On the south side of Mexico City, Xochimilco offers an alternative to the capital’s hustle and bustle. The neighborhood is best known for its network of canals and chinampas (floating gardens), the last remnants of an enormous transport and agriculture system built by the Aztecs. Boarding a trajinera (brightly colored gondola-style boat) and drifting through the canals past food vendors and mariachis is one of the best things to do in Xochimilco, where the atmosphere is almost always festive.
Xochimilco is a year-round destination, but it's particularly vibrant in March and April when the canals are lined with blooming flowers. Visit during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) for a dazzling display of altars. Xochimilco is almost always busy but you can avoid the biggest crowds by visiting in the early morning on weekdays. The most popular times to visit are on the weekends, especially Sunday afternoons.
The best way to get around Xochimilco is by floating along the canals in a trajinera. You’ll find the trajineras at the embarcadero (port) a 10-minute walk from Xochimilco, the final stop on the Tren Ligero (light rail) line, which connects to the Mexico City Metro. Simply follow the small blue signs with arrows.
Negotiate prices for your trajinera experience before getting on board. Rates are often flexible and are typically charged per hour—but be mindful of offering a fair price for services. Bring cash because many businesses in Xochimilco do not accept credit cards—you’ll also want to have spare cash on hand for buying snacks and souvenirs from passing vendors, and for tipping your captain.
