Xochimilco brings together an extraordinary cultural landscape, waterways, and living traditions. The Centro Histórico de Xochimilco is part of a World Heritage site; at the same time, Xochimilco is protected as a natural area at the national level. For trip planning, the human-shaped chinampa landscape and the area’s cultural themes offer different ways to explore.
Chinampas, Canals, and Nature
Chinampas are man-made, intensively cultivated plots in the lake that are still used to grow agricultural products. The chinampa system is considered exceptionally productive and sustainable: it is based on the interplay of environmental factors and human creativity. The shorelines of the lakes and canals also remain areas for growing vegetables and herbs, including squash blossoms, chilies, quelites, lettuce, purslane, and corn.
Water and agriculture also shape the habitat: the canals used by tourists and the remaining lakes provide a habitat for the endangered axolotl. Visitors can observe migratory birds and endemic birds along protected canal routes. In Xochimilco, both the cultural landscape and its aquatic nature take center stage.
Boat Trips and Cultural Sites
At the piers, visitors can take trajinera rides through numerous canals and past the chinampas. Isla de las Muñecas can be reached by boat through the navigable, calm canals. These options offer different experiences: a trajinera ride explores the canal landscape, while a trip to Isla de las Muñecas has a specific destination.
Religious traditions also shape the area. One of Xochimilco’s most important ceremonies is the transfer of the Mayordomía of the Niñopa at the parish church of San Bernardino de Siena. Día de Muertos events include nighttime illuminations, pre-Hispanic dances, competitions for altars and skulls, colorful sawdust carpets, and performances at various piers and venues. The exact program may vary.
At the craft markets at the Nativitas and Cuemanco piers, visitors can find items made from wood, ceramics, papier-mâché, copper, and basketry, as well as replicas of archaeological pieces. A rotunda stands at the site of the former Centro Ceremonial Xochimilco. It was built in honor of Fernando Celada, Quirino Mendoza, Juan Badiano, Francisco Goitia, and José Farías Galindo.
Cuisine and Local Produce
Xochimilco’s cuisine includes dishes prepared with a variety of ingredients and methods. Mextlapique is a tamal made with freshwater fish: it is grilled and wrapped in corn husks. Mixmole, also called Michimolli, is a fish dish in green sauce. Chileatole is a savory corn porridge with chili; Elotamalli is a corn tamal. Necuatole, a pumpkin-based sweet, is one of the gifts given to children in Xochimilco on Día de Muertos.
Traditions in the surrounding municipality also add to the region’s culinary appeal. In Santiago Tulyehualco, Nieve is still made by hand using techniques similar to those of the colonial period and only natural products. Since 1971, the Feria de la Alegría y el Olivo has been held every year in February at Plaza Quirino Mendoza. It showcases olive products and Alegría, a traditional amaranth sweet; the exact event dates may vary.
Plan Your Arrival
From Taxqueña metro station on Line 2, you can transfer to the Tren Ligero, which runs to its terminus at Terminal Xochimilco. Check the current service status before departing. This makes it easy to plan your arrival around what matters most during your stay: chinampas and canals, nature watching, cultural traditions, or Xochimilco’s cuisine.
Discover more destinations: Mexico City, Cuauhtémoc, Iztapalapa, Azcapotzalco, Santa Ana Tlacotenco, Álvaro Obregón, Coyacán.
For the broader travel overview: Distrito Federal.
