Mexican Party – If you mostly want to experience a fun afternoon on the trajinera boats, this is the tour for you. Enjoy partying with your fellow participants on one of these colorful floating boats, just like the locals.
• Private City Tour in Frida Kahlo, Coyoacan, and Xochimilco – Prefer to have a guide and boat all to yourself? Book a private tour just for you and your friends or family.
• Mexico City Tour and Xochimilco Canal Boat Ride – This tour is a great choice if you are short on time as you can combine a tour of the whole of Mexico City with a ride on a trajinera in the interesting canals.

History of Xochimilco

The area now called Xochimilco has been inhabited by humans since anyone can remember. Hunter-gatherer nomads were the first to come, but they were replaced sometime around the 9 th century AD by Nahua tribes who moved into the fertile Valley of Mexico from elsewhere in Mesoamerica. 

The Nahua were the ones who began the tradition of building artificial islands to cultivate crops . Known as chinampa, they completely changed the geography of Xochimilco, converting it into an ancient breadbasket that produced everything from chili peppers to maize. 

This innovative form of agriculture helped Xochimilco rise as one of the great powers of the region in pre-Columbian times until eventually being subsumed into the Aztec Empire. 

By the time the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, there were countless chinampa gardens in Xochimilco, along with a vast and intricate web of canals that linked all the main commerce centers in the Valley of Mexico. 

They continued to be used throughout the colonial era for both food production and transportation. However, the 20 th century saw a huge explosion in the size of Mexico City , and the urban sprawl began to take its toll.

By the 1970s, vast swathes of the Aztec canal system and its chinampa gardens had been gobbled up by the encroaching barrios. The decision was made to protect the ones in Xochimilco for posterity. 

The whole area was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 . It’s now one of the most-visited outer districts of the capital, offering a unique glimpse of the ancient way of life of the pre-Columbian peoples of Mexico . 

Things to Do in Xochimilco, Mexico City

This corner of CDMX is riddled with intriguing sights and activities, from cruisy water trips to eerie islets you won’t want to linger on too long…

Take a trip on a trajinera

The lazy ride on a trajinera boat is the highlight of Xochimilco . These colorful wooden skiffs will be your ticket to the pre-Aztec canal systems that filter through the historic Chinampa farms and into the heart of the ancient city. 

They’re known for their lush vegetation and the smells of the flowers that waft over from the market gardens. 

The boats themselves are a joy to be on. Most come with tables and wooden seats so you can enjoy a taco picnic as you go . 

It’s really important to haggle and haggle hard when you come to board the trajinera. The CDMX authorities officially limit the price to 500 MXN per hour , but most visitors end up paying far more than that. 

Special trajinera trips to spots like the Isla de las Munecas can be as much as 2000 MXN. 

See Isla de las Munecas

The Isla de las Munecas is one of the stranger sights to see amid the waterways of Xochimilco. 

The name in English means ‘The Island of the Dolls’, and the place doesn’t disappoint with its countless effigies of plastic children’s toys strewn in the trees, the mud, and on rickety wooden walls . 

The story goes that the place was once the home of one Julian Santana Barrera, who came here to become a hermit but discovered the body of a dead girl floating in the nearby waters. The dolls were his way to ward off her spirit and keep her soul from haunting his new home.

Be warned that the Isla de las Munecas is now such a favorite among dark tourists that there’s even a copycat island doing the rounds. The real one lies around 1.5 hours by trajinera, very deep in the waterways of Xochimilco. 

To ensure you get the right place, head to the port at Embarcadero Celada to catch the water taxi. It’s the closest of all to the official Isla de las Munecas. Expect to pay at least 2,000 MXN to get there and back. 

Oh, and keep an eye out for the fake isla as you go – it’s much closer to the port and covered in black mesh fences that hold the dolls. 

The chinampa

Keep watch for the age-old chinampa gardens as you sail through the waterways of Xochimilco. 

There are only an estimated 5,000 or so left in the area, down from tens of thousands at the peak of the Aztec Empire. 

Crafted from sunken reed boats laden with peat and mud , they’re manmade islets topped by uber-fertile growing land that was historically used to cultivate maize and pulses to feed the ancient Xochimilco peoples. 

Today, they are known for their flower blooms and will smell darn fantastic if you catch them at the right time of the year. 

Museo Dolores Olmedo

Just outside the waterways of the ancient archaeological and eco parks where you’ll sail and see the lush islands, the Museo Dolores Olmedo offers a taste of more modern Mexican culture. 

It’s housed in a traditional hacienda estate that oozes Latin charm. The collections within include pieces by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. There’s also a stunning Spanish-styled hermitage building on the grounds.

Cuahilama 

If you’ve got a little extra time to spare on your day trip to Xochimilco, you could hop in a taxi and head out to Cuahilama. 

It’s a strange archaeological site , dotted with a few mystical Aztec and Nahuatl shrines that are covered in religious relief carvings and petroglyphs. 

Sadly, the place is very poorly managed by the local authorities and there’s really no infrastructure. We also can’t vouch for the safety of the surrounding area, so be sure to have your wits about you if you decide to tack it onto the itinerary. 

How Much Will a Day in Xochimilco Cost?

This day outing from Mexico City should cost less if you decide to skip a planned tour of Xochimilco and organize things yourself. 

You’re basically looking at paying the 8 MXN ($0.40 USD) for the public transport there, double for a return, and about 500 MXN for a boat trip on one of the trajineras. 

That adds up to less than $26 for the whole day , although it doesn’t include any food and drink you purchase along the way.

Alternatively, you can pay about $40 for a tour that goes to Xochimilco. They’ll usually include a one-hour trajinera trip, along with pickup and a drop off at your hotel. Trips to other spots like the spine-tingling Isla de las Munecas will add more to that total. 

