7 Unique Xochimilco Tours in Mexico City to Book (2024)

Do you want to book a Xochimilco boat tour while in Mexico City?

I’ve floated down the canals two different times during many visits to Mexico City. Going on a Xochimilco tour is the best way to live this experience, especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple.

By booking one of these Xochimilco tours not only is everything taken care of for you, but you’ll join a fun group of other travelers.

And if you need to maximize your time in Mexico City, I’ve included a Xochimilco and Frida Kahlo tour (two of the top sites in one day).

If you’re not into the party scene, I’ve also included an opportunity to see a different side of the canals of Xochimilco (kayak or eco tour).

Or depending on your interests, there are also Xochimilco boat tours that visit the Island of the Dolls or an Axolotl sanctuary.

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1. Xochimilco and Frida Kahlo Tour + Coyoacán

Want to visit two of my favorite CDMX attractions?

Then you should book this Xochimilco and Frida Kahlo tour which includes round trip transportation from Mexico City.

You’ll start with a captivating journey through the canals on a Xochimilco boat tour. As you glide through the floating gardens on the colorful boats called trajineras, you’ll soak in the lively atmosphere with mariachi bands playing requests and vendors selling Mexican street food.

After your boat tour, your guide will lead you through the most picturesque streets of Coyoacán, one of Mexico City’s famous suburbs.

Then you’ll visit the Museo Frida Kahlo, also known as Casa Azul, the former home of the iconic artist. Explore her vibrant artwork, personal artifacts, and the beautiful garden that inspired her.

Our guide, Enrique, was so amazing and informative. He was extremely knowledgeable about the city and the history. He was very kind and patient and always looking out for everyone’s needs. We saw so much just in this one tour. If you’re looking for a tour to see some of the most iconic places in Mexico City, look no further!

– VIATOR REVIEW (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Your guide also includes a stop to see the murals at UNAM, one of Mexico’s most prestigious universities.

With round trip transportation included, this combined Xochimilco Frida Kahlo tour is a great way to maximize your time in Mexico City.

2. Xochimilco Party Boat with Unlimited Drinks

Looking for a Xochimilco Boat Party?

The join other travelers when you book this Xochimilco party boat experience which unlimited drinks. 

As you float on this Xochimilco canal tour, you’ll find yourself surrounded by other colorful trajineras full of people in a festive mood. Grab a michelada and take it all in as Mariachi music fills the air.

This tour was fun! Food was nice, our guide Omar made it a fun trip with enjoyable drinks, games and lot of information about the history and the islands!

– VIATOR REVIEW (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Now that the party has started, your guide will lead you to play a traditional Mexican game of loteria while sipping on your drink of choice.

This Xochimilco party boat experience promises a fun adventure while soaking up Mexican culture.

3. Kayak Xochimilco at Sunrise or Sunset

Does exploring by kayak in Xochimilco sound more fun to you?

Then check out this incredible Xochimilco kayak experience with your choice to see sunrise or sunset from the canals. 

This unique perspective offers both a connection to the natural world and an insight into the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.

These quiet hours whispers tales of the past, inviting you to reflect on the history of the area and the ingenuity of the Aztecs.

Kayaking Xochimilco is a great alternative to the loud party boats. Sunset on the water was wonderful. Allan is a great guide, a local of the area. Definitely recommend.

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And no trip to this area of the canals would be complete without a visit to the mysterious Island of the Dolls, adding an intriguing and slightly eerie element to your Xochimilco tour.

Kayaking in Xochimilco allows you to appreciate the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site in a more intimate way as the sky paints the water with a kaleidoscope of hues.. 

Want to have another bucket list experience in CDMX? Check out the top Mexico City hot air balloon rides over Teotihuacan

4. Xochimilco Private Tour + Frida Kahlo and Coyoacan

Start the day by discovering one of the most atmospheric parts of Mexico City when you book this Xochimilco private tour. 

As your guide leads you on a walk through the charming streets of Coyoacán, you’ll have an opportunity to soak in the colorful facades and artistic history of this bohemian neighborhood. 

Since it’s a private tour, you have the freedom to customize your experience by stopping at various points of interest such as the Mercado, Plaza Centenario, and Casa de Cultura. 

