Traditional Xochimilco

Hailed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xochimilco's vibrant canals and colorful trajinera boats offer visitors a glimpse into Mexico City's rich cultural heritage, beckoning them to explore the region's captivating traditions.

Xochimilco is a must-visit destination for those seeking to enjoy Mexico City’s rich cultural heritage. This vibrant, UNESCO-recognized area boasts ancient canals and colorful boats known as trajineras, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the region’s traditions. From leisurely boat rides to indulging in local cuisine, Xochimilco promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the essence of Mexico’s history and customs. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere, complete with the sounds of mariachi music and the presence of floating gardens, making it a truly captivating destination.

Key Points

traditional-xochimilco

  • Xochimilco is a historic region in Mexico City known for its iconic trajinera boat rides along its intricate network of canals.
  • The Jiménez Family has over 95 years of experience in Xochimilco’s tourism industry, offering an authentic cultural experience.
  • The tour includes a 1.5-hour trajinera ride, tasting of traditional pulque, and learning to prepare chilango-style micheladas.
  • Visitors can explore a greenhouse showcasing diverse plant species, including carnivorous plants, on the Jiménez Family property.
  • The tour provides a unique opportunity to immerse in Xochimilco’s rich history and culture, with dining and souvenir options available.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

traditional-xochimilco

The traditional Xochimilco tour is priced at €44.45 per person and lasts for 2 hours.

The traditional Xochimilco tour is priced at €44.45 per person and lasts for 2 hours.

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a "reserve now & pay later" option is available.

The tour explores the gastronomy, festivities, and history of the region with bilingual guides, including a 1.5-hour trajinera ride along Xochimilco’s channels and a tasting of pulque, a traditional pre-Hispanic drink, upon arrival.

Unlimited drinks, such as beer, tequila, soft drinks, and water, are provided during the tour.

Experience and Activities

traditional-xochimilco

While exploring the gastronomy, festivities, and history of the region, guests will enjoy a 1.5-hour trajinera ride along Xochimilco’s channels.

Upon arrival, they’ll savor a tasting of pulque, a traditional pre-Hispanic drink. During the tour, guests can indulge in unlimited drinks, including beer, tequila, soft drinks, and water.

They’ll also learn to prepare chilango-style micheladas and play popular Mexican board games.

The tour boasts unique features, such as a private pier and restaurant overlooking the lake, as well as the opportunity to visit a greenhouse with diverse flora, including carnivorous plants and cacti.

Unique Features

traditional-xochimilco

Aside from the immersive tour experience, the Traditional Xochimilco offering boasts several unique features that set it apart.

Visitors can enjoy the tour from a private pier and restaurant overlooking the iconic Xochimilco canals. With over 95 years of family experience in tourism, the tour provides an authentic glimpse into the area’s rich history and culture.

Plus, guests can explore a greenhouse showcasing a diverse array of plants, including carnivorous species and cacti.

These distinctive elements combine to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience for those seeking to discover the essence of Xochimilco.

Dining and Souvenirs

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As part of the Traditional Xochimilco tour, guests can enjoy one order of golden tacos per person, with vegan options available.

The tour also includes a souvenir shop where guests can purchase keepsakes from their experience.

After the tour, guests are welcome to stay at the restaurant, which offers stunning views of the lake.

With over 95 years of family experience in tourism, the Jiménez Family property, which houses the greenhouse, restaurant, and foundation, provides a unique and memorable dining and shopping experience for all visitors.

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Accessibility and Important Information

The Traditional Xochimilco tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year of age.

The meeting point for the tour is the Jiménez Family property, which includes a greenhouse, restaurant, and foundation.

Guests are recommended to bring biodegradable sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun during the tour.

The tour offers a unique and accessible experience for visitors to explore the rich culture and history of Xochimilco.

Key information:

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Not suitable for babies under 1 year

  • Meeting point: Jiménez Family property

Exploring Gastronomy and History

traditional-xochimilco

Though the Traditional Xochimilco tour offers an abundance of activities, its primary focus lies in exploring the rich gastronomy and captivating history of this renowned Mexican destination.

Guests embark on a culinary journey, tasting the iconic pulque drink upon arrival and learning to craft traditional micheladas.

The bilingual guides provide insightful commentary, bringing the area’s vibrant festivities and cultural heritage to life.

From the pre-Hispanic roots to the modern-day traditions, this immersive experience offers a comprehensive understanding of Xochimilco’s remarkable past and present.

Discovering Xochimilco’s Channels

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Guests embark on a 1.5-hour trajinera ride along Xochimilco’s iconic waterways, seeing the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

A 1.5-hour trajinera ride along Xochimilco’s iconic waterways, immersing guests in the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The traditional flat-bottomed boats navigate past colorful floating gardens, historic churches, and mariachi bands serenading passengers.

Key highlights of the experience include:

  1. Admiring the vibrant flowers, plants, and produce cultivated in the chinampas – the floating gardens unique to this ancient Aztec city.

  2. Listening to the lively sounds of mariachi music echoing across the tranquil canals.

  3. Sampling pulque, a traditional pre-Hispanic fermented agave drink, as part of the tour’s inclusive offerings.

Preparing Traditional Mexican Drinks

traditional-xochimilco

As part of the tour’s inclusive offerings, guests learn to prepare traditional Mexican drinks like chilango-style micheladas.

Under the guidance of knowledgeable hosts, visitors discover the art of crafting these refreshing beverages. Micheladas blend beer, lime juice, seasonings, and sometimes even tomato juice for a unique, zesty flavor.

Guests also have the opportunity to sample pulque, a traditional pre-Hispanic fermented drink made from the maguey plant.

These immersive experiences allow visitors to explore Mexico’s rich beverage culture and gain a deeper appreciation for local flavors and techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

traditional-xochimilco

How Many People Can Fit in a Single Trajinera Boat?

The typical trajinera boat used for the Xochimilco tour can accommodate up to 15 people. These traditional Mexican boats provide a scenic and immersive experience as visitors float along the canals.

Is It Possible to Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes unlimited drinks and one order of golden tacos per person. Bringing outside items is not permitted.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children Participating in the Tour?

The tour has an age restriction – it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year. Children of all other ages can participate, but the tour operator recommends checking with them beforehand for any additional guidelines or requirements.

Can We Disembark the Boat and Explore the Surrounding Areas During the Tour?

Guests can explore the surrounding areas during the tour. The tour includes a 1.5-hour trajinera ride along Xochimilco’s channels as well as the opportunity to visit a greenhouse with various plants after the boat ride.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Tips Required During the Tour?

The tour includes unlimited drinks and one order of golden tacos per person. Additional fees or tips are not required during the tour, though guests can purchase souvenirs from the onsite shop if desired.

The Sum Up

Xochimilco offers a unique cultural experience in the heart of Mexico City. Visitors can explore the vibrant canals, savor local cuisine, and enjoy traditional festivities. With its floating gardens, mariachi music, and colorful trajineras, this UNESCO World Heritage site provides a glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: