Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City’s Xochimilco neighborhood is unlike any other. Learn about its unique traits, and why part of it is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Caravan’s quick guide.

What Is Xochimilco In Mexico?

Xochimilco is a borough in Mexico City known for its expansive, ancient lake and canal system. The elaborate system of canals begins at Lake Xochimilco, and it extends over 170 kilometers (roughly 106 miles).

Xochimilco: Ancient Origins & Recent History

The Aztecs established Xochimilco over 1000 years ago in the Valley of Mexico, and its canal system was the primary goods transport route in the region for centuries. When the region was taken by Spain, Spanish colonists settled there. But, none ever officially established or named a municipality in the territory of Spain.

So, 1928 was the first incorporation of Xochimilco recognized in modern history. The Federal Government of Mexico incorporated the settlement and canal system as Xochimilco, establishing it as one of the sixteen boroughs of Mexico City.

What Does The Name “Xochimilco” Mean?

The borough is named Xochimilco for its beautiful floating gardens, cultivated for millennia. The name “Xochimilco” literally means “where the flowers grow,” or “the land of flowers.”

The word “xóchitl” is an Hispanicized version of the indigenous Nahuatl word “xōchitl,” meaning flower. Xóchitl is a fairly common Mexican and Chicano girls’ name.

The word “milli” is a Nahuatl word that means “cultivated land” or “field parcel under cultivation,” usually for crops like Maize.

Xochimilco combines the two words to name the neighborhood after the unique agricultural practice popular there.

How To Travel To Xochimilco, Mexico Safely

Unlike the rest of Mexico City’s neighborhoods, Xochimilco sits about 24.2 kilometers (15 miles) distant from Mexico City proper.

As such, Mexico City officials connected Xochimilo to the rest of the boroughs via the light rail and metro system, and the public bus system. It takes about 80 minutes to travel between downtown Mexico City and Xochimilo by public transit.

Remember: when traveling to and within Xochimilco, the U.S. Department of State recommends “exercising increased caution due to crime.” A Level 2 travel advisory is currently in effect in the state of Mexico City.

Light Rail Via Station Tasqueña

It’s fairly straightforward to reach Xochimilco from Mexico City by light rail. Start at Station Tasqueña, and purchase a Metro card. Most trips, including this one, only cost $5 MXN pesos, which typically costs around $0.24 USD at the current exchange rate.

Once you’ve filled your card, go to the terminal for Blue Line 2 at Station Tasqueña. Official signs saying, “Direccion Xochimilco,” indicate the line to Xochimilco. This is Xochimilco’s rail system, called both Tren Ligero and Tren Ligero de la Ciudad de México, depending on formality. It’s an above-ground and elevated rail that goes to Xochimilco and back.

Blue Line 2 exits at two stations in Xochimilco:

• The Francisco Goitia Station Terminus at San Marcos, Xochimilco, 16050 Mexico City, Mexico
• The Terminal Xochimilco Station at San Pedro, Xochimilco, 16090 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

The Francisco Goitia Station is ideal for anyone interested in the art and history of Xochimilco’s 17 barrios, beginning in the Xochimilco Historic Center.

The nearest entry point to the canal system from this station is the Fernando Cadela Boat Launch, at Barrio San Juan Tlateuhchi., Av. Guadalupe I. Ramírez s/n, San Antonio, Xochimilco, 16000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

At The Terminal Xochimilco Station, there are many canal port and launch companies that vie for potential customers’ business.

Research the companies offering sightseeing tours on traditional trajinera boats ahead of time, and read reviews. This way, you won’t wind up rolling with whichever brand has the most impressive pitch at the station (which rarely has to do with its actual quality).

Professionally Organized Tour

While the rail system is an affordable and fairly safe way to traverse the region, it can also feel frantic and confusing to some travelers. For an easier time, it can be worthwhile to join an organized, guided group tour.

