When conjuring up thoughts of romantic boat rides with a gondolier, one can’t help but think of Venice. But Mexico City? No way! I had no idea before I came here that Mexico City was founded on a network of lakes and rivers. Nowadays in most of the city you would never guess, as the metropolis has swallowed up almost all traces of its river based past. But South of Mexico City, Xochimilco offers a glimpse of Mexico City’s history, through a network of rivers and floating islands. Some call it the Venice of Mexico, and it’s not hard to see why.
Know Before You Go to Mexico City
Before travelling to Mexico City, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
🛌 MY FAVOURITE HOTELS IN MEXICO CITY FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS:
$$ Casa Mannach – Excellent location in Condesa with a shared kitchen
$$ NaNa Vida CDMX – Lovely hotel in Roma Norte with a roof terrace
$ Hostel Home: I volunteered here for 3 months and loved it!
⭐ TOP 3 MEXICO CITY ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1. Mexico City: Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Tour
Find Deals to Book Your Trip
When & How to Visit Xochimilco in Mexico City
Xochimilco is better with a group of people. The boats for hire can seat up to 15-20 people, so to hire a boat for one person seems like a waste! I visited for the first time with a friend of mine and enjoyed a tranquil morning boat ride.
The second time I went was on New Year’s Day afternoon, and the river was filled with hundreds of boats all vying for space, each trajinera boat filled with partying Mexicans. I preferred the early morning myself! Either way, Xochimilco is one of the best day trips from Mexico City, and feels a world away from the busy streets – even if you’re surrounded by other boats!
There is 186 km of rivers and channels in Xochimilco, and 9 different places to board a boat trip. Around 3000 boats, known as trajineras, ply the waters here, so it does get pretty busy in peak times!
Which is the Best Embarcadero at Xochimilco?
There are several different docks or embarcaderos where you can hire a boat for Xochimilco. Both times I visited Xochimilco I boarded at the same embarcadero – Belem. My first visit was arranged by Mexico City Tourism, and the second was arranged through my hostel so I feel that this is a good choice.
We boarded at Embarcadero Belem, with Trajineras Xochiquetzalli, whose address is Embarcadero Belém, Violeta No. 72, Barrio de Santa Crucita, Xochimilco, Ciudad de México, C.P. 16070; or you can contact them on their Facebook or via their website (in Spanish). We negotiated the hire of the boat for a 2-hour ‘cruise’.
Prices do seem to vary a lot, so try to negotiate as best you can, and if you speak Spanish that helps too! Trajineras Xochiquetzalli offer set packages to visit the famous garden centres on the islands, and to the dubious mini-zoos housing various snakes & amphibians from the rivers, and elsewhere, or you can just cruise around.
Keep an eye on the time, as we came back earlier than the agreed time slot, but none of us realised! Two hours is plenty of time to get a good feel for the area, after that, all everything starts to look the same. Be sure to just bring cash, this isn’t a credit card kind of place.
The Xochimilco Boats
The boats at Xochimilco are called trajineras, and are all beautiful, colourful wooden boats. The base is painted red and yellow, with some blue or green, and there is usually a table down the centre of the boat with painted chairs to sit on. Each boat has its own name, written on a board across the front of the boat, forming a decorative arch which stands higher than the roof.
The Boat Ride in Xochimilco Mexico City
Our ‘gondolier’ boat driver, or trajinero, was Jonathan, and he deftly hauled the heavy wooden pole around to steer us gently through the water. I had a go myself, and it was much harder than it looked! The pole itself was so heavy I couldn’t even lift it out of the water, so after nearly crashing into the bank, Jonathan took back control.
Some of the drivers had been doing it all their lives, others were just beginning to learn. Jonathan said he’d been doing it for a couple of years now.
We stopped a passing boat-load of mariachis for a song, they charge 100-120 pesos to serenade the boat, and some even climb aboard so you get an up-close experience! I loved it, as cheesy as it was, this seemed very touristy but actually most of the boats we saw were filled with locals; drinking and dancing away to the music.
Smaller boats pass by, sliding alongside the trajineras and selling snacks, jewellery, flowered headbands and textiles. Then, amid the madness, the residents of the floating islands came and went, and worked on their own boats, seemingly oblivious to the madness around them – or some hitting the water before rush hour!
Optional Stops in Xochimilco
Along the banks of the islands you will find the best garden centres in the city. Rich, fertile soil from the river bed nurtures a variety of plants, when we were there around Christmas time, rows and rows of poinsettia, or Nochebuena (Christmas Eve flower) as it’s known in Mexico.
