Mexico City : Xochimilco Waterways and Coyocan Alleys

Floating down the serene Xochimilco canals and strolling through the charming cobblestone alleys of Coyoacán, Mexico City offers visitors a...

Mexico City offers a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy. From the tranquil Xochimilco waterways to the charming alleys of Coyoacán, travelers can enjoy the city’s cultural richness. Gliding along the colorful canals on traditional boats, visitors will be surrounded by mariachi music and local flavors. Then, they can stroll through Coyoacán’s cobblestone streets, discovering the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum and the artistic energy that permeates this neighborhood. What more might these enchanting destinations unveil?

Key Points

mexico-city-xochimilco-waterways-and-coyocan-alleys

  • This tour offers a guided boat ride through the vibrant canals of Xochimilco, providing a serene and cultural experience.
  • Visitors can explore the charming Coyoacán neighborhood, known for its colonial architecture, local cuisine, and the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum.
  • The tour includes visits to significant landmarks such as Colonia Exhipódromo de Peralvillo, Estadio Azteca, and Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
  • The tour duration is 7 hours, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve without upfront payment.
  • The tour includes hotel pickup, and guides are identified by the Ortega travel logo on their vehicles.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

mexico-city-xochimilco-waterways-and-coyocan-alleys

The tour "Mexico City – Xochimilco waterways and Coyoacán alleys" offers an immersive experience, with a price of $44.16 per person and a duration of 7 hours.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

The tour includes pickup from select locations, a guided boat ride on the Xochimilco canals, and visits to landmarks like the Frida Kahlo Museum and the UNAM campus.

While lunch and museum entrance fees are excluded, the tour provides a rundown of Mexico City’s vibrant culture and historical sites.

Itinerary and Transportation

mexico-city-xochimilco-waterways-and-coyocan-alleys

Travelers are picked up from their hotel lobbies within the designated pickup area, with guides identifying themselves by the Ortega travel logo on their vehicles.

Travelers are picked up from their hotel lobbies within the designated pickup area, with guides identifying themselves by the Ortega travel logo on their vehicles.

The tour includes stops at:

  1. Colonia Exhipódromo de Peralvillo for 45 minutes.

  2. Estadio Azteca and Estadio Olímpico Universitario for 20 and 30 minutes, respectively, for exterior visits and photo opportunities.

  3. Xochimilco for a 1-hour boat ride on a traditional trajinera, where lunch and drinks are available for purchase.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Coyoacán neighborhood, including the Frida Kahlo Museum, before drop-off at the original meeting points.

Xochimilco: Floating Through the Canals

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As visitors board the colorful trajinera boats, they enjoy the serene tranquility of Xochimilco’s floating gardens.

They glide along the vibrant canals, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional mariachi music. The boats are decked out with flowers, creating a festive atmosphere.

Visitors can indulge in local cuisine and drinks as they soak in the unique sights and sounds. The experience transports them to a world apart from the bustling city, offering a glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

It’s a captivating adventure that showcases the enchanting beauty of Xochimilco.

Coyoacán: Exploring the Charming Neighborhood

mexico-city-xochimilco-waterways-and-coyocan-alleys

After exploring the serene waterways of Xochimilco, the tour continues to the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán.

Here, visitors can:

  1. Wander the colorful, cobblestone alleys and admire the colonial architecture.

  2. Visit the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum, a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.

  3. Indulge in the local cuisine and soak up the vibrant, artistic atmosphere.

Coyoacán’s quaint plazas, cozy cafes, and vibrant murals provide a delightful contrast to the bustling city.

This historic neighborhood offers a glimpse into Mexico City’s rich cultural heritage and serves as a peaceful respite from the urban chaos.

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UNAM Campus: A Glimpse of Mexico’s Premier University

The tour then takes visitors to the sprawling campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), one of the largest universities in the world.

With over 345,000 students, the UNAM campus is a hub of academic activity. Visitors can explore the iconic Olympic Stadium, known for hosting the 1968 Olympics.

The tour also provides an opportunity to marvel at the university’s impressive architecture, including the famous Central Library with its distinctive blue tiles.

This stop offers a glimpse into Mexico’s premier higher education institution and its vibrant student life.

Stadiums: Capturing the Architectural Marvels

mexico-city-xochimilco-waterways-and-coyocan-alleys

The tour then takes visitors to witness the architectural marvels of two prominent stadiums in Mexico City.

The group first stops at the Estadio Azteca, home to the Mexican national football team. Visitors can admire the stadium’s impressive size, its iconic arched entrances, and the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds it, even on non-game days.

Next, they visit the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, a historic venue that has hosted various sporting events, including the 1968 Summer Olympics. Here, guests can marvel at the stadium’s sleek, modernist design and take in the stunning views of the UNAM campus.

Inclusions and Exclusions

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The tour includes pickup and transportation by van, as well as a certified tour guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

A certified guide provides commentary in English and Spanish as you’re transported by van for the tour.

You’ll also get a 1-hour boat trip on a traditional trajinera in Xochimilco.

However, the tour excludes lunch and drinks, which are available for purchase.

Entrance to the Frida Kahlo Museum is also not included, though you can visit the exterior.

While the stadiums are part of the tour, you’ll only be able to view them from the outside and take photos.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

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Based on the provided customer reviews, the tour seems to receive mixed feedback.

While some customers praised the friendly guides and drivers as well as the excellent experience, others noted issues with disorganization, unnecessary stops, and extended wait times in Xochimilco.

Plus, there were reports of refund problems for no-shows.

To summarize the key customer experiences:

  1. Positive: Friendly guides and drivers, excellent experience.

  2. Negative: Disorganization, unnecessary stops, extended wait times in Xochimilco.

  3. Negative: Refund issues for no-shows.

Frequently Asked Questions

mexico-city-xochimilco-waterways-and-coyocan-alleys

Are There Age Restrictions for the Xochimilco Boat Ride?

There are no age restrictions for the Xochimilco boat ride. Children of all ages are welcome to join the traditional Mexican party atmosphere and enjoy the colorful trajinera (boat) experience along the canals.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but there are also options to purchase food and drinks at Xochimilco. The tour doesn’t include any meals, so bringing your own is an option.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, the tour duration is fixed at 7 hours and can’t be extended. However, participants can explore Coyoacán and the Frida Kahlo Museum on their own after the tour ends if they want to spend more time in the area.

Do the Guides Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

The guides do provide recommendations for local restaurants during the tour. They’ll suggest good options in Coyoacán and around Xochimilco where you can enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine and drinks during the free time.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

The tour does not offer customizable itineraries. However, the guides can provide recommendations for local restaurants that align with your preferences. It’s best to discuss any special requests during the booking process to see if accommodations can be made.

The Sum Up

Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of Mexico City through this captivating tour. Glide along the colorful Xochimilco canals, learn about the charming Coyoacán neighborhood, and explore the architectural marvels of UNAM campus and local stadiums. This immersive experience offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Mexico’s enchanting essence.

You can check availability for your dates here: