EN
Xochimilco
The Basics
The floating gardens of Xochimilco make an easy half-day trip from Mexico City, and the quintessential way to explore is a traditionaltrajinera boat ride around the Xochimilco canals and islands. Xochimilco tours are often combined with a Mexico City sightseeing tour, visits to historic sites such as the National University of Mexico or the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, or a tour of the Coyoacán neighborhood, where highlights include the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Recent reviews from experiences in Mexico City
Things to Know Before You Go
Opt for a 2-hour boat tour to fully explore the site.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing so you can easily climb on and off the boats.
Some of the largertrajineras offer food, drinks, and mariachi music on-board.
How to Get There
The Gardens of Xochimilco are located about 14 miles (23 kilometers) south of the Zócalo in Mexico City. To get there by public transport, take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña station. From there, the Tren Ligero trains runs directly to Xochimilco; follow the signs to the embarcadero on arrival.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Xochimilco can get crowded; locals and tourists alike visit on weekends and holidays. The festive atmosphere is all part of the experience, but opt for a weekday or early-morning visit if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
Xochimilco’s floating gardens are the last vestige of Mexico’s elaboratechinampas—the agricultural system set up by the ancient Aztecs. Devised to make the most of the fertile lake lands of the Anahuac Valley, thechinampas are comprised of small, man-made islands of farmland linked by a network of canals. Though most of the Aztecs' massive system of canals have long since been drained, the suburb of Xochimilco offers a glimpse into the ancient beauty of Tenochtitlán, and the remarkably preserved site is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Things to do in Central Mexico
- Things to do in Taxco
- Things to do in Acapulco
- Things to do in Puerto Escondido
- Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
- Things to do in Monterrey
- Things to do in South Padre Island
- Things to do in San Pedro La Laguna
- Things to do in Panajachel
- Things to do in Guerrero
- Things to do in Oaxaca
- Things to do in Jalisco
- Things to do in Western Highlands
- Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe)
- Latin-American Tower (Torre Latinoamericana)
- La Lagunilla Market (Mercado Lagunilla)
- Diego Rivera Mural Museum (Museo Mural Diego Rivera)
- Museo del Templo Mayor (Templo Mayor Museum)
- Museum of Tequila and Mezcal (Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal)
- Arena Mexico
- Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
- Vasconcelos Library (Biblioteca Vasconcelos)
- National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
- Plaza de la Constitución (Zocalo)
- National Museum of Art (Museo Nacional de Arte)
- La Profesa (Temple of San Felipe Neri)
- La Merced Market
- Franz Mayer Museum (Museo Franz Mayer)
- Aztec History in Mexico City
- Mexican Cuisine
- Best Day Trips from Mexico City
- 3 Days in Mexico City: Suggested Itineraries
- Best Museums in Mexico City
- Frida Kahlo’s Mexico City
- Mezcal Tastings in Mexico City
- How to Spend 1 Day in Mexico City
- Food Lover's Guide to Mexico City
- How to Experience Cinco de Mayo in Mexico City
- Ways to Experience Mexican Culture in Mexico City
- Tula Day Trips from Mexico City