Xochimilco Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Xochimilco with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Xochimilco
- List of Places to Visit in Xochimilco
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Xochimilco
- Ecological Park of Xochimilco
- Best Things to Do in Xochimilco: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Xochimilco
- Food and Drink Scene of Xochimilco
- Where to Stay in Xochimilco: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotel Xochimilco
- Hostal Moneda
- What to Buy in Xochimilco: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handicrafts
- Local Culture and Customs of Xochimilco
- Best Time to Visit Xochimilco
- Do’s and Don’ts of Xochimilco
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Xochimilco: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Xochimilco
- Where to Go Next from Xochimilco: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Coyoacan
- Teotihuacan
- Conclusion
Introduction to Xochimilco
Xochimilco is a charming neighborhood in the southeastern part of Mexico City. It is known for its canals, which are remnants of the pre-Hispanic era. Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a wonderful place to visit for its scenic beauty and rich cultural history. The area is home to some of the best restaurants, museums, and parks in Mexico City.
List of Places to Visit in Xochimilco
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Museo Dolores Olmedo Patiño
The Dolores Olmedo Patiño Museum is an art museum that was built in honor of Dolores Olmedo, who was a prominent collector of Mexican folk art. The museum is located in a Hacienda and showcases the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The museum also has a beautiful garden that is home to several peacocks.
Ex-Convent of San Bernardino de Siena
The Ex-Convent of San Bernardino de Siena is a 16th century Gothic-style church that was built by the Franciscan monks. It is a good place to visit for people interested in Mexican religious architecture. The church has a beautifully carved pulpit, an organ from the 18th century, and a museum showcasing the life of Saint Bernardino de Siena.
Natural Attractions of Xochimilco: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Xochimilco Canals
The canals of Xochimilco are the heart of the neighborhood. They are remnants of the pre-Hispanic era and are a great way to explore the area. Visitors can hire trajineras, which are traditional boats, to take a ride along the canals. The ride is accompanied by mariachi bands, who will play music on request.
Nativitas Park
Nativitas Park is a popular spot for picnics and family outings. The park has several fountains, gardens, and playgrounds. Visitors can also hire bicycles to explore the park and its surroundings.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Xochimilco
Ecological Park of Xochimilco
The Ecological Park of Xochimilco is a great place for hiking and cycling. It is a protected area that is home to several species of birds and plants. There are several trails in the park that visitors can explore. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the park.
Best Things to Do in Xochimilco: Activities and Tours
Tasting local cuisine
Xochimilco is known for its local cuisine, which is a fusion of Mexican and indigenous ingredients. Visitors can taste local dishes such as Tlacoyo, which is similar to a Mexican tortilla, but stuffed with beans, cheese, and other fillings. Visitors can also taste local drinks such as pulque, which is a fermented beverage made from the sap of the maguey plant.
Trajinera ride
A Trajinera ride along the canals of Xochimilco is a must-do activity. The ride is accompanied by a mariachi band, and visitors can also enjoy a local meal served on the boat.
Week-Long Itinerary for Xochimilco
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Ex-Convent of San Bernardino de Siena |
| Day 2 | Take a Trajinera ride along the canals of Xochimilco |
| Day 3 | Visit the Dolores Olmedo Patiño Museum |
| Day 4 | Explore the Ecological Park of Xochimilco |
| Day 5 | Taste local cuisine |
| Day 6 | Visit Nativitas Park |
| Day 7 | Relax and enjoy the local culture |
Food and Drink Scene of Xochimilco
Must-Try Dishes
Tacos de Canasta
Tacos de Canasta are small, soft tortillas filled with beans, cheese, and other fillings. They are steamed and served warm, and are a popular snack food in Xochimilco.
Tlacoyo
Tlacoyo is a thick, oval-shaped dough filled with cheese, beans, and meat. It is served with salsa, cream, and avocado, and is a popular street food in Xochimilco.
Local Beverages
Pulque
Pulque is a fermented beverage made from the sap of the maguey plant. It has a slightly sour taste, and is a popular drink in Xochimilco.
Tequila
Tequila is a distilled beverage made from the agave plant. It is a popular alcoholic drink in Xochimilco and is often served with lime and salt.
Where to Stay in Xochimilco: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Hotel Xochimilco
Hotel Xochimilco is a comfortable hotel located near the canals of Xochimilco. It has comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
Hostal Moneda
Hostal Moneda is a budget-friendly hostel located near the canals of Xochimilco. It has comfortable dormitory-style rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and a shared kitchen.
What to Buy in Xochimilco: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Handicrafts
Xochimilco is famous for its handicrafts such as pottery, textiles, and embroidered clothes. Visitors can buy these products from local markets and stores.
Local Culture and Customs of Xochimilco
Xochimilco has a rich cultural history. It is a place where visitors can learn about the customs and traditions of Mexico’s indigenous people. The neighborhood is famous for its festivals such as the Day of the Dead, where families come together to honor their ancestors.
Best Time to Visit Xochimilco
The best time to visit Xochimilco is from November to March. The weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists during this time. However, visitors can also visit Xochimilco during festivals such as the Day of the Dead, which is in early November.
Do’s and Don’ts of Xochimilco
Do:
- Take a Trajinera ride along the canals of Xochimilco.
- Taste local cuisine.
- Visit local markets and stores.
Don’t:
- Ignore the local customs and traditions.
- Litter in the canals or parks.
- Disrespect local residents or their property.
Safety and Health
Safety in Xochimilco
Xochimilco is a safe neighborhood. Visitors should take normal precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, and not carrying large amounts of cash.
Health in Xochimilco
Visitors should be aware that tap water in Xochimilco is not safe for drinking. They should either carry their water or buy bottled water.
Getting to Xochimilco: Transportation Options and Logistics
Xochimilco is easily accessible by several modes of transport:
Airports Near Xochimilco
- Mexico City International Airport
Bus Stations Near Xochimilco
- TAPO Bus Station
Other Options
- Taxis
- Private Tours
How to Get Around in Xochimilco
The best way to get around Xochimilco is by hiring a bicycle or taking a Trajinera ride along the canals. Visitors can also hire taxis or use public transport.
Where to Go Next from Xochimilco: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Coyoacan
Coyoacan is a neighborhood in Mexico City known for its colonial architecture and museums.
Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located about 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City. It is home to several pyramids and is a popular tourist destination.
Conclusion
Xochimilco is a beautiful neighborhood that offers visitors a glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural history. Visitors can enjoy a Trajinera ride along the canals, taste local cuisine, and visit several museums and parks. The neighborhood is easy to reach and has several accommodation options. Visitors should take normal precautions, respect local customs and traditions, and enjoy their stay in Xochimilco.
