Xochimilco Travel Guide

Mexico City

Xochimilco which includes a river or creek, a house and boating
Xochimilco featuring boating and a river or creek
Xochimilco featuring a river or creek and boating
Xochimilco which includes flowers
Xochimilco

A piece of pre-Hispanic life in Mexico remains in the canals and gardens of this UNESCO heritage site just south of modern Mexico City.

The Aztec people of Mexico built Xochimilco as a lake-based society in the Valley of Mexico. While invading Spaniards built Mexico City atop the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, destroying many artifacts, they spared the lake area south of the city. In this UNESCO heritage site, see the canals and colorful gardens that remain from ancient pre-Hispanic times.

The Xochimilco area has been a major agricultural area for centuries. Its warm weather, fertile soil and adequate water provide a very long growing season. At one time boat travel was possible between Mexico City’s historic center and Xochimilco. The large lake near the city was drained, however, leaving only the local Xochimilco canals with chinampas or small farmed islands, vestiges of Aztec lifestyle. Look for these verdant spaces that appear to be floating gardens.

Many Mexico City residents escape the city on weekends to enjoy recreational activities in these pleasant surroundings. Bring your family to the canals to rent a trajinera or gondola for a day of relaxing on the water amid pretty natural surroundings, lively music and colorfully decorated boats and costumes.

On dry land north of the canals, visit the Convent of San Bernardino, a nicely preserved 16th-century chapel from the era of Spanish viceroyship. Look for several other small chapels from the same time in history.

Travel to the lake and canals of the Xochimilco Ecological Park to see a planned conservation area with numerous species of plants and wildlife. Birdwatching is popular here. Purchase flowers or plants from the Cuemanco Plant Market across the street from the park. The nearby Dolores Olmedo Museum has a large collection of artworks by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Xochimilco is less than 20 miles (30 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City. Ride the metro toward Tasqueña station. Be aware that the canal area can be crowded and have pickpockets. Bring your own food and drinks for the canal ride if you are not comfortable eating food from a local vendor.


Popular places to visit



Other neighbourhoods around Xochimilco

Default Image

Tlalpan

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Tlalpan. KidZania Cuicuilco is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Huipulco Station or Xomali Station to see more of the city.

Tlalpan
Coyoacan which includes signage

Coyoacan

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Noted for its museums and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Coyoacan. Top attractions like Frida Kahlo Museum and Estadio Olímpico Universitario are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Viveros Station or General Anaya Station to see more of the city.

Coyoacan
Default Image

Benito Juarez

4/5(7 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Benito Juarez. Spend some time visiting top spots like Plaza Universidad Shopping Center, and catch the metro at Parque de los Venados Station or Zapata Station to see more of the area.

Benito Juarez
Default Image

Del Valle

Noted for its restaurants and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Del Valle. Top attractions like Avenida Insurgentes and Galerias Insurgentes are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at 20 de Noviembre Station or Zapata Station to see more of the city.

Del Valle
Default Image

Roma Sur

The fascinating museums and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Roma Sur. Check out Medellín Market or Avenida Insurgentes while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Medical Center Station to get around town.

Roma Sur
Default Image

Colonia Roma

Travellers choose Colonia Roma for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Medical Center Station or Insurgentes Station and check out top sights like Avenida Insurgentes.

Colonia Roma


Xochimilco Travel Guide