Xochimilco
Introduction
You can explore the historic character of Xochimilco, a borough of Mexico City centered on its own former independent city. This area holds deep historical roots, having been established on the southern shore of Lake Xochimilco during the precolonial period.
Getting there
You can reach Xochimilco from the city center using a combination of public transportation options. Begin your journey by taking Metro Line 2 to the Tasqueña station. From there, you will make a sharp right turn at the train platform to access the Tren Ligero light rail system.
The Tren Ligero accepts the same cards used for the Metro and travels directly to Xochimilco, which serves as the final stop on the line. Once you arrive, follow the signs throughout the town to locate the embarcaderos for your waterfront embarkation.
Where to stay
You will find that there are no suitable hotels for tourists within Xochimilco. Accommodations listed on booking sites typically consist of small local establishments intended for residents rather than travelers.
To find appropriate lodging, you should look toward the nearby big city where hotels catering to travelers are located.
Food & drink
While navigating the canals, you can find various options for snacks and meals directly on the water. Trajineras offer treats such as sweets, tacos, and boiled or roasted corn on the cob, while restaurant boats serve simple dishes featuring rice, tortillas, and chicken in sauce. Along the shore, vendors also sell ice cream, candy, drinks, and prepared meals to passing boats.
In downtown Xochimilco, you can find food stands within market areas as well as nearby pizzerias and taco restaurants. For traditional flavors, visit a pulqueria in the heart of the area to sample curados with unique notes of tomato or celery. When purchasing drinks on the canal—whether from your boat's bucket or from vendors who approach via hand signal—it is helpful to have exact change.
What to see and do
Explore the historic heart of Xochimilco by visiting the 16th-century Xochimilco Cathedral, which features a spectacular main altar and colonial paintings. You can also visit the Cuahilama archaeological site to see petroglyphs of animals, warriors, and butterflies protected by metal enclosures. For art lovers, the Museo Dolores Olmedo is housed in a historic hacienda and contains an extensive collection of works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Experience the local culture by taking a ride on a colorfully painted trajinera through the canal system. As you float along the water, you can pass by greenhouses filled with flowers and plants, see city life, and even hire mariachi trios or marimba players to perform from nearby music boats. You may also choose to explore the chinampas, which are traditional floating gardens dating back to the pre-colonial Aztec era. For a different experience on the water, you can rent a canoe or kayak to paddle through the chinampas yourself.
- Parque Ecologico de Xochimilco (PEX): A large recreational park featuring lakes, springs, canals, and gardens with amenities like a miniature train and picnic areas.
- Feria de la Flor Mas Bella del Ejido: A festival in April featuring music, dance, and a contest for the most decorated trajinera.
- Feria de la Nieve: A celebration of artisanal hand-made ice creams in various colors and flavors.
- La Llorona: A theatrical and musical retelling of the weeping mother's tale performed on trajineras during the Day of the Dead.
Three days in Xochimilco
Day one, you can begin your journey in Mexico City by taking the Metro Line to Tasqueera. From there, you can ride the Tren Ligero to reach Xochimilco. Once you arrive, you can explore the local area and experience the culture of this historic region.
Day two, you can head to Lake Xochimilco to travel along the water in trajineras. You can enjoy the scenery while experiencing the traditions of the area. This provides a unique way to see the landscape as you move through the waterways.
Day three, you can visit the local sites and landmarks. You can explore the surroundings and experience the atmosphere of Xochimilco before concluding your stay in this part of Mexico City.