Where to Eat in Xochimilco

Some tours of Xochimilco will include a packed lunch, and you might want to dine onboard the trajinera boats like most of the locals do. Or, you can pick some food up from a food boat passing by…

If not, how about trying…

• Xochimilco Market – This sprawling bazaar is the best place to stock up on takeaway tacos, tropical fruits, popcorn, and all manner of Mexican street food before you board the boats. It’s also super cheap and all very local. 
• Las Vaqueras – Conveniently located right by where you board the trajinera boats, Las Vaqueras is hailed as the home of Mexico City’s best michelada cocktails, which mix beer and lime juice, and spices in a salt-rimmed glass. Don’t knock it until you try it!
• Tacos “Los Jefes & Pantera” – You could ask your taxi driver to make a pit stop at this wonderful taqueria on the way to Xochimilco. It’s a few blocks to the west of the waterways but is highly rated for its spicy corn tortillas. There’s a very casual vibe and takeaway is possible if you’re planning a water-top picnic!

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Home › Destinations › Xochimilco – Enjoying it Without the Crowds

Xochimilco – Enjoying it Without the Crowds

Xochimilco has been on my bucket since long before anyone had a bucket list. I first read about this wondrous, watery, flower strewn oasis on the south side of Mexico City in one my early readers that featured chapters on interesting places around the world. I’m not even going to guess how long ago that was, but I did finally get there on a recent trip to Mexico with Canadian tour specialists Adventures Abroad  on a tour led by the inestimable Victor Romagnoli. The tour was the inaugural Central Mexico  tour featuring Day of the Dead festivities throughout the area. It was one of the best tours I’ve ever been on and if you want to know why, read this post on nine reasons I thought Adventures Abroad was the way to go. The visit to Xochimilco was but one small part of a much bigger picture, but for me, a very important part.

The History

So what exactly is Xochimilco (pronounced Zosheemilko) and why is it so famous?  Actually there are many versions of Xochimilco including the modern borough that encompasses 48 Sq. Mi (125 km²) and has over 400,000 residents, there is the colonial city that grew up around San Bernardino de Siena monastery after the conquest and there is the pre-Hispanic city founded in the 10th century. It is this latter city, all traces of which are long gone, which is of the most interest because its inhabitants did leave behind something truly unique in the world – a system of man made islands (chinampas) and canals which most people now think of when Xochimilco comes to mind. This ecosystem has been recognized as a World Heritage Site and is described thus on the UNESCO website:

The lacustrine landscape of Xochimilco, located 28 km south of the city, constitutes the only reminder of traditional Pre-Hispanic land-use in the lagoons of the Mexico City basin. In the midst of a network of small canals, on the edge of the residual lake of Xochimilco (the southern arm of the great drained lake of Texcoco), some  chinampas  or ‘floating’ gardens can still be found. Parts of this half-natural, half-artificial landscape are now an ‘ecological reserve’.

Unfortunately it is an eco system under tremendous pressure and the last remnant of the once huge Lake Texcoco. This is a map showing the extent of Lake Texcoco at the time of the arrival of the Spanish. Lake Xochimilco is technically a separate lake, but it was all one connected waterway that stretched for well over 60 miles (90 kms.). Note the city of Tenochtitlan sited on an island which is now the heart of Mexico City, but all the water that surrounds it is long gone, a combination of deliberate drainage and natural evaporation. The result is a city built not on bedrock, but dried mud which explains why earthquakes do more than their fair share of damage when they strike.

Now look at the area around Xochimilco and in particular the green areas which are chinampas, an ingenious type of man made island that was wonderfully fertile and productive. The waters around Xochimilco were quite shallow and the various Mexica peoples around the lake figured out that if they staked out a small rectangular plot and wove a fence around it, they could then fill in the compounded area with soil and vegetation. Thus the invention of the ‘floating island’ with man made canals separating them. Long before the Army Corps off Engineers was screwing up almost every water related project it undertook, the people around Lake Texcoco were successfully using dams, dykes and sluice gates to regulate the water level to ensure that the chinampas did not become too water saturated or too dry. Eventually roots from vegetation on the islands would grow into the lakebed and become rooted. When the Spanish arrived there were over 9000 hectares (22200 acres) of chinampas providing a great deal of the food for Tenochtitlan and the other cities around Lake Texcoco. While I could not get an accurate figure for the number of hectares of chinampas remaining today, most articles I read made it clear it is a tiny fraction of what there once was.

So that’s the depressing part. Now for the fun part.

Visiting Xochimilco

What little there is left of the original chinampas is well worth traveling to see, so much so that a boat ride on one of flat bottomed  trajineras has become a staple of any visit to Mexico City. That does create problems. The canals are not very wide and there are a zillion people who want to ride them so the result can be total chaos. There are any number of reviews on TripAdvisor and other online review platforms decrying the Xochimilco experience as a mad house, a ripoff, a tourist trap etc. etc. First off, Xochimilco is definitely not a tourist trap; just like neither is the Eiffel Tower, Niagara Falls or the Tower of London. There is a reason these places are so popular and it is this very fact that creates the paradoxical effect of seeming to be something a lot less than it really is. In other words, it’s the way you experience these things that adds or detracts from the potential enjoyment of the experience. For me, the number one criteria for getting the most out of a visit to a place like Xochimilco is to go when other people are doing something else, like working. The vast majority of visitors to Xochimilco are Mexicans who celebrate any number of occasions by renting a  trajinera. That means the place will be packed on the weekends and unless you like mayhem, my best advice is DON’T GO ON THE WEEKEND.

Fortunately Victor knew this and took us to Xochimilco on a Monday when most normal people were back to work and nursing their hangovers.

There are a  number of embarkation points and I have no idea which one we went to, but I do know that the parking lot was immense and we were the only bus in it. As we walked down to dock I could see a seemingly endless line up of  trajineras and it was then it dawned on me of just how crazy this place would be if even half of them were out on the water.