We also stopped off at a mini-zoo which I didn’t really enjoy – a selection of snakes and amphibians, and even a baby crocodile were in tiny glass enclosures, and paraded out to be man-handled. If you don’t fancy that then you can skip it and stay on the water.
On most routes you will pass the rather creepy Isla de Muñecas (Doll Island), or an homage to it. Legend has it, a young call drowned in the river, and used to come back and haunt the residents. One man decided to bring her a doll to appease the belligerent spirit, and continued to collect these decidedly creepy gifts. Later, other people added to the collection, and now hundreds of the dolls stare at you from the banks.
The morning boat ride was one of my favourite things I did in Mexico City, and totally unexpected. It was a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and although it was busy in the afternoon, it still felt a world away.
Food at Xochimilco
You can bring whatever you like onto the boats, so you can come prepared with snacks, drinks, and whatever food you fancy. Some embarcaderos will arrange a barbecue on the boats for you, and provide beers and drinks for an additional cost – if you plan to do this it is best to contact the embarcadero in advance.
There are also boats passing by with snacks to buy – typical Mexican food like tamales, corn on the cob, and sweet snacks too.
Top Tips for visiting Xochimilco Mexico City
This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and a good command of Spanish helps, as do firm negotiation skills, to avoid being overcharged. Be sure to clarify what is included, and how much the additional drinks/snacks are.
Go early for a relaxing, peaceful visit, or at the weekend in a group for a crazy, busy, party atmosphere!
Take your own drinks, snacks and music, or buy them on the boat. You can even arrange barbecues on the boats, just email the collective for information & rates at trajinerasxochiquetzalli@gmail.com.
Be sure to go to the bathroom before boarding, there are no toilets on board!
Take plenty of cash with you, as you can’t pay by card here.
Bear in mind that anything sold on the river will be much more expensive than it costs on the streets – but it’s the experience you pay for!
You could combine this with a visit to Coyoacan, also south of the city centre.
How to Get to Xochimilco
Unfortunately, there is no quick or easy way to get to Xochimilco independently. Public transport will take around 2 hours from the city centre to the boats, or you could take an Uber across Mexico City to get you there in 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Getting to Xochimilco on Public Transport
Take the blue line metro to the last stop Tasqueña, then change to the tren ligero (light train) and take that to the last stop Xochimilco. The metro costs $5 for a ticket, and to ride the train you have to buy a $20 peso rechargeable card, which includes 1 journey on the train.
You then top up your card to pay for additional journeys, which cost $3 pesos. The card can be used for multiple people, so 1 card for $20 pesos plus 1 x $3 peso per journey would be $23 pesos for 2 people one way. An Uber might cost anywhere from $100 to $250 pesos depending on the time of day and demand.
If that seems like too much trouble, check out these Xochimilco tours with GetYourGuide:
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Each area in Mexico City has its own distinct personality and vibe. Most visitors stay in Condesa, Roma, the Historic Centre, Polanco or Zona Rosa. My favourite neighbourhood in Mexico City is around Roma and Condesa. This area is full of cool bars and restaurants, leafy streets and a hip crowd, and is very safe.
You could also choose a hostel or hotel close to the Zocalo in the Centro Historico to get your fill of history, although the area is a bit dodgy at night during the day you are perfectly placed to explore the city.
Polanco is another option where there are more hotels than hostels, or the Zona Rosa which is traditionally a student area with lots of bars, although I’d say that is better if you are travelling in a group.
Hotels in Mexico City
Casa Mannach – Excellent location in the heart of Condesa with a shared kitchen to prepare your own meals and socialise. Choose from apartments or suites, some with balconies. >>>CHECK PRICES & REVIEWS
NaNa Vida CDMX – Lovely hotel in Roma Norte with a roof terrace, spacious rooms and helpful staff. >>>CHECK PRICES & REVIEWS
Kali Centro Mexico City – In the city centre, this beautiful hotel is close to the popular Mercado San Juan gourmet market, La Alameda Park, and many other sites. Enjoy the on-site breakfast and many other amenities offered. >>> BOOK NOW
Hotel Flamencos – Highly rated overall, but especially for its staff, this 4-star hotel is conveniently located near Zocalo Square, Metropolitan Cathedral, and National Palace. Their full suite of amenities make for a comfortable and memorable stay. >>> BOOK NOW
Hostels in Mexico City
Hostel Home
When I travel alone, I often prefer to stay in hostels so I can meet other travellers more easily. I loved Hostel Home in Roma, it really did feel like home.
