Overview
Hop on a Xochimilco Day Trip and let your senses be alive! From sailing along the peaceful canals on a traditional trajinera, as the sweet scents of flowers fill the air, to tasting the flavors of chinampa harvested produce, prepared with love by local hosts. Admire the vibrant colors that paint the floating gardens while you immerse in this magical experience, where everyday life blends with natural beauty.
Highlights
- Get amazed by a beautiful natural landscape and its silent atmosphere in the middle of a lake.
- Visit a traditional chinampa to learn about its heritage which dates back to the Aztec times.
- Learn the basics about Mexican gastronomy and its social aspects in the local culture.
- Pick up fresh ingredients from the chinampa and prepare your own lunch in a traditional Mexican way, for instance, quesadillas, salsa, or tacos!
- Paddle your own kayak and discover the UNESCO-listed canals of Xochimilco, protected since 1987.
- Visit the famous Mexican salamander axolotl in an aquarium and discover why it is important for the locals.
Itinerary
Begin your Xochimilco Day Trip by meeting your guide and diving into an adventure to discover the essence of Xochimilco, one of Mexico City’s most enchanting and historically rich neighborhoods. Known for its natural beauty, unique floating gardens, and deep-rooted agricultural traditions, Xochimilco offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture.
Your journey begins with a ride aboard a colorful trajinera, the iconic wooden boat that has become a symbol of the Xochimilco canals. As you glide over the serene waters, feel the peaceful atmosphere surrounding you while enjoying the tranquil views of the canals lined with lush vegetation. Let the gentle sway of the boat captivate your senses while the sounds of mariachi music or traditional songs from nearby boats fill the air. Along the way, your guide will point out the ancient chinampas—remarkable rectangular fields created by the Aztecs centuries ago to cultivate crops on the lake. These UNESCO World Heritage sites have been central to local agriculture for generations, and their significance continues today. The chinampas are fertile grounds where various vegetables and aromatic flowers are grown, providing a unique glimpse into an ancient farming method still practiced by local communities.
Later, you’ll step foot on a chinampa, where you can connect with the local community and gain insight into their daily lives and sustainable farming practices. Here, you’ll get a hands-on experience by handpicking fresh produce directly from the garden. As you gather tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, your taste buds will be aligned with the flavors of Xochimilco’s finest ingredients. Afterward, join your hosts to prepare a delicious lunch using the freshly picked ingredients. Guided by the culinary wisdom of local farmers, you’ll cook up a meal highlighting the region’s traditional recipes and flavors.
Stop at an aquarium to encounter the axolotl, a critically endangered salamander native to the Xochimilco region. This fascinating creature is often called the “Mexican walking fish” and holds great ecological significance in the area. The axolotl symbolizes Xochimilco’s fragile ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect it. Your guide will explain its unique life cycle, habitat, and the conservation challenges it faces.
As the day begins to wind down, we’ll take you back to the boat for a relaxing ride through the tranquil canals, allowing you time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day. With memories of the lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and the rich history of Xochimilco, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of this unique part of Mexico City.
How is this tour different?
Read morePrices
- This tour is private: only your group will participate.
- The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).
Inclusions
Included ✅
Local Expert Guides
Service of a multilingual local guide:
- Small-group tour: English & Spanish (our guides are bilingual).
- Private tour: Spanish & English + other languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, Portuguese) upon prior request (based on availability).
Transportation
Round transportation from Mexico City:
- Small-group tour: shared (with other participants in the group tour) pickup from a defined location.
- Private tour: private (just for your group) pickup from your accommodation or another place of choice in Mexico City.
The type of vehicle depends on the size of the group and may include a car, 7-seater, or minivan.
Meals
Local food and drinks tastings
Activities
Guided visit to a chinampa, cooking class, kayak ride, and a visit to an axolotl refuge.
Excluded ❌
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included: find the one exactly for you.
Personal expenses
Flights
Flights are not included: check our partner deals.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.
Tips
Details
Minimum number of participants |
Automatic confirmation (your departure is automatically confirmed and 100% guaranteed). |
Meeting Point |
Angel de la Independencia - roundabout from the side of Hotel City Express Plus by Marriott
Pickup included: your accommodation or another convenient place of your choice.
|
Departure Time | 08:00 AM |
Languages |
|
What to take with you? |
|
Accesibility | 🛑 Not wheelchair accessible. |
Pets | 🛑 Not permitted. |
Things to know before booking |
|
Customization ? The way how tour organizer can customize this tour for you
We can do the following customizations on your request (subject to availability and needs to be confirmed before the tour):
1. Adjust the starting time of the tour.
2. Adjust the time you spend at each destination of the tour.
3. Add extra places of your choice (e.g. attractions, restaurants, etc.) to the itinerary on a complimentary basis if those visits.
(1) fit the default duration of the tour, (2) don’t involve a significant change of the route and extra fees (e.g. entrance tickets, tolls, parking, etc.).
Changes other than those will involve an extra fee and must be communicated to the tour organizer at least 72h before the tour (e.g. in the “Special Requirements” field during the booking or via email).
Cancellations
This and most of our 1-day tours can be canceled up to 48 hours before the departure (see cancellation policy for more info).
Frequently asked questions:
How to book?
To reserve the tour, please choose the date and complete the booking form. Once finished, you will receive a booking confirmation in your email.
How can I contact the tour organizer?
You can find the contact phone number and email of the tour organizer in the confirmation email.
Can I talk to someone?
Except for the information on this page, you can see full terms & conditions from each tour organizer before completing your booking.
About Vibe Adventures
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the tour and activity providers (“Organizers”) listed on vibeadventures.com are independent third parties and are not agents or affiliates of Vibe Adventures. Therefore, Vibe Adventures shall not be held liable for any injuries, sickness, accidents, delays, neglect, fraud, poor weather conditions, negative consequences, or expenses arising from or associated with the Organizers, their tours and activities, or those of their affiliates. If the tour does not include insurance, the travelers are responsible for obtaining travel insurance, as well as passports, appropriate visas, and necessary vaccinations.
Cancellations & Modifications
To cancel or modify your booking, please contact the Organizer directly using the email or phone number provided in the booking confirmation. Cancellations and modifications are subject to availability and the approval of the Organizer in accordance with their booking terms and conditions, which are made available to you during the booking process.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Reviews