The  trajineras all rent for a flat hourly fee which I understand is now around 500 pesos or just over $26.00USD. That’s a pretty good deal if you’ve got a larger group, but still not bad if you are just a couple. We saw lots of  trajineras with only two or three people in them.

Victor did the negotiations and soon we were boarding the Patricia. That’s my wife Alison being helped aboard. As you can see each  trajinera has a row of wooden chairs on each side with a table in between.

Once everyone was aboard we needed to pass under this bridge and somehow make our way through what would appear to be a successful naval blockade.

However, Victor, acting as a modern day Moses parting the waters, got us through, miraculously not getting his hands crushed between boats.

So now we were on one of the main canals and everybody could relax. We stopped to pick up a bucket of refreshments from a vendor who filled it up with beer, water and sodas and just handed it over. It works on the honour system and you pay for what you drink when you give her the bucket back at the end of the trip. So my greatest fear – taking a boat trip without beer, was allayed. Needless to say there were no beers left when we returned her bucket.

The  trajineras are propelled by a man at the rear with a pole – that’s it. No oars, no motors and blissfully, no noise. This our Patrician polesman.

By now you can see that we’ve made our way to more open water and we can sit back with our beers and just enjoy the bright colours, festive atmosphere and good company. I particularly liked the reflections on the water from the other boats.

What makes a Xochimilco trip even more enjoyable is the constant music from the floating mariachi bands that ply their trade on the water.

Victor summons one group over and we hear, for about the thousandth time, Cielito Lindo, but who can ever get tired of singing along to “Ay,Ay, Ay, Canto y no flores”. Here is a video I got from YouTube that pretty well is exactly what we experienced that placid Monday morning in Xochimilco, except I think our band was a lot better.

If you don’t like mariachi music, you need to have your pulse checked. Sure it’s a bit corny, but it’s also just plain fun.

The mariachis are not the only game in town or I should say, on the water. After the mariachis we were entertained by this duo of xylophonists and I’m pretty sure the guy on the left was not from Canada. In Mexico these instruments are typically played by two or sometimes even three players which makes for a more complex rhythm than you’d get from just one player. Lionel Hampton they’re not, but still, they get your feet tapping.

In addition to the musicians, the water was alive with people offering everything from soup to nuts – really! This guy was selling candied apples among other things and someone wanted to buy one until Victor advised him that the coating was not sugar candy, but rather hot chilis.

In this festive atmosphere it was easy to almost think you were on a ride at Disney World or Universal Studios, until you looked around and realized that this was a real place with real people going about their business of daily living like this bargeman taking flowers to the markets that make Xochimilco a popular destination for everyday Mexicans.

Or that people live on these islands and just like everyone else they need regular services like garbage removal.

Or that busy dogs need to go about their business by crossing from one side of the canal to another.

On both sides of the canal there were many greenhouses and just getting a glimpse inside one I could see poinsettias, native to Mexico, which would soon be heading to North American markets and maybe even our house for the Christmas holidays.

If you like a touch of the outré, Xochimilco has that as well in a small island that has become famous world wide as Islas de las Muñecas or Island of the Dolls. As you glide silently by you see that suddenly one part of the shoreline is bestrewn with dolls – dolls in the trees, dolls hanging from vines, dolls staring sightlessly from the ground, dolls everywhere.

But these are not the type of dolls little children play with. On closer inspection these are creepy dolls in the best tradition of Chucky from the movie  Child’s Play.  If you follow the link you can get the full story, but the short version is that it all started with a man who found a drowned little girl at this spot and near her a floating doll which he put up in a nearby tree. Since then many more dolls have appeared and apparently the people who live on these islands really do believe that they are somehow possessed and come alive and talk to each other. Needless to say nobody on board demanded that we stop and get a closer look.

There are other on land attractions that you can stop at including this museum dedicated to Xochimilco’s most famous and rarest inhabitant, the axolotl.

The axolotl  is one of nature’s most unusual creatures – a giant salamander than never morphs into an air breathing adult like other amphibians. It is unique to the waters around Mexico City and as they have disappeared and become polluted so have the axolotls of which few if any remain in the wild today. Once so common that they were a staple of the Aztec diet they are now found alive only in a few places like this museum.

I don’t want to end this post on a down note, because aside from the sad fate of the axolotls, there was absolutely nothing about this excursion that didn’t have a touch of magic. Yes, Xochimilco is overrun with tourists, pretty campy and somewhat garish, but to me that was more than outweighed by the bright colours, the music, the good feelings I always get just being on the water, the camraderie and chittery chatter of our group and of course, the cold Victoria beer.

Thank you Victor for taking us here. It is a day I will long remember and cherish.

Oh, one last thing, Canada recently legalized marijuana and I was surprised to see that they knew about it already in Mexico as evidenced by this Canadian flag sporting a marijuana bud, instead of the traditional maple leaf.

Xochimilco Mexico City: How to get there and take a boat tour [2023]

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.

Famous for colorful, flower-decked boats 🚣🏻‍♀️ floating down the narrow waterways, Xochimilco Mexico City has become one of the most popular places to visit in the country’s capital with many tourists making a stop here. 

While Xochimilco’s Trajineras (the name of the colorful boats) grace many tourist guides and booklets, not many tourists know that Xochimilco is also the name of the surrounding area. In this article, I’m going to tell you all the reasons why you should visit this place.

👉 Spending a few days in Mexico City? Read my complete guide to best hotels in Mexico City to help you choose your accommodations 🏠

Is Xochimilco worth visiting?

Xochimilco aka the Venice of Mexico City is one of the best cultural experiences in the country’s capital. Whether you are looking to party or learn more about the history of Mexico City and the role that Xochimilco canals played in the Aztec Empire, this place is a great stop on your Mexico City itinerary 🗺

While Xochimilco is known for its party atmosphere as you can buy food and drinks and even hire a Mariachi band to perform a mini-concert for you, it is also a wonderful cultural experience.

