Xochimilco

Mexico City

Xochimilco showing a house, a river or creek and boating
Xochimilco showing boating and a river or creek
Xochimilco featuring boating and a river or creek
Xochimilco which includes flowers
Xochimilco which includes markets
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 colorful 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 center 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 colorfully 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 kilometers) 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


Xochimilco Hotel Deals

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico
Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico
4 out of 5
Mexico City
The price is NT$3,123 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
NT$3,123
NT$3,732 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (10,739 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 2025/7/2

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico
Casa Olea
Casa Olea
3 out of 5
C. de Francisco Díaz Covarrubias, 76, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is NT$2,050 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
NT$2,050
NT$2,450 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Angel of Independence ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (320 reviews)
"Excellent everything"

Reviewed on 2025/6/30

Casa Olea
Fiesta Americana Reforma
Fiesta Americana Reforma
4 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 80, Col. Juarez, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is NT$3,289 per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
NT$3,289
NT$3,930 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,304 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 2025/6/30

Fiesta Americana Reforma
Barceló México Reforma
Barceló México Reforma
4.5 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 1, Mexico City
The price is NT$3,372 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
NT$3,372
NT$4,029 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,589 reviews)
"Is a beautiful hotel with a Starbucks and a Sonora Grill Restaurant on site. Walkable to many places."

Reviewed on 2025/6/30

Barceló México Reforma
ULIV Mexico City
ULIV Mexico City
4.5 out of 5
235 Av. Insurgentes Sur Roma Norte, Mexico City, CDMX
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Angel of Independence Monument ...
9/10 Wonderful! (486 reviews)
"Great view and customer service!"

Reviewed on 2025/6/29

ULIV Mexico City
Hotel Catedral
Hotel Catedral
4 out of 5
95 Donceles Col. Centro, Mexico City
The price is NT$4,369 per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
NT$4,369
NT$5,220 total
Jul 4 - Jul 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,081 reviews)
"First time staying at this hotel and I would have to say it was fantastic! From the time I arrived the staff was extremely helpful and friendly. They offer complementary water, snacks and even had a coffee station set up for guests throughout the day. The hotel was in within walking distance of a ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/2

Hotel Catedral
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 neighborhoods around Xochimilco

1.5 Hour-Hike to the top - There are two ways. Best use Maps.me for orientation. Great nature close to Mexico City - The hiking trail starts by crossing a plank bridge. The „left“ way up is more step but shorter. Best is doing the round.

Tlalpan

4/5(49 area reviews)

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(193 area reviews)

Noted for its museums and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Coyoacan. Top attractions like Frida Kahlo Museum and Estadio Olímpico Universitario 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(303 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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Del Valle

Noted for its restaurants and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Del Valle. Top attractions like Avenida Insurgentes and Galerias Insurgentes are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at 20 de Noviembre Station or Zapata Station to see more of the city.

Del Valle
#tacos #mercadodemedellin #laromamexico #mexicocity #mexicanshopping #mexicanfood #mexicanmarket #cdmx #carnitas

Roma Sur

Fascinating museums and popular shops are a few of the things travelers enjoy most about Roma Sur. A visit to Avenida Insurgentes or Multum Ha Cenote is also recommended, and you can jump aboard the metro at Medical Center Station to get around town.

Roma Sur
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Colonia Roma

Epicenter of hipster subculture, Colonia Roma boasts chef-driven restaurants, Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical buildings, and cultural centers. Explore galleries on Colima Street, dine at Mercado Roma, and enjoy walkable tree-lined streets with plazas and fountains.

Colonia Roma

Xochimilco