Xochimilco, meaning “the flower field,” is a must-visit neighborhood in Mexico City due to its hundreds-of-years-old canals dating back to Aztec Mexico. It is the natural home of the famous axolotl, or ajolote. Here is your guide to spending a day in this marvelous place:
The Xochimilco canals are located approximately 45 to 90 minutes from central Mexico City, depending on your means of travel. The easiest public transportation option is to use the metro. Depending on your location, the route will change, so make sure to check it on the map. Google Maps is generally good for public transportation guidance in Mexico City. However, pickpockets are common in the metro, and there have been cases of muggings. Make sure you are cautious of your surroundings and avoid traveling at night.
Using the metro will probably take 75–90 minutes. However, be aware that there can be construction and changes to the metro system. To use the metro, you have to walk a couple of minutes from Plaza de la Constitución (Metropolitan Cathedral) to the Zócalo-Tenochtitlan Metro Station and board Line 2 heading south toward Tasqueña. You will exit after 14 stops at the final station, Tasqueña. You will then need to transfer to the Tren Ligero (Light Rail Line 1) inside the terminal and tap your transit card. You will ride for another 17 stops and exit at the last station, Xochimilco. It is then a 10-minute walk from the station to the canals. To use the metro, you will have to buy a “Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada” card at the station. The metro ride costs 5 MXN, while the transfer costs 3 MXN. The total one-way cost is 8 MXN, or about half a U.S. dollar.
The other option is to use Uber, but it will be costly. A one-way trip from the cathedral will cost around 350 MXN, or 20 USD. This will definitely be the better option, especially if you are traveling with two or three people. It will likely take around one hour, but it can be longer depending on traffic. It is also a nice way to see the more “local” regions of the city. However, make sure you have your driver drop you off at the official entrance. Drivers like to drop you off early to avoid the congested area. There are multiple streets leading to the canals, and if you are not dropped off at the main entrance, you will surely find eager operators trying to take you to their boat. These streets can look unsafe, and the canals begin farther from the main route, meaning you’ll cover less of Xochimilco during your ride. The boats are rented by the hour. You can show the above photo to your driver so they can take you to the entrance shown above.
Once you arrive, you can spend some time around the water. There will be local vendors and tents selling food, drinks, souvenirs, bags, clothes, toys, and more. You will also encounter sellers with their own trajineras, or boats, selling products on the water or jumping from one trajinera to another.
When you are ready to board a trajinera, you just have to approach one, and you will likely be greeted by an operator. The boats cost around 600–750 MXN (30–45 USD) per hour. While most boats operate on a fixed price for the benefit of everyone, I was able to find one that negotiated the price down on one of my visits. However, this is rare, so expect the cost to be high. Also, make sure to avoid operators who charge by the person, which is rare but does happen. The boats are rented with the service of the operator and can fit up to 18–20 people. In other words, the price is not so costly if you are visiting with multiple friends or can find other foreign tourists in the area who might be willing to share. However, the operator will likely expect a “propina,” or tip, that reflects the number of passengers they have to carry.
Once you are on the boat, there are multiple stops where you can visit places like the Island of the Dolls or an axolotl aquarium. These canals are the native home of the famous axolotl. However, whether you visit the island or the axolotl aquarium will depend on the number of hours you wish to travel. If you are looking forward to visiting both, you will likely need to let your operator know beforehand and take a ride of approximately three hours. Other than the places you visit, you should also enjoy the ride itself. On most days, especially weekends, the canals are crowded with families coming to enjoy the atmosphere. In addition to the festive environment with people celebrating, there are also mariachis. They can be hired for a fee through your operator and will jump from boat to boat singing festive songs. I would recommend at least two hours for the trip since part of the time is spent returning to the dock.
Songs to Request:
La Bamba
Mexico Lindo y Querido
Guadalajara
Un Millón de Primaveras
Para Siempre
La Cucaracha
Once you make it back to the dock at the main entrance, you can call an Uber. However, I would avoid leaving late, as it is already difficult to call one. On my trips, I have had to wait close to 30 minutes before finding a driver who would accept the ride.
Tip: Be aware that, due to the crowds, the boats will collide at times, so make sure to keep your hands inside the boat at all times and ask your operator for help when necessary. The canals are mostly 3–7 feet (1–2 m) deep, although one operator told me they can be a little over 10 feet (3 m) deep at some points. There are no life vests, so keep this in mind before deciding to take a ride. Most operators do not speak english, so be prepared.
This guide is intended to assist with trip planning and should be used as a general reference alongside your own research and judgment rather than as the sole source of travel information. Travel conditions, regulations, operating hours, costs, and safety considerations can change over time, so readers are encouraged to verify current information through official sources before making travel decisions