Regardless of what you might have heard, Xochimilco is not just about partying and drinking . 

This guide will cover all aspects of visiting Xochimilco, including how to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City, the best Xochimilco tours 🎒and what mistakes to avoid when visiting Xochimilco. 

✅ Check the best hot air balloon tours in Mexico City

How much does a trajinera boat cost in Xochimilco?

The hourly cost of a boat ride in Xochimilco is between 350-500 Mexican Pesos 💰 for one hour for the entire boat. This price depends on the time of the year (low season or high season), and the day of the week. Since weekends tend to be busy with many locals coming here, it’s better to visit on a weekday.

👉 Remember that you need to pay in cash!

Xochimilco hours

The Xochimilco trajineras run between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ⏰ Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours in Xochimilco touring the canals and stopping at various points of interest. ✔️

Plan 2-4 hours for your trip to Xochimilco Mexico City, plus the time you spend on the commute to get there and back. 

A brief history of Xochimilco

Xochimilco is a rural area south of Mexico City, that’s a major tourist magnet thanks to the colorful boats, called “Trajineras.” In 1987, Xochimilco became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its cultural contribution to the heritage of Mexico. 

💛 The name Xochimilco means “flower field” in Nahuatl, and refers to the crops and flowers that were grown by the Aztecs here before the colonization. The canals that you see today were used by Aztecs for commercial purposes. The artificial floating gardens “chinampas” rooted to the lake bed provided crops to Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. 

Chinampas are a good example of the Aztec ingenuity, as the produce grown here sustained a big population in the capital. 

👉 Today, you can still find floating gardens “or chinampas,” but they are mostly utilized to grow flowers and fruits. Xochimilco is the last remnant of the vast network of canals and manmade islands in the lake system before the Spanish built the modern Mexico City on the ruins of Tenochtitlan. 

LET ME HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP TO  MEXICO! 

Besides being a travel blogger, I also create itineraries for my readers 😃 If you want me to plan your trip to Mexico, provide insider tips and do all the research for you, fill out the form below. 

My custom itineraries include information on popular landmarks, restaurants, and hidden corners that most tourists miss. As part of my services, I also offer suggestions on flights, hotels and activities in Mexico City or any other destination that you choose.

Can’t wait to hear from you! 💛

How far is Xochimilco from Mexico City?

Xochimilco is about 28 kilometers south of Mexico City. Xochimilco is often combined with a stop at Coyoacan, one of the most popular neighborhoods of Mexico City that is home to the famous Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul), colorful markets, and a wonderful food scene.

When is the best time to go to Xochimilco?

The best time visit Xochimilco Mexico is depends on what type of experience you are looking for. If you want to enjoy the quiet canals, arrive by the opening time. This way, you can experience the Xochimilco canals before they get busy. If you want a more lively atmosphere, arrive any time after 12 p.m. when Xochimilco canals are busy with colorful trainers zipping around and you can enjoy drinks and the Mariachi music.

How to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City 

You can get to Xochimilco from Mexico City by metro, Uber, or car rental. You can also book one of guided tours of Xochimilco if you don’t want to deal with the logistics of planning your trip.

Taking Metro  to Xochimilco from Mexico City

Taking metro to Xochimilco from Mexico City is the most economical option. Go to the nearest Metro station and figure out how to get to Xochimilco. A one-way Metro ticket costs only 5 pesos, which is great if you are traveling on a budget 💸

✅ Learn how to take Uber from Mexico City to Teotihuacan , one of the most popular day trips!

PRO TIP: Avoid pica hora (or rush hour) early morning on weekdays when everybody goes to work and from 4 p.m. until about 6 p.m. when everybody goes back home. This is the busiest time and it’s common to have pickpockets on trains during this time.

How to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City by metro 

Find your way to Tasquena station which is the final station on the Blue Line .

From Tasquena, take an overground metro line Train Ligero which begins in Tasquena and takes you to Xochimilco, a final stop on this line. You will need to get a rechargeable metro card, that you can pick up any train station in Mexico City. It can be used for your future trips on metro. 

👉 Taking Metro to Xochimilco could take over one hour depending on where you are in Mexico City. Plan extra time for your trip.

From the Metro station, it’s a quick walk toward the Embarcadero or the pier from where Xochimilco tours depart. As you keep walking you will be greeted and approached by many people trying to give you directions or even sell you Xochimilco tours.

Be polite, but don’t feel obligated to buy anything, just say gracias (thank you), and keep walking. 

Let me plan your Mexico trip, so you can save time and money!

GOOD TO KNOW: If you visit Xochimilco on your own, be prepared to negotiate a price 💵 with your boat driver. Xochimilco boats can fit in up to 10-12 people, and all the passengers typically split the price of the boat ride . If your boat is not full, you will need to pay the full amount, so the difference could be anywhere between 350 Mexican Pesos (if you are on your own) and 60 Mexican Pesos (if you are with a group).

Taking a guided tour of Xochimilco

A guided tour of Xochimilco is the best option if you are visiting for the first time and are not confident in your Spanish skills. When you take a guided tour, you will not have to negotiate prices and ask for directions to the boats, as your guide will organize everything for you.

Many Xochimilco tours combine a boat ride on the famous canals and Coyoacan where you can get a tour of the neighborhood and see some of the most famous landmarks such as the Museum of Frida Kahlo. 

PRO TIP: Coyoacan is one of the most important areas of Mexico City that has its own identity and a wonderful charm, that’s why I recommend a tour that combines Xochimilco and Coyoacan . 

Mexico City Xochimilco Tours

Taking uber to xochimilco from mexico city.

If you don’t want to take public transportation from Mexico City to Xochimilco, Uber is a great option 🚙 Uber in Mexico City is much cheaper than in the United States and Europe, and will typically cost around 200 Mexican Pesos for a one way trip (although prices can fluctuate depending on the time and day).