They have a private room, a female dorm room, and two mixed dorm rooms to choose from, although they do fill up fast so book in advance if you can. There are plenty of bars and restaurants close by, although if you do go out alone at night, I still recommend taking an Uber home. >>>CHECK PRICES & REVIEWS
Other top-rated hostels in Mexico City Include:
Casa Pancha – This modern and chic hostel has a female-only dormitory and 24-hour reception and security making it perfect for solo female travelers. Plus, they offer free breakfast and a free city tour for those stretching their travel budget. >>> BOOK NOW
Hostal Regina Centro Historico Ciudad de Mexico – Offers a number of options for solo female travelers including a female-only dorm room and private rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Plus, an on-site restaurant and entertainment, and amenities helpful to solo female travelers like 24-hour reception and security. >>> BOOK NOW
Apartments & Airbnbs in Mexico City
There are also plenty of options for Airbnb in Mexico City too although I usually prefer to book apartments on Booking.com as they often have better cancellation terms.
I enjoyed my two trips to Xochimilco in Mexico City, personally I preferred the quiet morning floating down the river as it was so peaceful. Have you been, or would you like to go? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Want More Mexico Travel Ideas?
Check out these blog posts for your Mexico vacation inspiration, or click here to read all my Mexico blog posts.
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Thank you to Mexico City Live for arranging my first trip to Xochimilco. That trip was complimentary, but views, as always, are my own.
Awesome info and well written! Xochimilco is on our itinerary in February!
interesting blogpost! Gonna use this for my mexico city trip in april. cheers
What a discovery I have never heard if this. We love Mexico such a fabulous place. Thanks for sharing.
The photographs are vibrant and amazing. Xochimilco is absolutely stunning. Doll island was scary though, I would avoid it, but BBQ? That I would never leave! Amazing place and amazing article.
I really love the analogy to Mexico City as a European canal city. Looks quite different but like an amazing experience on the water all the same!
This looks like so much fun (even the creepy doll part is intriguing). Honestly, I had never heard of Xochimilco, and had no idea that a place like this existed in Mexico City. Now I definitely want to go down with friends and rent a boat. From the singers to the garden stops and views along the way, I bet it is something I would love. Thanks for the cash tip, too!
What a fun experience. I don’t like crowds that much so I’d definitely like the morning ride better too. For 100-150 pesos, I’d definitely want to be serenaded! Touristy but who cares?! Some touristy things are awesome especially when music is involved.
Mexico City is high on my list of next destinations, since it’s the largest city in North America and I’ve never been!
I grew up hearing about Venice, but the more I see of the world, the more floating cities I discover. It seems so many places were built on networks of islands and canals. Venice just has better PR!
Seems like a unique destination and experience. I enjoy reading about places near and in Mexico city as most Mexican posts seem to centre on Cancun area. I think it would be a great activity our kids would love this
I’m so jealous! I was in Mexico City a year ago and wanted to visit Xochimilco, but it wasn’t possible. I am a solo traveler, so it sounds like it would be better to be with a group. And I like mariachi music, so I think I’d like the musicians. That Doll Island sure is creepy, though…
BBQ on a boat? Now that sounds amazing. I’m not so good with negotiating, so I’ll definitely have to bring a friend that is. And great tip about going early. I definitely prefer a more peaceful environment 🙂
Woah, that doll island looks proper creepy! The boat tour sounds like a fun activity, even though that’s not something I’d expect to find in Mexico City. The pictures are so inviting (except for those dolls haha) I really would love to do it now!
How charming. I would love to ride one of those colorful boats. I think two hours is a good amount of time for you to see and experience the beauty. I had no idea Mexico had anything like this! Like you, I would have skipped the mini zoo as well! We will have to check this out when we make it down there!
Xochimilco looks so amazing, I never even heard about it before. Gosh! I need to explore “more”, if thats even possible? From pictures it looks so much like the houseboats/ boats we have in the backwaters of India. So cool.
This is so cool called Venice. The boats are very similar with ones that I saw on Phewa lake in Pokhara, Nepal. It seem that this type of leisure activity has only one image. It is very interesting how you find similar things in different parts of the world – Nepal vs. Pokhara.
That’s so cool – I’d never heard of Mexico City’s Venice before! I like the idea of relaxing in a boat and taking in the local area – the floating band sounds fabulous too!