The Floating Market Fiesta – Xochimilco
Do you have a local market in your city? Now, imagine if that market was on the water, all the vendors were in boats, and everyone was drinking. That is the Xochimilco experience!
Located 17 miles outside of Mexico City, a floating market fiesta takes place on a charming and historic network of canals every day. Xochimilco is known as the ‘Venice of Mexico’ because of the flamboyant gondolas that cruise the waterways of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The only way to truly experience this incredible spectacle is to hire a trajinera (AKA your party boat).
Each trajinera comes complete with a picnic table, chairs, and a captain who (not so precisely) maneuvers the waterways with a 20 foot wooden pole. The boats seat around 10 people and can be rented for approximately 300-350 pesos (approx. $16 Dollars) per hour. Keep in mind, the trajinera rental prices are negotiable and you can haggle!
Drinking Tourist Tip: As soon as you arrive in Xochimilco, there will be locals on bikes recruiting you to their boat, but you should turn them down. Take a taxi or a short walk to Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas for the best deals. The boat rental price is the same for 1 or 10 people, so the more people you have the cheaper it will be. Plan on renting the boat for at least 2 hours to see everything.
Once you secure your trajinera, it is time for the party to start! As you float out into the main waterways, you are met by boat vendors selling food, drinks, toys, plants, etc. The harmonic trumpets of traditional Mariachi bands fill the air as you glide over the water. People are laughing and singing as they enjoy their leisurely pace through the canals. Sit back, relax and take in the experience.
If you’d like a live look at Xochimilco’s atmosphere, I’ve included a video I took at the end of this post. Check it out!
For the budget-conscious traveler, there are no restrictions as to what you can bring aboard your boat. Drinks, food, coolers, speaker systems and anything else you would want are all fair game. One option is to purchase these items ahead of time and save some money. However, I highly recommend engaging with at least one boat vendor just for the experience.
The vendors sit on the banks of the canals and market their products to bypassing boats. A smile and a wave is all you need to have them paddle over to you and exchange goods. Of course, it is cash (pesos) only.
Xochimilco is a very popular destination for Mexicans and tourists alike. On weekends and Mexican holidays, the party is really roaring and the canals are packed. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, try to go during the week to avoid the crowds.
As you’re planning the trip to Xochimilco, you should know that it has a certain sparkle in the later afternoon as the sun is setting. The party atmosphere is starting to die down and the sun is reflecting off the water illuminating the already brightly-colored scenery. Also, everything tends to be a little cheaper later in the day as all the vendors need to sell the last of their goods.
No matter what time of day you go, Xochimilco is an amazing experience when visiting Mexico City.
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