✅ If you take Uber to Xochimilco, ask your driver to drop you off at the  Embarcadeo Nuevo Nativitas , one of the best spots for starting your Xochimilco tour. There are many different embarcaderos (docks) in Xochimilco, but Nuevo Nativitas is considered one of the best ones.

Renting a car for your trip to Xochimilco from Mexico City

If you have a car rental 🚘 you can drive to Xochimilco canals any time you want. Keep in mind that you will have to find a parking space and pay a fee if it’s private parking with security. The upside is that you can spend as much time as you want in Xochimilco without relying on public transportation. 

Prices of Xochimilco tours

The hourly maximum for a boat ride in Xochimilco canals is between 350 and 500 Mexican Pesos, which covers the whole boat. Although there’s no specific time for a boat ride, most of them are between 1,5-2 hours. Negotiate the rate ahead of your tour. 💰

GOOD TO KNOW: The price you pay in Xochimilco covers the hourly ride, not the number of people on it . Your ride will be cheaper if you take it with a group of other travelers because you will all split the price. If you have friends or anybody who wants to come with you, bring them to Xochimilco canals!

Most boats can fit up to a dozen of people, so if you are traveling by yourself or in a couple, join up with other travelers to split the cost. 

How to negotiate a price for Xochimilco boat tours

When trying to negotiate a boat ride, start with a low-ball offer and go from there. Do NOT start with a high amount like 700 Pesos, because it will be very difficult to get a competitive rate from that point. Begin with 500 Pesos for two hours and go down from there. If a boat captain wants to charge you more 500 Pesos, you should look for another ride.

✔️ If you are visiting Xochimilco without a guided tour, you need good haggling skills, and at least a basic level of Spanish. Otherwise your ride could be more expensive, especially if you are visiting Xochimilco canals on a weekend when there are a ton of tourists and boat drivers know that they can get a ride any time. 

Taking a boat ride of Xochimilco: everything you need to know

When you get on a boat, all your need to do is relax and enjoy this festive cultural experience with hundreds of boats crowding the area.

You can buy food while taking a boat ride in Xochimilco

As you float down the canals, you will pass by many other Trajineras with tourists, as well as vendors trying to sell you food, drinks, arts and crafts like woven blankets and toys. It looks a bit like a floating market where you can buy food and trinkets during your ride. 

There are also boat vendors who sell nieve, an equivalent of shaved ice that comes in a variety of exotic flavors. 

… Or hire a Mariachi band

There are also boats with Mariachi bands, xylophone players and singers, and various other bands, who will approach you asking if you want to buy their music performance. If you decide to do so, they will attach their boat to yours, and play music as you float down the canal.

These boats will approach you and offer their services/goods, and you can get them right on the spot. 

Ask your driver to take you to more remote canals

If you have more time, ask your boat driver, to take you to more remote canals where you can enjoy peaceful scenery away from the noise and crowds. 

Things to do in Xochimilco  Mexico City

Of course, everyone knows Xochimilco as the home of the famous canals and colorful Trajineras. But it’s not the only thing that you can find here. Let’s take a look at other things that you can do in Xochimilco, after taking a tour of the canals. 

Isla De Las Munecas 

One of the most unusual (and creepy) spots in Xochimilco is La Isla De Las Munecas (The Doll Island) which was supposed to be a tribute to a girl who drowned in the Xochimilco canal, but turned into a tourist attraction after a local man started decorating it with thousands of dolls. Today, Isla De Las Munecas is one of the top stops in Xochimilco, and as the hanging dolls deteriorate, they get creepier by the day. 

Greenhouse 

If you want to visit a less unsettling place, ask your boat driver to stop at a big greenhouse (or invernadero in Spanish) located in the middle of the canals. This place can’t be accessed on foot and you can step inside and explore the beautiful garden, as well as animals, and, if you get lucky, even, axolotl, the endangered amphibian. 

Trying pulque 

Pulque is an ancient Mesoamerican drink that has a pretty low alcoholic content and good nutritional value. Pulque is sold by many vendors floating down Xochimilco canals, and although it has an unappealing look and gooey texture to it, it’s one of those must-try drinks in Mexico.

A cup of pulque goes for about 20 Pesos ($1 USD), and since this drink can’t be exported, Xochimilco is a perfect place to try it. 

Xochimilco Mexico City: tips for visiting

✅ leave jewelry and expensive clothing at home.

Leave your expensive clothing and jewelry at home. As a foreign tourist, you will also be thought of as a cash cow, because people working in the tourism industry will think that you are loaded with money and try to sell your stuff and charge more money for tours.

Avoid wearing expensive brands and jewelry when visiting Xochimilco canals. This will help you to get better prices and when haggling.

✅ Keep an eye on your belongings 

Xochimilco can get busy. Always keep an eye on your belongings when you are on a boat and when you are walking the streets of pueblo from the train station. 

✅ Learn Spanish 

Even if you are taking a guided tour of Xochimilco Mexico City, learning some basic Spanish is a great idea. Locals will always treat you better if you can communicate with them in their language and show gratitude and courtesy.

✅ Leave a tip for your boat driver 

Xochimilco boat drivers make low wages and typically depend on tips. Make sure to leave a gratuity at the end of your trip to help them out. Check my tips for Mexico travel if you want to know how much you need to leave in tips every time you go to a restaurant or take a guided tour.

✅ Come on a weekday 

Weekends can be crazy busy in Xochimilco, that’s why I recommend visiting on a weekday.

If you have time constraints and have to visit on a weekend, come early morning. Some visitors come to Xochimilco specifically for its loud and festive atmosphere, and if you are one of them, then the weekend is the best time for your trip to Xochimilco Mexico City. 

GOOD TO KNOW: Sunday is the best day to experience Xochimilco like a local and party Mexican style 🇲🇽 with many families making their way down here from Mexico City for a fun afternoon.

Is Xochimilco safe?