Guided tours often book private transit, or rent out complete rail cars for the group, so it’s easy to stay together. Professional travel organizers can also score group rates and other deals on canal tours. As professional travel curators, they can easily cut through sales pitches and secure an excellent canal experience at an affordable rate for their guests.

How To Visit Xochimilco (& Make The Most Of Your Experience!)

Once you’ve pinned down the specifics of traveling to Xochimilco and back, it’s time to plan an itinerary. You won’t want to miss these destinations and experiences only found in this unique borough.

Chinampas, Aztec Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

The Ancient Aztecs created small plots of farmland on juniper-branch rafts, called chinampas, along with the canals they constructed. Chinampas floated atop shallow canal-side lakes. Layered with lakebed mud and soil, the chinampas carried planted crops as they grew to fruition, enabling crops to be appropriately irrigated effortlessly.

Eventually, rafts would sink, and connected juniper trees would grow into them. Aztecs would then add a new layer of chinampas over the old, sunken plots. Over time, these chinampas layers created stable, floating islands of gardens, crucial to Aztect agriculture and economy.

After the Spanish conquest, many chinapas fell into disrepair. However, after the colonial era, champeros worked on restoration projects to revitalize the floating plots and gardens.

Touring Modern Chinampas Gardens By Boat

Today, 17% of the original floating agricultural islands have been restored and are in use. In addition to maize, many modern chinampas grow legumes, root and vine vegetables, and native cempasuchil marigolds and Aztec lilies.

In 2018, the United Nations designated the Xochimilco Chinampas a Globally Important International Heritage System, highlighting it’s sustainable features and protecting the water from pollution.

Boat tours of the gardens are beautiful and help fund sustainable practices.

Boat On Xochimilco’s Historic Aztec Canals

The ancient canals in Xochimilco are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake and canal system is thousands of years old, and it’s home to wildlife you won’t see anywhere else.

These canals are one of the few remaining natural homes of all endangered axolotl species. For some, this is the place outside of a wildlife rehab center they can be seen.

Visit The Charmingly Spooky Island of The Dolls

The Island of the Dolls is a spooky island filled with old, abandoned, and creepy dolls. Some are displayed as sculptures and prominently arranged; others are hidden throughout the island. Scholars believe the island holds over 4000 dolls, some of which haven’t yet been found.

The Island of The Dolls was built upon an abandoned chinampa on Xochimilco’s canals. The island’s creator was Don Julián Santana Barrera, a reclusive artist who began the project in the late 1930s. In 1943, the island was used as the location of the iconic Mexican film María Candelaria.

However, the Island of the Dolls was only officially opened to the public in 2001, after Barrera’s death.

Ghost tours of the island tell legends and stories alongside its real history. Many visitors believe the island is haunted, but only by “peaceful” spirits rather than vengeful ones.

Enjoy Festivals and Celebrations

Public festivals and celebrations are a big part of Xochimilco’s culture. Why not enjoy some of the most popular festivities or street fairs throughout the year? Well-loved celebrations include:

• Feria de Nieve (Ices and Ice Cream Fair)
• Feria de la Alegría y el Olivo (Festival of Joy And The Olive Tree)
• The Feria Nacional del Dulce Cristalizado (National Crystallized Candy Fair)
• Feria del Maiz y la Tortilla (Corn and Tortilla Fair)
• Flor más Bella del Ejido (Most Beautiful Flower Pageant Festival)

Check local guides to learn what events might be happening in Xochimilco when you visit.

Make Your Xochimilco Experience Easy With Caravan

Caravan has developed a globally recognized reputation for curated, guided, all-inclusive trips since 1952. Today, our affordable tours have never been more popular!

If you want to experience the beauty and excitement of Xochimilco, Mexico City, on Caravan’s 8-Day Tour of Mexico’s Colonial Cities, you might have to act fast. Call our agents toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot. Or, learn more by calling our information team at +1-312-321-9800.