In the heart of Mexico City, the floating gardens of Xochimilco stand as a living link to an ancient past. This maze of canals and chinampas, artificial islands used for farming, offers a one-of-a-kind experience where history, nature, and local traditions come together. Colorful trajineras drift along the water, carrying families, musicians, and food vendors. If you’re looking for a mix of history and entertainment, this UNESCO-listed site delivers an unforgettable adventure.
A glimpse into Xochimilco’s past and present
Xochimilco’s canals are what remain of an extensive lake system that once covered the Valley of Mexico. The Aztecs developed chinampas, an ingenious farming technique that involved creating rectangular plots of land on the water. These floating gardens weren’t just for growing food—they were a foundation for life. Today, many farmers still cultivate crops here, keeping a tradition alive that has existed for over a thousand years.
Beyond agriculture, Xochimilco has turned into a cultural hotspot. Weekends see an influx of locals and visitors renting trajineras, filling the canals with laughter, music, and the scent of traditional street food. But if you prefer a quieter experience, weekday mornings offer a more peaceful way to take in the scenery.
Getting to Xochimilco from Mexico City
If you’re visiting from another city or abroad, finding cheap flights to Mexico City is easy with advanced booking. Many major airlines offer frequent flights, and deals can often be found during off-peak seasons.
Once in the city, there are several transportation options to suit different budgets and schedules. Regardless of how you get there, make sure to bring cash—most vendors and boat operators don’t accept cards. If you’re wondering how to get to Xochimilco floating gardens in Mexico City, there are several easy options:
- Public transport: Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then transfer to the Tren Ligero (Light Rail). The ride to Xochimilco station takes about 45 minutes and is the most budget-friendly choice.
- Taxi or rideshare: A direct ride from central Mexico City will get you there in around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Guided tours: Some travel agencies offer packages that include transportation, a boat ride, and even stops at nearby attractions like the Frida Kahlo Museum.
What to do once you arrive
While the trajinera ride is the highlight, Xochimilco has much more to offer.
Renting a trajinera and enjoying the canals
- Pick your boat: Head to one of the main docks, like Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas, where dozens of brightly painted trajineras wait.
- Set your route: Some rides stay within the central canals, while others venture into less crowded areas with lush surroundings.
- Try the food: Floating vendors sell tacos, esquites, and even micheladas right to your boat.
Visiting local markets and attractions
- Mercado de Xochimilco: A great place to sample local dishes or pick up souvenirs made by artisans.
- San Bernardino de Siena Church: A stunning 16th-century church with beautiful colonial architecture.
- Isla de las Muñecas: An eerie island covered in dolls, said to be haunted by a lost spirit.
Why Xochimilco is worth preserving
Many visitors ask, what are the floating gardens of Xochimilco and why do they they matter. Beyond being a tourist attraction, this area represents a unique ecosystem and an important piece of Mexico’s cultural heritage. However, pollution and urban development threaten the canals and chinampas.
Local conservation projects aim to protect the waterways, promote sustainable tourism, and support farmers who continue to grow crops in the traditional way. Some eco-tours even allow visitors to help with reforestation and organic farming, providing a deeper connection to Xochimilco’s history.
A visit to the floating gardens of Xochimilco is an experience like no other. Between the lively trajineras, ancient agricultural methods, and rich cultural history, it’s a place that blends past and present in an unforgettable way.