Xochimilco canals are perfectly safe to visit during the day, but better avoided at night when the tourism activity dies down. If you are finishing your trip by the time the area closes, you can get an Uber or walk to the metro station to make your way back before it gets dark.

Final thoughts on visiting Xochimilco Mexico City

Xochimilco is a wonderful cultural experience and one of the best things to do in Mexico City. While it can be crowded and chaotic at times, it’s well worth your time and money as it has a festive atmosphere and the friendliest people. 

The increased tourism activity has been causing the deterioration of the canals of Xochimilco Mexico City. The area is also threatened by unsustainable urban growth, pollution, and over-pumping of water which has led to a decline in levels of water in the canals over years. 

Consider donating some money to the Xochimilco restoration fund before your trip there.

Where to stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is huge and depending on where you plan, you should choose hotels based on your travel. Here are a couple of options for your stay in Mexico City:

📍 Budget :  Hotel Templo Mayor  – a great budget hotel in the heart of Mexico City 

📍 Mid-range :  Domingo Santo Boutique Hotel  – a beautiful boutique stay near Templo Mayor and Zocalo

📍 Luxury :  La Valise Mexico City  – one of the most beautiful hotels in Mexico City in a quiet walkable neighborhood

More resources for planning your trip to Xochimilco Mexico City

• Agoda.com  – a great website for budget hotels in Mexico City.
• WorldNomads  – Great service for insurance coverage that will keep you safe on the road.
• Safety Wing  – Excellent insurance plan for long-term travelers that offers competitive rates is you are planning to stay on the road several weeks in a row. 
• iVisa  – the best website for getting help with your Mexico visa.
• DiscoverCars.com  – Consider renting a car at Discover Cars if you want to day day trips from Mexico City including Xochimilco canals. 
• GetYourGuide.com  – This is one of the best platforms for finding guided tours of Xochimilco Mexico City. Get Your Guide is my favorite platform that offers awesome tours and top-notch guides in many destinations in Mexico.
• CheapoAir.com  – One of the best platforms for saving money on flights within Mexico and beyond. 
• Booking.com  – a popular website with tons and tons of options for accommodations of all sorts.

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A horrible tourist trap - Trajineras Xochimilco

• Mexico    
• Central Mexico and Gulf Coast    
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• Mexico City - Things to Do    
• Trajineras Xochimilco

A horrible tourist trap

I know a lot of people like this place, but other than average food, I saw nothing that makes it worth liking. You spend time going back and forward down a river with no real interesting scenery being bombarded by mariachi bands wanting to play for money and hawkers selling various different tourist tat. Even some will come on the boats. Seriously this is overrated and as I said is a horrible tourist trap. Do something else of actual heritage and meaning that waste time here...

As a tourist be aware that: cost of an hour is $500 pesos ($26 US dollars at today’s exchange rate) per boat not per person, drinks are not included (unless you bring them wit you) and weekends are crowded! Nice place and nice time spent!

My husband and I are visiting CDMX for our 40th Anniversary, and invited my 90 year old mom along. We chose to just take an UBER from Centro where we were staying. It was about $12 on a Monday morning. He dropped us right at Nativitas...I went and asked where we signed up at the tourist station, she gave me a guy and he took us over to the boats. No one hassled us about the rides. A large sign posted that the fee was 500p per hour. My mom has her walker and the fellas with the boat or quite helpful getting her on board and seated. We were the only three on the boat and that was perfectly fine. There is a price chart of sorts for food and beverages and music that is on the tourism flyer. We wiggled out from where all the boats are kept, which seemed an impossible task, but they managed. The canals were not at all what we expected. It was calm and beautiful for the most part, with flower gardens and homes along the side of the canals. Other people in other boats hired the musicians, so we had music practically the whole way for free A very small boat with food came up and we bought a couple of things that were delicious. There was also a boat that sold Crown’s for young ladies and another boat that sold drinks. They would follow up right beside you and hook on while they cook your food and got your drinks. While they suggested the two hour trip, we decided we would just do it for an hour. I would think it would be a great trip for a family or a gathering of friends, and would surely do the two hour trip then. Well worth the trip and the money paid. We made some good memories today.

We arrived at lunchtime on a Saturday and it seemed things were just starting to get busier. Once on board one of the barges it is fun all the way, barges colliding, Mariachis performing, food being cooked and everyone having fun. We never felt hassled by the barges offering their goods or services. It was a memorable day that we had hoped for.

The two hours we spent gliding past flowered embankments, & other happy cruisers were just as colorful and fun as we hoped. The water was clean and fresh, the sights engaging, and the boat side vendor/entrepeneurs fun to engage with. Logistics were easy. Traveling on our own to Xochimilco, we took an Uber to the Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas and headed directly to the tourist office for an overview of the travel routes & booking info. From there we were connected to a dispatcher who smoothly transferred us to a waiting trajiner and our incredible boatman. For 1000$MEX (or 500$ MEX/hr/boat.. before gratuities) we had a special, not to be missed, experience.

We went the boat dock at Fernando Celada. We had hoped to find another couple to team up with when we arrived so we could share a boat ride but at 12.30 on a Friday it was dead. We were a bit disappointed as we were expecting a bit of a festive atmosphere. However, I guess because it was so quiet the boat guy agreed to 500 peso for 1 hour trip - a 2 hour trip is the norm. The boats are colourful and can seat about 12 on little chairs around a fixed central table. The trip was nice enough. Peaceful after the madness if Mexico City but nothing special and not particularly picturesque, but this may be because we didn't go far enough in just an hour - the boats are punts so travel is very slow. Canal was not very clean. There are other 'commercial ' boats on the dock selling beers, tortillas and songs from Mariarchi style bands. I probably would do it again, may be from a different dock to see another part of the canal and when it was a bit busier but this wasn't one of my anticipated highlights of MC. We took the metro from zocalo to the end of the line and then the light railway directly outside the metro. It's then about a 15 min walk. Whole journey was around 1.20 hours and cost just 13 pesos!

