Is Xochimilco Worth It in 2023?

Is Xochimilco worth it?

Xochimilco is worth all the hype, especially if you are with a fun group and looking for a party atmosphere. I went solo on a group tour and had a great time!

Xochimilco’s main attraction is floating down a narrow river on colorful flat-bottomed “trajinera” boats, which seat up to 16 people. 

While floating down the canals, you’ll get to listen to traditional mariachi bands, sip a cerveza, or try some local food specialities.  

It’s a fun, colorful, and lively experience and if you’re with the right people or in the right mindset, you’ll certainly enjoy yourself!

Many people bring drinks onboard and let loose during the ride. Locals go in large groups, with music bumping and drinks flowing, while celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions.

However, even if you aren’t with a “party group,” you can also enjoy a calm ride down the Xochimilco river while enjoying some scenic nature not far from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City.

Overall, Xochimilco is designed for groups so you’ll have the best time if you go in a large group of friends or family.  But even if you’re traveling solo, you can still book a fun group Xochimilco tour and have a great time!

What is Xochimilco known for?

Xochimilco (pronounced “So-chee-meel-koh”) is a captivating district in the south side of Mexico City, known for its colorful trajinera boats and picturesque network of ancient canals.

More than just a party spot, Xochimilco is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it offers a glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Xochimilco is also home to the critically endangered axolotl salamander, also called the “Mexican walking fish” and “water monster.” It’s a unique species that remains in its aquatic larval form throughout its life.

Finally, “Island of the Dolls,” or “Isla de las Muñecas,” is another staple of Xochimilco. Island of the Dolls is an eerie small island adorned with hundreds of possibly haunted dolls. 

Legend has it that the dolls were hung as a tribute to a young girl who drowned–some report they can hear the dolls whispering to each other.

Is Xochimilco safe?

Xochimilco feels very safe, although you shouldn’t be walking around the area after dark. That shouldn’t be a problem though since there isn’t anything to do at Xochimilco at night.

This is such a popular tourist destination, even a hotspot for locals celebrating, so most people are respectful of one another.

The most dangerous part about visiting Xochimilco is getting there, as it’s just outside the city. If you decide to venture here alone, you’ll have to go through some more “dangerous” neighborhoods.

Additionally, you should drink responsibly and practice common sense on the Xochimilco boats and through the canal.

Check out this hilarious video, titled “Titanic Mexicano,” showcasing a larger-than-expected group of people causing one of the boats to sink.

History of Xochimilco

Xochimilco translates to “the place of flower fields” in Nahuatl. Before the Spanish conquistadors in Mexico, Xochimilco was a thriving agricultural region cultivated by the Aztecs.

The Aztecs transformed the marshy land of Xochimilco into a network of artificial islands, or floating gardens of Xochimilco, known as “chinampas”. 

These floating gardens stood a testament to the innovative sustainable agricultural system the Aztecs developed and earned worldwide recognition.

Following the Spanish rule, Xochimilco continued to flourish. Colonial buildings and churches were erected, creating a lasting agricultural imprint that is still alive today.

Xochimilco in Mexico City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Today, it thrives as a great place rich with pre-Hispanic history. 

The culture is alive in the mariachi music, floating gardens of Xochimilco, and colorful boats sailing through the Xochimilco canals.

What can you do at Xochimilco?

Xochimilco is so much more than a simple boat ride. There is much to do and much to experience here. Let’s talk about some of the most popular activities at Xochimilco.

Take a Trajinera Boat Ride

Taking a trajinera Xochimilco boat trip is the centerpiece of Xochimilco. The traditional trajinera boats are vibrant, flat-bottomed boats that welcome you and your group and will take you through some of the enchanting Mexico City canals of Xochimilco.

The colorful trajinera boats are often operated by a skilled operator, who maneuvers the boat with only a large pole.

Some groups choose to bring their own food and alcohol and go all out during the Xochimilco boat ride, while others have a more relaxed vibe, just taking in the beauty that surrounds them.

Hire a Mariachi Band

Floating mariachi bands and other local sellers will stop at your boat and offer their services during your boat trip. 

Considering the original purpose, the trajinera boats were initially used to transport goods across the canal. It feels like a truly immersive experience!

