Xochimilco

Mexico City

Xochimilco featuring a river or creek, a house and boating
Xochimilco which includes boating and a river or creek
Xochimilco showing boating and a river or creek
Xochimilco showing flowers
Xochimilco
A piece of pre-Hispanic life in Mexico remains in the canals and gardens of this UNESCO heritage site just south of modern Mexico City.

The Aztec people of Mexico built Xochimilco as a lake-based society in the Valley of Mexico. While invading Spaniards built Mexico City atop the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, destroying many artifacts, they spared the lake area south of the city. In this UNESCO heritage site, see the canals and colourful gardens that remain from ancient pre-Hispanic times.

The Xochimilco area has been a major agricultural area for centuries. Its warm weather, fertile soil and adequate water provide a very long growing season. At one time boat travel was possible between Mexico City’s historic centre and Xochimilco. The large lake near the city was drained, however, leaving only the local Xochimilco canals with chinampas or small farmed islands, vestiges of Aztec lifestyle. Look for these verdant spaces that appear to be floating gardens.

Many Mexico City residents escape the city on weekends to enjoy recreational activities in these pleasant surroundings. Bring your family to the canals to rent a trajinera or gondola for a day of relaxing on the water amid pretty natural surroundings, lively music and colourfully decorated boats and costumes.

On dry land north of the canals, visit the Convent of San Bernardino, a nicely preserved 16th-century chapel from the era of Spanish viceroyship. Look for several other small chapels from the same time in history.

Travel to the lake and canals of the Xochimilco Ecological Park to see a planned conservation area with numerous species of plants and wildlife. Birdwatching is popular here. Purchase flowers or plants from the Cuemanco Plant Market across the street from the park. The nearby Dolores Olmedo Museum has a large collection of artworks by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Xochimilco is less than 20 miles (30 kilometres) southeast of Mexico City. Ride the metro toward Tasqueña station. Be aware that the canal area can be crowded and have pickpockets. Bring your own food and drinks for the canal ride if you are not comfortable eating food from a local vendor.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Xochimilco

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico
Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico
4 out of 5
Mexico City
The price is S$194 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
S$194
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9,711 reviews)
"they could provide more bottle water if needed without having to pay, whats coffee maker for if no water provided"

Reviewed on 16 Feb,2025

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico
Hotel Polanco
Hotel Polanco
3 out of 5
Edgar Allan Poe 8, Col Polanco, Mexico City, CDMX
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Paseo de la Reforma and Angel of Independence ...
7.8/10 Good! (442 reviews)
"Housekeeping very nice Close to a very good restaurant area"

Reviewed on 7 Dec,2024

Hotel Polanco
InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Campos Eliseos 218, Mexico City
The price is S$503 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$503
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,606 reviews)
"Everything"

Reviewed on 17 Feb,2025

InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, an IHG Hotel
Galeria Plaza Reforma
Galeria Plaza Reforma
4 out of 5
Mexico City
The price is S$193 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$193
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,560 reviews)
"Great staff, interesting walkable area. On Saturday night there was substantial street noise but that’s not surprising for CDMX"

Reviewed on 16 Feb,2025

Galeria Plaza Reforma
Hyatt Regency Mexico City
Hyatt Regency Mexico City
5 out of 5
Campos Eliseos No. 204 Polanco, Chapultepec, Mexico City
The price is S$390 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
S$390
includes taxes & fees
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Extraordinary service"

Reviewed on 13 Feb,2025

Hyatt Regency Mexico City
Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto Ciudad de Mexico
Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto Ciudad de Mexico
3.5 out of 5
Boulevard Puerto Aereo 502, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is S$174 per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
S$174
includes taxes & fees
19 Feb - 20 Feb
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,299 reviews)
"Very nice and clean"

Reviewed on 16 Feb,2025

Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto Ciudad de Mexico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Xochimilco

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Tlalpan

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Tlalpan. KidZania Cuicuilco is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Huipulco Station or Xomali Station to see more of the city.

Tlalpan
Coyoacan which includes signage

Coyoacan

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Noted for its museums and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Coyoacan. Top attractions like Estadio Azteca and Frida Kahlo Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Viveros Station or General Anaya Station to see more of the city.

Coyoacan
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Benito Juarez

4/5(7 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Benito Juarez. Spend some time visiting top spots like Plaza Universidad Shopping Center, and catch the metro at Parque de los Venados Station or Zapata Station to see more of the area.

Benito Juarez
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Iztacalco

3/5(2 area reviews)

The live music and theatres are just a few things visitors like about Iztacalco. Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and Sports Palace Dome are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Coyuya Station or Iztacalco Station to get around the larger area.

Iztacalco
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Colonia Roma

Travellers choose Colonia Roma for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Medical Center Station or Insurgentes Station and check out top sights like Spain Park.

Colonia Roma
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Hipódromo

While you're in Hipódromo, take in top sights like Mexico Park or Blackberry Auditorium, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chilpancingo Station or Patriotism Station.

Hipódromo

Xochimilco