Visiting Xochimilco in Mexico City: A Step by Step Guide

Visiting Xochimilco ranks among the ultimate must-dos when exploring Mexico City. Xochimilco is a “party village on water,” offering visitors the choice of local cuisine, music from mariachi bands, and an endless supply of authentic Mexican drinks such as Micheladas. If you want to experience something that’s not offered anywhere else in the world and have a great time, then Xochimilco is the place to do it.

I’ve visited Xochimilco twice within the past four years and have thoroughly enjoyed it each time. Through my experiences in Xochimilco, I’ve learned the best ways to get there, how to avoid popular tourist scams, the top things to do in Xochimilco, and how to barter for the best deals while there.

Table of Contents

What is xochimilco in mexico city.

Xochimilco is a network of canals located in Mexico City. At Xochimilco, tourists can rent a boat that’s piloted by a local and enjoy the atmosphere. Along the canals, you’ll find local restaurants, activities, and vendors. Visitors can instruct the boat driver to stop anywhere they’d like along the canal – whether to sit down for a meal at a restaurant, participate in an activity, or purchase food from a vendor to take with them. In addition to vendors lining the sides of the canals, locals cruise around in boats offering food and drinks. You can also hire mariachi bands in the canals for as many private performances on your boat as you’d like.

How to Get to Xochimilco from Mexico City's Tourist Area

The two best places for tourists to stay in Mexico City are Roma and Condesa. This guide breaks down the best way to get to Xochimilco from those locations since it’s where most tourists stay. 

The most convenient way to reach Xochimilco is by using Uber, which is readily available and safe in Mexico City. The journey from Roma and Condesa to Xochimilco by car takes approximately one hour and costs an average of MX$400 Pesos (or $20 USD) for a one-way trip, though prices may vary depending on the time of day and year.

While it is possible to reach Xochimilco using public transportation, such as the train, it is not recommended due to safety concerns and the potential challenges of navigating the train systems, especially for foreigners.

Ubers are also available for the return trip from Xochimilco to the main tourist areas of Mexico City. However, please keep in mind that the wait time for a returning Uber may be slightly longer than the journey there, as it’s a highly populated area with more tourists attempting to return home than there are available Ubers.

Is a Tour Required to Visit Xochimilco?

It’s entirely possible and relatively easy to visit Xochimilco without a tour; however, having a basic level of Spanish is advisable to avoid potential scams and ensure a smooth independent exploration of Xochimilco. 

Opting for a guided tour to Xochimilco offers several advantages, including the convenience of transportation to and from the park, protection against common tourist scams, and ease of navigation in the bustling area upon arrival.

I’ve visited Xochimilco twice and opted for a tour-free experience each time. I had a fantastic solo adventure, although I do speak some Spanish which I believe helped me go it alone. 

There are many tours to Xochimilco, like this one offered by Viator . 

Xochimilco Tickets and Costs

Xochimilco is completely free to explore on foot. However, to fully experience the canals, you will need to rent a boat. The cost of renting a boat in Xochimilco is not fixed and must be negotiated with the boat drivers upon your arrival. On average, a boat rental costs around 500-600 pesos per hour (approximately $25-30 USD) for the entire boat. This means that whether you ride with 2 people or 5 people, the cost remains the same, and you can divide it among everyone on the boat with you. You can rent the boat for as many hours as you’d like; however, it is recommended to spend three to four hours to fully explore and enjoy.

The boat rental cost in Xochimilco can be negotiated when you arrive. Don’t accept the initial price they quote; always attempt to negotiate for a lower rate. For instance, if they initially quote 600 pesos, you can try to haggle it down to 500 pesos or less. Negotiating the cost is a common practice in Mexican culture, and the locals are accustomed to it.

Xochimilco Hours of Operation

Xochimilco is typically open daily, from early morning until late in the evening. The most crowded days to visit Xochimilco are on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) as it is a popular weekend activity for locals.

Although Xochimilco remains open in the evening, it is recommended to arrive with ample daylight remaining to fully enjoy the surroundings and take advantage of the active vendors during the day. Additionally, departing before nightfall is advisable, as it’s less safe at night.  

Food and Drink Options at Xochimilco

There are numerous local food options available at Xochimilco. Along the canals, visitors can choose to either stop and dine at one of the many restaurants or purchase food from vendors who navigate the waters on boats. Typical food options that can be found at Xochimilco include:

• Tacos: You can find a wide range of taco vendors serving various fillings such as carne asada (grilled beef) and al pastor (marinated pork).
• Elotes and Esquites: These are delicious street corn dishes. Elotes are typically served on the cob, with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime. Esquites are similar but served in a cup.
• Quesadillas: Enjoy stuffed tortillas filled with cheese.
• Tamales: These are steamed corn wrappings, filled with various ingredients like meat and cheese and usually wrapped in banana leaves.
• Sopes: Thick tortillas topped with beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
• Pulque: This traditional Mexican fermented beverage is sold along the canals.
• Fresh Fruit: You can often find vendors selling freshly cut fruit, such as watermelon, mango, pineapple, and more.
• Snacks: Various snacks like chicharrones (fried pork rinds), tostadas, and flavored nuts are sold by vendors along the canal.
• Tostadas: Crispy tortillas topped with beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
• Churros: This traditional sweet/fried treat is sold by vendors in Xochimilco.

Alcoholic Beverages can also be purchased in the canals. The most commonly found beverages at Xochimilco are:

• Beer : The most popular beers sold at Xochimilco are Mexican brands such as: Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico.
• Tequila and Mezcal: Some vendors may offer shots of tequila or mezcal; two of the most popular drinks that Mexico is known for.
• Micheladas: This Mexican beer consists of beer, lime juice, and hot sauces. It is a must-try when visiting Mexico and a very popular choice in Xochimilco.
• Margaritas: These can be found all along the Xochimilco canals.
• Mixed Drinks: While less common than the Mexican drinks listed above; some vendors and restaurants will sell mixed cocktails such as Vodka sodas, Tequila sodas, etc. 

