Xochimilco Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Xochimilco featuring a river or creek, a house and boating
Xochimilco showing a river or creek and boating
Xochimilco showing a river or creek and boating
Xochimilco showing 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 artefacts, they spared the lake area south of the city. In this UNESCO heritage site, see the canals and colourful 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 centre 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 colourfully 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 kilometres) 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

Activities


Our pick of the best Xochimilco Hotel Deals

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico

4 out of 5
Mexico City
The price is AU$204 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$204
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (11,297 reviews)
"Convenient for late arrival or early departure. We arrived very late and they informed us our 1 bed room wasn’t available because the AC wasn’t working so they gave us two beds. The issue with that room is the bathroom smelled strongly of sewage. Thankfully the smell didn’t permeate into the bedroom. ..."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico
Galeria Plaza Reforma

Galeria Plaza Reforma

4 out of 5
Mexico City
The price is AU$198 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$198
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,034 reviews)
"Breakfast was amazing - room cleaning staff excellent and beyond but found out the room for VIP was not open - had happy hours drinks available in evening on main floor - was told would have vouchers for the drinks to use anytime of the day - so due to timing of free bar drinks only from 7 - 9 pm ..."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Galeria Plaza Reforma
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City

Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City

4 out of 5
Cinco de Mayo 61, Centro Historico, Mexico City
The price is AU$275 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$275
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,503 reviews)
"Great hotel to stay at with everything within walking distance. Free breakfast, snacks, and bottled water. I would definitely go back."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
Fiesta Americana Reforma

Fiesta Americana Reforma

4 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 80, Col. Juarez, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is AU$248 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$248
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,759 reviews)
"Overall great., and you can walk to down town zocalo ."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Fiesta Americana Reforma
Barceló México Reforma

Barceló México Reforma

4.5 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 1, Mexico City
The price is AU$223 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$223
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,903 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel with great bar and restaurants"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Barceló México Reforma
HIVE ROMA BY G HOTELS

HIVE ROMA BY G HOTELS

2.5 out of 5
Avenida Insurgentes Sur 253, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is AU$186 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$186
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Angel of Independence Monument and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"good, but smoke alarm kept going off and 2 times they came up to see and couldn't find the problem and why it was only going off on their end and not my room, They couldn't figure it out either..."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

HIVE ROMA BY G HOTELS
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Xochimilco

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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(2 area reviews)

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

Coyoacan
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Benito Juarez

4/5(3 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
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Del Valle

Noted for its restaurants and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Del Valle. Top attractions like Avenida Insurgentes and Casino Palace 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
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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
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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

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