Amid canals, plant markets, must-see museums, pulque bars, food markets, and more, all await you in a single place brimming with history and tradition. We’ll tell you what to do in Xochimilco now that you’re ready to take a stroll—and no matter what time of year it is, there’s always something to do!
South of Mexico City lies a gem of a place that, in Nahuatl , means “the flower field,” though the closest translation is “Chinampas de Flores.”
Did you know that the origins of this place date back to the Mesoamerican Preclassic Period? Here you’ll find 14 indigenous communities that still preserve many aspects of their traditional culture and indigenous heritage.
Trajinera Ride
By the hour
Let’s start with the area’s most iconic and famous attraction: taking a trajinera boat ride. This is undoubtedly a national and international attraction unlike any other, and you can cruise the tourist canals of Xochimilco while enjoying drinks and food—whether you bring your own or buy them along the way. It’s an excellent way to have a little fun and enjoy Mexican folklore.
It’s important to know that there are several spots where you can take a trajinera ride. However, the ones we’ve mentioned are considered the most traditional and feature spacious facilities, parking, and markets offering handicrafts and local cuisine.
Cost may vary depending on the itinerary
On the other hand, there’s the option to explore the canals of Xochimilco—which almost no one visits—aboard a comfortable and safe kayak. “Xochimilco Kayak Tours” is the name of oneof the tours led by Jorge Alfaro, which takes you to discover the agricultural side of Xochimilco, with cleaner canals, natural landscapes, and where you can spot the various migratory and endemic birds of Xochimilco.
Our recommendation? Take the sunrise tour—even though you’ll have to wake up very early, we promise it’s 100% worth it, and you can bring your furry friend along.
The Temple of Diana
Moving on to traditional culinary experiences, stopping by for a glass of pulque is definitely a must. This traditional local drink is considered the nectar of the gods and is one of Mexico’s most time-honored beverages. Did you know it’s been enjoyed since pre-Hispanic times?
There’s more than one pulque bar in Xochimilco. However, the most famous one is El Templo de Diana. Here you can try traditional pulque and pulque in different flavors; this place is well-known among connoisseurs and comes highly recommended.
Xochimilco’s Food Markets
But that’s not all! If you’re looking to try different comal-cooked treats like quesadillas, gorditas, huaraches, and sopes with huitlacoche, squash blossoms, and other delicious, traditional ingredients that abound in the area, Xochimilco’s food markets are the place to go.
Here you can also enjoy delicious barbacoa and sip a cold glass of tepache, another traditional Mexican drink. It’s important to know that you can find these culinary gems in more than one place.
Church of San Bernardino de Siena
Perhaps the most famous is the Church of San Bernardino de Siena, also known as the Xochimilco Cathedral, which was built by the Franciscans in the 16th century and is a colorful must-see for any architecture lover.
Xochimilco Archaeological Museum
The Xochimilco Archaeological Museum, housed in a beautiful Porfirian building next to the ruins of a Nahuatl settlement. Here you’ll find a collection of 2,441 clay and stone artifacts of paleontological origin, as well as mammoth remains, rock carvings, and artifacts from the Teotihuacan culture.
The newly renovated Dolores Olmedo Museum is a must-see. Here you’ll find approximately 3,000 works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, as well as 600 pre-Hispanic artifacts from Mesoamerican cultures such as the Olmec, Mixtec, and Zapotec, among others. Plus, the garden is home to peacocks and Xoloitzcuintles.
Xochimilco Ecological Park
For nature lovers, there’s the Xochimilco Ecological Park, a 145-hectare area, 50 of which are bodies of water and marshes where you can observe various endemic and migratory species. It opened its doors to the public in 1993 and has been part of the “Ejidos de Xochimilco y San Gregorio Atlapulco” Protected Natural Area since 1992.
You can enjoy a variety of activities, such as renting trajineras and pedal boats, renting bicycles or ATVs, having a picnic, running on the 10-km jogging trail, visiting the Chinampa Xóchitl Museum, working out at the outdoor gym, or taking your little ones to the playground.
Buy plants
Are you a plant lover? You should know that the best places to find plants at great prices and in all sizes are the Xochimilco Flower Market and the Cuemanco Plant and Flower Market. Aisles upon aisles filled with greenery and flowers where you’ll find hard-to-find varieties—and the best part is that almost all the flowers are grown by the residents of Xochimilco.
Experience the legend of La Llorona aboard a trajinera: if you’re looking for things to do in Xochimilco during the Day of the Dead season, this show transforms the Cuemanco canals into a nighttime stage featuring more than 50 actors, live music, dance, lights, and a monumental pyramid. The experience lasts about three hours and combines a traditional trajinera tour with a performance inspired by the famous Mexican legend. It’s usually presented between October and November, with different evening shows depending on the date.
If you visit Xochimilco during the Day of the Dead season, this trajinera tour organized by Explora Xochimilco includes a visit to the marigold chinampas, offerings, music, local cuisine, and traditional activities.
Plan your weekend by discovering the little gems that Mexico City has in store for you—ones you’ve surely never heard of before.