My friends and I had the most incredible day led by Patricia! We all agreed it was our favorite experience during our time in CDMX. Patricia was friendly, knowledgeable and so helpful during our day. The best part was that she catered the tour to our interests and questions. The tour felt like we were being shown around by a friend…

– Viator Review (Read more Reviews)

Then it’s off to Casa Azul (tickets included), where you can delve into the world of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. 

To top off your day, you’ll unwind with a Xochimilco boat tour through the floating gardens, where you can relax and take in the uniqueness of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Xochimilco Island of the Dolls Tour

Interested in visiting the most mysterious island?

Then you should book this Xochimilco Island of the Dolls tour with a local guide.

With a welcome drink in your hand, you’ll start this Xochimilco tour by paddling through the canals while learning about their history and current day uses. After lunch on an island called a chinampa, you’ll set off for the Island of the Dolls.

As the legend goes, the caretaker of this island found the body of a young girl who had drowned in one of the canals. When he found a doll floating nearby, he assumed it was hers and hung it in a tree out of respect to her spirit.

Sailing in a boat through the ancient and vibrant canals of Xochimilco let you appreciate the flora and fauna that surround this ecological and magical hidden gem that not many people know, while experiencing the authentic Mexican culture, folklore and liveliness. The guides are great and there was never a dull moment, they do such a great job explaining everything in English! 

– Get Your Guide Review (Read more Reviews)

Possibly haunted by the girl’s spirit, he started hanging more dolls in an attempt to please it. Today the island, which opened to the public after his death, is full of dolls – many with blank eyes and missing limbs. Some visitors claim they’ve seen the dolls move and even whisper among themselves.

After visiting this eerie yet captivating island, you’ll continue the boat ride and learn how to make the Mexican drinks you’ve been sipping on.

6. Eco Tour of Xochimilco and its Chinampas

Do you want to learn about the unique farming method of Mesoamerica?

You need to book this ecological tour of Xochimilco to meet the modern day farmers and enjoy a delicious tasting of seasonal products.

After coffee and pastries at a local bakery, you’ll travel to Xochimilco where you’ll visit the market to taste traditional foods such as tlacoyos and tamales.

Then you’ll board a colorful boat to float down the canals of Xochimilco as your guide explains the history and modern day practices of the floating gardens, called chinampas. 

Awesome fun, Victor was a fantastic guide and led us on a tasty tour. We tried so many different types of food, drinks, snacks, and he thoroughly explained the connection between the Aztecs, Mexico City, Chinampas, Food, Culture and although we were together for almost 8 hours, time flew. You won’t be bored and you won’t be hungry. This was a highlight of our CDMX visit

– Viator Review (Read more Reviews)

You’ll taste the seasonal produce from this thousand-year-old agricultural method that continues to nourish Mexico City to this day.

Your guide will lead you through the ecological park to a working chinampa to meet a local farmer. You’ll learn about the distinct life and work that defines this area, gaining insights into a way of life that’s as rich in tradition as it is in innovation.

7. Axolotl Sanctuary and Xochimilco Boat Tour

Are you fascinated by the Axolotl?

Then you should book this Axolotl Sanctuary and Xochimilco Boat Tour with a local guide.

After boarding, you’ll go on a Xochimilco boat tour accompanied by Mexican music and a drink in your hand.

Your first stop is the Axolotl Sanctuary, where you can learn more about these unique creatures and their importance in Mexican culture and ecology.

Afterward, continue learning with a workshop about how to craft classic Mexican drinks such as micheladas.

A huge thank you to Mati and Diego (guides) who made it a fantastic experience. Perfect mix of fun, drinking, learning about history, and just enjoying the sights. I would highly recommend doing this if you have the time.

– Get Your Guide Review (Read more Reviews)

You’ll also stop at a local restaurant along the canals for lunch. Then your guides will let loose with a Mexican bingo game and a karaoke challenge, adding an extra touch of excitement to your Xochimilco tour.

Love Axolotls? You’ll want to check out this museum in Mexico City which is located inside Bosque de Chapultepec, the biggest urban park in Latin America. Plus you don’t want to miss my guide to Mexico City street art which often depicts the amphibian.