But if you want to embrace the rich Mexican history here, hire a mariachi band. They will come onboard and play energizing tunes at your request.  They can be hired by song or by the hour.

The Mariachi bands are an integral part of Mexican history, and the ones at Xochimilco will bring a lot of energy onboard with sounds of trumpets, violins, and guitarróns.

Enjoy Local Food & Drinks

Another great way to immerse yourself in the culture of Xochimilco is to try out some of the local food specialities. 

There are smaller boats that cruise up and down the canals, offering elotes (Mexican street corn), esquites (corn off-the-cob), chicharrones (fried pork rinds), and palomitas (popcorn). 

And of course, there’s separate boats for beer, tequila, and margaritas! 🍻

These extra food and drinks are available for purchase from local vendors and you’ll pay at the end of the ride–just back sure to have enough cash on hand.

Go Souvenir Shopping

In addition to its natural and cultural wonders, Xochimilco offers fantastic opportunities for souvenir shopping at the local market.

You’ll find an assortment of colorful stalls and vendors selling unique handicrafts and traditional Mexican souvenirs.

One of the best things about shopping around Xochimilco is that you can be sure you support local artists and individuals. 

And by purchasing Mexican souvenirs from local vendors, you directly contribute to the livelihood of these talented people.

Where is Xochimilco?

How to Get to Xochimilco

Here are the different ways to get to Xochimilco:

Take an Uber

Taking an Uber is the easiest way to get to Xochimilco if you’re going on your own. Ubers in Mexico City are inexpensive and can bring you directly where you want to go. 

For regular traffic in Mexico City, an Uber ride to Xochimilco should cost around $200 pesos (~$12 USD) each way.

And when you’re ready to go back to central Mexico City, it should be easy to request one for the return trip.

Book a Guided Tour

If you’re looking for the most hassle-free way to get to Xochimilco, guided tours are the best way to go because you don’t have to do any of the planning yourself. 

Additionally, group Xochimilco tours are an excellent choice for solo travelers as you’re automatically paired up with a group of like-minded travelers.

Plus, Xochimilco tours include a local guide who is well-versed in the history and importance of Xochimilco. It’s a great way to learn about this piece of Mexican heritage and make the most of your time here.

An all-inclusive guided tour of Xochimilco with alcoholic drinks and snacks included typically costs around $70 USD per person.  

I personally went on this small group Xochimilco tour but also I’ve outlined some of my top Xochimilco tour recommendations below!

Or these Xochimilco, Coyoacán, and Frida Kahlo tours also offer the chance to see other attractions around Mexico City as well.

Take Public Transportation

Public transportation is the cheapest, most time-consuming, and most risky option for getting to Xochimilco. The metro should take between an hour and an hour and a half.

You will take Metro Line 2 (the blue line) to the end of the route, getting off at Station Tasqueña. Once off, head through the doors to the light rail, getting off at the last station: Station Xochimilco. You can also find detailed directions for public transport with Google Maps.

The total cost is only around $50 pesos (~$3 USD) each way, but there are many precautions to take. Public transportation can be dangerous. The metro cars are often jam-packed, and many reports of pickpocketing and other problems arise here.

Best Xochimilco Tours

How much does Xochimilco cost?

Tips for Visiting Xochimilco

• Hire a mariachi band: The bands might seem a little “extra” or “loud,” but they are worth it! I wasn’t planning on hiring one, but a guy on my tour ended up paying for it, and it was so much fun. The mariachi music adds to the experience and only costs around $10 USD.

• Bring your own snacks and drinks: You can bring your snacks and drinks on the boat. While you can also buy some things from nearby vendors, it is a little pricey, and options are limited.  There are even convenience stores nearby where you can buy beer and alcohol.

• Plan your route: If you’re hiring the boat yourself, make sure you discuss the route with the trajinera operator. There are several routes they can take, and you want to make sure you see the points of interest that are most important to you.

• Bring cash: Most vendors and musicians only accept cash in Xochimilco, so make sure you bring some extra money to pay for any food and drinks or mariachi music along the way. You can use my how much money to bring to Mexico calculator to get an idea of how much cash to bring.

• Respect the environment: Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s essential to help preserve its beauty. Avoid littering and follow any guidelines and rules from your trajinera operator.

Visiting Xochimilco: FAQs

Final Thoughts: Is Xochimilco worth visiting?