Add to favorites In favorites
Activities in Mexico City

Xochimilco Tour + Pre-Hispanic Canoe Ride

On this tour of Xochimilco, we’ll explore its colorful colonial architecture, its lively market, and a traditional chinampa, which we’ll reach aboard a pre-Hispanic canoe.

On this tour of Xochimilco, we’ll explore its colorful colonial architecture, its lively market, and a traditional chinampa, which we’ll reach aboard a pre-Hispanic canoe.

Activity Details

At the indicated time, we’ll meet in front of the Chapel of San Juan Bautista, from where we’ll begin our route through Xochimilco, an area where the city and water have coexisted for centuries.

First, we’ll walk through the historic center of Xochimilco, entering the heart of this traditional neighborhood known for its irregular layout and calm atmosphere. There, we’ll stop at an ahuehuete tree over 5 centuries old.

We’ll continue past colonial-style churches dating back to the 16th century, early examples of New Spanish architecture, where we’ll discuss religious syncretism. This part of the tour will end after 1 hour and 15 minutes at the Xochimilco Market, a key place to understand local daily life. Here, we’ll spend 20 minutes exploring and enjoy a tlacoyo, a corn tortilla with cheese, beans, salsa, and cactus.

Afterward, we’ll take a bicitaxi for 10 minutes to the lake area of Xochimilco. We’ll arrive at the dock, where we’ll board a pre-Hispanic canoe called an acalli. During a 45-minute ride, we’ll navigate the canals, remnants of the ancient Mesoamerican hydraulic system, until we reach an active chinampa.

In this traditional agricultural setting, we’ll spend 30 minutes learning about pre-Hispanic farming techniques. We’ll also look for axolotls, a species native to the Valley of Mexico.

At the same chinampa, we’ll have 45 minutes to enjoy a lunch of quesadillas, tacos, and soft drinks.

Finally, we’ll navigate for around 20 minutes to the Cuemanco pier, where we’ll say our goodbyes after a total of 4.5 hours.

View complete description

More Information

Duration

4h 30m.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish. The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.

Included

English–speaking guide

Bicitaxi ride

Pre–Hispanic canoe ride

A traditional snack

Lunch

Beverages

When to book?

You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

    A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Roberto Berdeja Corporate name: Roberto Berdeja Pulido Registered Office: Camino real a xochimilco 100, Mexico City, Mexico Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): BEPR901110TI9 Contact information Email: pmitote@gmail.com Phone: 5520908956

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Where does the activity end?

Chapel of San Juan Bautista

Cuemanco Pier

View map
Where does the activity end?

Cuemanco Pier

Log in to rate the reviews of other travelers

Don't have an account? Register here
Select a list of favourites
  • Create a new list