Spending a Day in Xochimilco, Mexico: An Overview
Exploring the lush, historic Xochimilco in Mexico City offers a captivating blend of vibrant party boats and a deep dive into regenerative ecosystems. Often associated with raucous boat cruises, this slice of pre-Hispanic watery paradise hides a wealth of tranquil experiences beneath its rainbow-hued surface.
First pictured as jam-packed party boats blasting mariachi music, I spotted Xochimilco as a bustling layered destination. Choose between an exuberant fiesta or a more immersive exploration of the area's agriculture, local history, and slow travel magic.
Here's a guide to making the most of your 24 hours in Xochimilco:
Break of DawnStart your day with a steaming cup of coffee at Animal Café, followed by a stroll to Mercado de Xochimilco. Early risers here are already squeezing fresh juice and frying up tasty tlacoyos on hot comals. Try a fava bean-stuffed tlacoyo topped with nopales for a taste of the local cuisine.
From the market, head to one of Xochimilco's many piers. Opt for Embarcadero Cuemanco or Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas—the latter being more popular, though Cuemanco sees fewer crowds. Here, negotiate directly for a peaceful canal ride, which will take you past tourist flotillas and into a serene world. Expect to pay around M$500/hour (US$25/hour).
Nourishing AfternoonEmbark on something special with an agritourism project like Chinampa Fuego Viva. In my experience, I negotiated a boat ride with a local anthropologist guide, disembarked onto a secret garden world, and learned about pre-Hispanic agriculture while savoring a home-cooked lunch right on site. Alternatively, Chinampas Xochimilco offers late morning or afternoon canal rides with lessons about local flora and fauna, and a home-cooked meal on the chinampa. Opt for a more curated day tour with Culinary Backstreets if desired.
Sunset and TwilightEnd your day with a food crawl at the revived Mercado Xochimilco or enjoy a sit-down meal at Dalia Mercado Cultural. order the pozole (a soup or thin stew) or chorizo tacos for a delightful dining experience. As night falls, book a short, quiet evening trajinera ride for a relaxing, romantic experience. Marvel at the flickering string lights from distant boats and the echo of a trumpet in the distance.
For a more peaceful exploration of Xochimilco, visit early on a weekday. The area's rich agricultural history, regenerative farming initiatives, and centuries-old charm await those who venture beyond the tourist trail.
In Xochimilco, Mexico, embark on a serene canal ride early in the day from Embarcadero Cuemanco or Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas, enjoying a taste of local cuisine with a fava bean-stuffed tlacoyo from Mercado de Xochimilco. Afterward, immerse yourself in pre-Hispanic farming practices with an agritourism project like Chinampa Fuego Viva or Chinampas Xochimilco, which also offer home-cooked meals. To wind down, visit the revived Mercado Xochimilco or Dalia Mercado Cultural for a dining experience featuring traditional Mexican dishes such as pozole or chorizo tacos. For a romantic and peaceful finale, take a quiet evening trajinera ride under flickering string lights. For a more tranquil exploration, consider visiting Xochimilco on a weekday. This ecotourist destination, known for its regenerative farming initiatives and rich agricultural history, invites you to escape the tourist trail and delve deeper into its centuries-old charm. Adopt a reusable lifestyle during your travel experience in Xochimilco, contributing to the preservation of this beautiful lakeside region.
