Xochimilco between Chinampas and Canals

Xochimilco brings together canals, cultivated chinampas and a rich cultural heritage. To plan your stay, start with the topics that interest you most: boat rides, wildlife watching, traditions or regional cuisine.

Chinampas and the Waterscape

Chinampas are man-made, intensively cultivated plots in the lake and are still used to grow agricultural produce. The chinampa system is exceptionally productive and sustainable, based on the interplay of environmental factors and human creativity. Vegetables and herbs are still grown along the shores of the lakes and canals, including squash blossoms, chilies, quelites, lettuce, purslane and corn.

Wildlife is also part of this landscape: the canals used by tourists and the remaining lakes provide a habitat for the endangered axolotl. Visitors can watch migratory and endemic birds along protected canal routes. Xochimilco is also protected as a natural area at the national level.

Boat Rides on the Canals

Boat rides on trajineras depart from Xochimilco’s docks and pass through numerous canals and by the chinampas. Isla de las Muñecas can be reached by boat through the calm, navigable canals. These rides and birdwatching offer different experiences: one focuses on traveling through the canal landscape, while the other offers a chance to spot migratory and endemic species.

Cultural Heritage, Traditions and Crafts

Xochimilco is part of a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site; the Centro Histórico de Xochimilco is included in the World Heritage Site. One of the most significant local ceremonies is the transfer of the Niñopa mayordomía at the parish church of San Bernardino de Siena. A rotunda stands on 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.

Day of the Dead events include nighttime illuminations, pre-Hispanic dances, altar and skull competitions, colorful sawdust carpets, and performances at various docks and venues. The events take place regularly; the exact program may vary. At the craft markets near the Nativitas and Cuemanco docks, visitors can find items made of wood, ceramics, papier-mâché, copper and wicker, as well as replicas of archaeological objects.

Cuisine and Regional Produce

Xochimilco’s cuisine features a variety of corn- and fish-based dishes. Mextlapique is a freshwater fish tamal that is roasted and wrapped in corn husks. Mixmole, also known as Michimolli, is a fish dish in green sauce. Chileatole is a savory corn porridge with chili; Elotamalli is a corn tamal. A sweet tradition is Necuatole, a pumpkin-based dessert that is included among the offerings for children on the Day of the Dead.

In the nearby community of Santiago Tulyehualco, producers continue to make nieve by hand using techniques similar to those of the colonial era; only natural products are used. Since 1971, the Feria de la Alegría y el Olivo has been held every February in Plaza Quirino Mendoza. It showcases olive products and Alegría, a traditional amaranth sweet. The exact event dates may vary.

Markets also offer a glimpse of local produce and gardening: items for sale include gardening tools, fertilizers, decorative objects, ornamental plants and fruit trees.

Getting There by Tren Ligero

Travelers can transfer to the Tren Ligero at Taxqueña metro station on Line 2; it runs to its terminus at Terminal Xochimilco. Check the current service status before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Santa Ana Tlacotenco, Álvaro Obregón, Coyacán, Cuauhtémoc, Azcapotzalco, Mexico City, Iztapalapa.

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