Ride, Row, Relax: A Complete Activity Guide to Xochimilco Mexico City

When it comes to immersing yourself in the vibrant culture, nature, and history of Xochimilco Mexico City, there is no better way than letting yourself float—literally. Famous for its colorful trajineras (traditional wooden boats), canal system, floating gardens, and lively atmosphere, Xochimilco is more than a tourist attraction. It is a living relic of the Aztec era, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a playground for water lovers and cultural explorers alike.

Let’s dive into the best things to do in Xochimilco, including sports and outdoor activities, food, music, and moments of quiet in nature—all waiting to be discovered along its iconic waterways and surrounding landscapes.

A Journey Through the Canals: The Heart of Xochimilco

The centerpiece of Xochimilco Mexico City is its ancient canal network, originally part of a vast system built by the Aztecs. Today, visitors hop aboard brightly painted trajineras to cruise through these serene waters, often accompanied by live mariachi or marimba music.

These boat rides are the most popular activity on any list of things to do in Xochimilco, but it’s not just about sightseeing. It’s about celebration. Families and groups of friends often rent trajineras for birthdays, reunions, and even weddings. You can bring your own food and drinks or purchase local delicacies from vendors floating alongside you.

As you glide through the canals, you’ll pass the famous floating gardens of Xochimilco, known as chinampas, where flowers and vegetables are still grown using pre-Hispanic agricultural techniques. It’s a journey not just through water but through time.

Kayaking and Canoeing: Sports on the Water

While traditional trajinera rides dominate the scene, Xochimilco Mexico City is also a hub for water-based sports. For those seeking a more active experience, kayaking and canoeing are growing in popularity. Early mornings are the best time to paddle through quieter sections of the canal, away from the festive crowds.

These activities offer a more intimate connection with the wetlands, allowing you to observe birdlife, aquatic plants, and the reflection of willows on the water’s surface. Some local companies offer guided eco-kayak tours, combining sport with learning about the area’s fragile ecosystem.

In addition to being a peaceful exercise, kayaking is a low-impact sport suitable for most fitness levels, making it an ideal way to explore Xochimilco beyond the party atmosphere.

Fishing and Rowing: Local Traditions and Competitive Sports

Fishing, while not as prominent for tourists, remains a local tradition. Catfish and carp are common in the canals, and some locals still fish using traditional methods. Visitors can sometimes join in or observe this cultural practice.

Another growing water sport is rowing, particularly among local youth. Rowing clubs use the long stretches of calm water to train for competitions. This sport has become increasingly popular due to the flat and consistent surface of the canals, providing excellent conditions for both recreational and competitive rowing.

So, if you’re into endurance sports or want to experience the peaceful rhythm of gliding oars, rowing in Xochimilco might be the unexpected highlight of your trip.

Walk, Bike, or Horseback: Explore the Banks

Beyond the water, there are numerous things to do in Xochimilco that involve staying dry. The parks and nature reserves that surround the canal system offer opportunities for cycling, jogging, and horseback riding. Parque Ecológico de Xochimilco, a large protected area, is ideal for those who want to combine sport with bird watching and nature walks.

Many locals ride bikes or jog along canal-side trails, especially in the early morning when the mist still hangs over the water and the temperature is cooler. Horseback riding is available on some of the chinampas or in nearby ranches, offering a rustic adventure through the region’s agricultural heartland.

Discover Xochimilco’s Vibrant Markets and Artisan Culture

No visit to Xochimilco Mexico City is complete without diving into its cultural and culinary offerings. Start with a visit to the Mercado de Xochimilco, where you can find everything from fresh produce and local spices to handmade crafts and traditional clothing. The market is a feast for the senses and an excellent place to grab street food like tamales, tacos, or esquites.

If you’re looking for more artistic things to do, explore the Dolores Olmedo Museum, which houses works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, or visit workshops where local artisans create trajinera miniatures, embroidered blouses, or traditional instruments.

The Island of the Dolls: Eerie and Enigmatic

One of the most unusual things to do in Xochimilco is a boat ride to La Isla de las Muñecas—the Island of the Dolls. Hanging from the trees and buildings are hundreds of old, weathered dolls. The island was created by a local man who believed hanging dolls would appease the spirit of a girl who drowned nearby. Whether you see it as creepy or fascinating, it’s undeniably one of the most iconic and mysterious parts of Xochimilco.

This location is only accessible by boat and usually takes about two hours round trip. It’s recommended to go with a guide who can share the legend in more detail and ensure you find your way back.

Festivals and Seasonal Events

Xochimilco hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, many tied to its pre-Hispanic roots or Catholic traditions. One of the most notable is the Fiesta de la Flor Más Bella del Ejido (The Most Beautiful Flower of the Ejido), a spring festival celebrating indigenous women and agricultural traditions with music, costumes, and dance.

During Día de Muertos, the canals are lit by candlelight as trajineras become floating altars. It’s a deeply moving time to visit, offering a different emotional tone to the otherwise lively waterways.

Whether you are looking to paddle peacefully through morning mist, row your way into better fitness, dance on a trajinera to mariachi music, or simply immerse yourself in the traditions and flavors of southern Mexico City, Xochimilco Mexico City has something for every kind of traveler.

The variety of things to do in Xochimilco makes it a unique destination that blends physical activity, cultural depth, and natural beauty. Come for the color, stay for the rhythm, and return for the magic that only this floating world can offer.