Note that you can bring your own food and drink to Xochimilco. So, if you’d like to save costs during your trip to Xochimilco, consider bringing your own food and drink on board. There are stores near the canals where you can purchase items before getting onto your boat if that’s preferable.

Scams to Avoid in Xochimilco

As Xochimilco is a tourist destination, there are a few scams that target tourists, and all visitors should be aware of them. The most common scam, which happened to me, targets tourists who choose to travel to Xochimilco by Uber. In this scam, locals dress in an “official uniform” and ride on a motorbike on the highway about 30 minutes before reaching Xochimilco. Uber drivers are aware of this scam but usually don’t intervene to stop it. 

When this happened to my friend and I, a person who looked like an official approached our Uber and told the driver that Xochimilco was closed, and that we must go to another destination to ride the boats. We thankfully suspected that they were wrong, and continued on to our planned destination. If this happens to you, don’t fall for it! The alternative destination they try to redirect you to is both less exciting and more expensive.

Overall, keep your guard up when visiting Xochimilco as a tourist. Some people will try to take advantage of you if you don’t stand your ground.

Is Xochimilco Safe?

Xochimilco is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as is the case with any travel destination, it’s essential to exercise caution and maintain awareness of your surroundings. The most common safety incident reported at Xochimilco is pickpocketing.

Visiting Xochimilco in Mexico City is a memorable adventure full of local cuisine, Mexican Mariachi bands, and Mexican beverages. My two visits in the past four years have equipped me with valuable insights for a seamless trip to Xochimilco, and I’d definitely return. Whether you opt for a solo excursion or a guided tour, the canals provide an exceptional experience and it’s one of the best things to do in Mexico City.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the above are affiliate links, and I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend companies that I’ve personally used and like, and the income supports this site. 

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Xochimilco Farm Feast: Exploring the Urban Oasis’s Canals and Gardens

AS FEATURED IN

On this full-day tour of Xochimilco, for private groups of seven or more, we will have exclusive access by private boat to family farms, meet the people upholding ancient agricultural traditions and enjoy a rustic feast in a field surrounded by canals and family gardens. The day begins with breakfast, ends with a big lunch and includes snacks along the way.

On this Xochimilco tour, for private groups of seven or more, we’ll explore how this UNESCO heritage site remains relevant to modern Mexico City — as a place for a pleasure cruise to some and a vital agricultural resource to others. We’ll cruise by boat well beyond the tourist zone and into agricultural areas, to learn more about its culture and food and meet the people who maintain its one-of-a-kind agricultural system, called chinampas, which are island plots of farmland between the canals. In a verdant field, surrounded by productive farms edged by tight canals, we will be hosted for a feast to remember by a local farming family.

Our day-long tour starts with coffee and pastries in central Mexico City, before departing by private van for the eco-reserve of Xochimilco. There we will avoid the central canal clogged with touristic boats and head deeper into the reserve where small farms are still being cultivated in ingenious and sustainable ways that have remained unchanged since pre-Columbian times. We’ll follow the cultivation process in a series of visits to different gardens – from the nursery where the soil is laid out and scored in a perfect grid and seeds are planted by hand to the field where young plants grow to maturity. In between stops, we’ll sample fresh produce as we cruise through this unique natural environment. Finally we will arrive at our last stop, a large farm on a tiny canal, where our farmer/host, Juanito, will show us what’s growing in season before we settle in for a multi-course rustic lunch prepared with just picked local produce. Expect flavorful mushroom stew, roast pork, squash, beans, rice and of course, freshly made tortillas. This will be a day in the life of an agricultural and cultural treasure of Mexico City, as few are able to experience it.

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• Travel Tips

What Qualifies as a Tourist Trap? Not Everyone Agrees

Is it simply something that is exclusively for tourists or is it something more sinister.

Published on 4/12/2024 at 3:08 PM

The term "tourist trap" has an automatic negative connotation—no one wants to be seen as someone who was vulnerable to a trick, something designed to lure visitors and the unwise. But, what exactly is a tourist trap? Some of them are actually pretty popular with tourists, while others—like Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco —are considered totally not worth the time.

And, whether you want to go to a tourist trap or not, a recent survey shows that 89% of Americans are still visiting them during their travels. Software company  PhotoAiD  recently surveyed 1,000 Americans to determine what the current consensus on tourist traps is, including what most travelers considered to be the features that constitute a tourist trap.

According to the survey, the top factors that lead to a place being a tourist trap, versus a tourist attraction are:

• above-average pricing (30%)
• amenities tailored for tourists (28%)
• lack of cultural authenticity (27%)

As you can see based on the fact that all those options got similar levels of support, no one is in total agreement here. But honestly, these are very good reasons for a place not to merit the time and resources to visit—especially the lack of cultural authenticity. But what is most shocking is that even though there's a pretty clear disdain for visiting these sorts of attractions, 44.48% of respondents shared that they'd visited tourist traps between two to three times in the last 24 months, and 29% of respondents had visited tourist traps five times in the last 24 months.

My big question? Why? Fortunately, survey respondents answered that question as well. Here are the reasons why people reported visiting overpriced attractions:

• 33.67% said family/friends wanted to go
• 19.29% said it was highly recommended in guides/reviews/on social media
• 18.17% said it was curiosity or personal interest
• 14.16% considered it a landmark or symbol of the destination
• 13.82% said it was a part of a tour package or itinerary

Unfortunately, these experiences didn’t usually turn out to be an exciting and unexpectedly awesome addition to their trip. The survey showed that 69.56% reported that visiting the tourist attraction resulted in diminished enjoyment or significantly diminished enjoyment, as shown in the graph below.

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