Prehispanic Xochimilco: Sailing, chinampas, axolotls and bird watching

Where ancient Mexico still breathes

Duration

3 hours

Group size

Max 15 travelers

Languages

English / Spanish / German / French

Days available

Monday to Sunday

About this tour

Forget about party boats packed with tourists and alcohol. Discover the real Xochimilco by boat, navigating through an incredible ecosystem of pre-Hispanic canals and floating islands. A journey back in time to see what Mexico City was like during the indigenous era. We’ll go birdwatching and visit an island to learn about traditional farming techniques, harvest crops, and enjoy an agroecological breakfast. You’ll encounter one of the world’s rarest species, endemic to Xochimilco: the axolotl.

This experience is an immersive journey into the heart and soul of one of Mexico City’s most authentic and magical places. For nature-loving travelers and curious minds who want to discover and learn about the history and ecology of this World Heritage Site rather than just partying.

Highlights

Sail the pre-Hispanic canals of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, away from the party boats
Ride a trajinera from a quiet, non-touristy pier and take in the natural beauty of the canals
Step onto a floating island to learn about the chinampas, the Xochimilcas' ancestral farming system
Harvest and share an agroecological breakfast on a multi-generational sustainable farm
Meet the axolotl, one of the rarest species in the world and endemic to Xochimilco,
Enjoy watching native and migratory birds

What's included

3-hour trajinera (traditional canoe) ride
Access to the Protected Nature Reserve
Visit to the chinampa (floating island)
Agroecological brunch
Mexican brunch
Local guide

Not included

Tips

The experience

We’ll board a trajinera (traditional canoe) at one of the less touristy docks to enjoy the true treasure of this place: nature. We’ll learn about the history of Xochimilco, how the floating islands were formed, and spot native and migratory birds.

We will visit a chinampa (island) and learn about the ancient agricultural technique developed by the Xochimilcas that is still in use today. We will learn about some of the eco-technologies used to preserve the ecosystem and visit the crops.

We'll harvest and enjoy an agroecological breakfast made with produce from the chinampas

You'll discover one of the most fascinating prehistoric species on the planet, endemic to this area: the axolotl

We'll sail back to the pier to continue admiring the beauty of Xochimilco

Getting there

Meeting points

Choose whichever is most convenient.

San Diego, Xochimilco Cjon. Tlachitongo 19, San Diego, Xochimilco, 16070 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Embarcadero Fernando Celada Av. Guadalupe I. Ramírez s/n, San Antonio, Xochimilco, 16000 Ciudad de México, CDMX

Hotel pickup

These tours start in Xochimilco, outside the city centre. Pickup directly from your hotel can sometimes be arranged — ask your guide in advance whether it's possible from your area. The price depends on your hotel's location.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the tour. No refund for cancellations within 24 hours of the start. The policy applies according to the local time of the experience.