Prehispanic Xochimilco:Sailing Chinampas, axolotls, bird watching
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Forget the party boats full of tourists and alcohol. Discover the real Xochimilco, sailing by boat through an incredible ecosystem of pre-Hispanic canals and floating islands, a journey back in time to see what Mexico City looked like in indigenous times. We will do bird watching and visit a floating island to learn about a sustainable farm that has been passed down through several generations. You will learn about the ancestral farming technique, we will harvest and have an agroecological breakfast. You will meet one of the rarest species in the world, endemic to Xochimilco: the axolotl.
This experience is an immersion into the intimacy and heart of one of the most authentic and magical places in Mexico City. For nature-loving travellers and curious minds who want to discover and learn about the history and ecology of this World Heritage Site instead of partying.
***All our experiences are subject to change without prior notice due to circumstances beyond our control***
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Mercado de Xochimilco
We will start in the heart of the town of Xochimilco, exploring its vibrant market. We will see native corn, taste handmade tlacoyos, visit a cheese factory and a traditional pulque bar, and buy some snacks for our trip along the canal.
Canales de Xochimilco
We will go to one of the most beautiful piers in Xochimilco, away from the tourist piers to enjoy the natural beauty of this place. We will take a trajinera ride and our guide will explain the incredible history of this place, we will stop on a floating island to learn about the chinampas, the unique ancestral cultivation system developed by the Xochimilcas and some of the plants that are grown here. Finally we will visit another floating island to see and learn from the axolotls.
Options
Xochimilco walking tour
no transportation: No round transportation incuded, only includes transportation from Xochimilco to Coyoacan
Xochimilco at sunrise
Xochimilco at Sunrise: We will do our sunrise tour on the canals with coffee and bread Pickup included
Xochimilco w/round transportat
Xochimilco and Farm visit: We will travel by trajinera through the canals, visit a farm, meet the animals and have a brunch with the farm products Agroecological breakfast Pickup included
What‘s Included
We will provide some cravings from Xochimilco to eat during the boat ride
Boat ticket at Xochimilco (Trajinera)
Tips
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Discover Natural side of Xochimilco
Bankthe15,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00if you are looking to see Xochimilco canals from a historic and natural perspective, dining on 4 course meal prepared from locally grown products made by the matron of family that cares for the land, led by a tour guide Laila that has a passion and love for the land that will be infectious....just book this tour and quit browsing.
An incredibly memorable experience
V1150RCpatriciap,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was one of the best memories we made during our stay at CDMX. It was peaceful, meaningful and equally exciting! Laila is not only an incredible guide full of knowledge, but also thoughtful and engaging (even with “full-on teenagers”). Floating on the quiet canals of this World Heritage Site with a lunch at a sustainable farm on a floating island (and axolotls!!!) perfectly rounded out our visit to this world class city. If you only do one experience in CDMX, this is the one.
Picturesque trip back in time
David W,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family absolutely loved our Xochimilco tour. Leila was excellent at engaging our two kids (11 and 14). We were all amazed at the transition from the business of the city to the peaceful beauty of the chinampas, a glimpse into prehistoric Mexico City. We spotted many beautiful birds, saw all stages of axolotl, picked delicious fresh vegetables, and enjoyed them under a picturesque shaded arbor. It was an experience that we could not have had without Leila, and we’re grateful to have had such a personable and knowledgeable guide.
Picturesque trip back in time
wilcoxdf,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family absolutely loved our Xochimilco tour. Leila was excellent at engaging our two kids (11 and 14). We were all amazed at the transition from the business of the city to the peaceful beauty of the chinampas, a glimpse into prehistoric Mexico City. We spotted many beautiful birds, saw all stages of axolotl, picked delicious fresh vegetables, and enjoyed them under a picturesque shaded arbor. It was an experience that we could not have had without Leila, and we’re grateful to have had such a personable and knowledgeable guide.
Informative xochimilco tour
674freddyk,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everybody should go on this tour. Laila is a great and knowledgable guide through the canals. You will not be disappointed!
Wonderful, personalized experience with terrific guide!
R6957WCelisabethh,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Laila was the perfect guide for our trip to Xochimilco. She was extremely knowledgeable about the history as well as the flora and fauna, and treated our family with great care. Laila was particularly wonderful with my 7 year old son, and made a special effort to engage him in conversation about the axolotls and the water. This was a wonderful experience all around, and I highly recommend it. Thank you, Laila!
Laila was an amazing...
Poppi R,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Laila was an amazing guide - knowledgeable and thoughtful. With her suggestions, we tried new fruits at the market and enjoyed that part of the experience more than expected. The canal tour was peaceful, and we enjoyed seeing birds and learning about the agriculture.
Relaxing canal tour with great food and enthusiastic guide
S9474JKalexn,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Being in a big city like cdmx can be overwhelming at first, especially if you know only a few words in the local language. I highly recommend our tour guide Laila, she expertly guided us through a busy local market, told us about the history while we ate bits an pieces of the local fruits, vegetables and cuisine. Followed by a relaxing boat ride through the canals between the floating islands. There we visited two islands: a traditional horticulture as well as the Axolotl conservatory. I can highly recommend this tour at the beginning of your cdmx holidays, you will get many personal recommendations that might change or fill your upcoming days.
Culturally rich, non touristy tour
Frederik B,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It's been a great tour with a local Guide (Laila) who explained lots of knowledge about the local culture, foods, history and also gave great recommendations for general and specific inquiries about what to eat, see and experience in Mexico City. It's not crowded (during the week) which makes it a relaxed and very enjoyable tour to enjoy nature and see a bit of wildlife. I enjoyed all parts of the tour, from the markets (food included), the boat tour, the tour onto one of the islands to see how plants are grown and of course to the Axolotl. I would recommend this to everyone who wants to experience the culture and does not want a booze tour.
Fun times in xochimilco
shalmi22,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Laila was a wonderful guide for our tour. We had a lot of fun walking the markets and riding the xochimilco canals. The guacamole and chips were delicious. This was my 2nd visit to CDMX and 2nd time with Laila. We will be back again!
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