Xochimilco (pronounced sow·chee·meel·kow) is a vibrant area 122 km south of Mexico City, renowned for its ecological significance and rich tapestry of culture and history woven through its iconic water transport system. The canals of Xochimilco stretch over 170 kilometers, with roots tracing back to the Aztec civilization approximately 700 years ago. Initially, these canals were constructed to aid irrigation of the surrounding chinampas or floating gardens, then cultivated as agricultural land and contributed to the Empire’s sustenance. The canals were vital during the colonial era as a trade route for transporting goods, such as corn, tomatoes, flowers, and other produce. This intricate maze of waterways facilitated trade and communication, allowing the Aztecs to thrive in a region that may have otherwise had significant agricultural challenges.
Today, Xochimilco embodies this spirit of trade as a marketplace on water. Vendors skillfully paddle their canoes laden with everything from hand-crafted souvenirs to mouth-watering snacks like elotes (grilled corn with toppings) and aguas frescas (fresh fruit waters). As you sit back, sipping your drink while floating along, you can’t help but feel the pulse of the past resonating through the mariachi bands’ melodies, serenading visitors. A mariachi band will hop onto your colorful trajinera—an elaborately decorated flat-bottomed boat— entertaining you with timeless Mexcian melodies for 750 Mexican pesos for an hour. It’s worth every cent.
Xochimilco is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site not only for its beauty but also for its role in maintaining biodiversity. Although the water looks brown and muddy, it is surprisingly clean, which the guides will proudly inform you about. Gliding through the canals on a colorful trajinera, you cannot help but be mesmerized by the vibrant flora and fauna lining the water’s edge. Flamboyant marigolds, fragrant herbs, and towering cane reeds flourish in the sun’s warm embrace. Along its banks are many restaurants, nurseries, gift stores, and a few surprises, like holding an enormous Yellow Burmese python or Iguanas.
You might be intrigued by the numerous dolls (something like Chucky) hanging from trees or nailed wherever possible. They are eerie and haunting. The legend goes that in the 1950s, Don Julian Santana found an 11-year-old girl who had drowned under mysterious circumstances. The legend says she had a doll with her, and now the dolls possess her spirit. Locals claim the dolls move their heads and arms and open their eyes. Now you know why Xochimilco is known as The Island of Dolls.
During Mexico’s many celebrations and festivities, Xochimilco offers many fun activities accentuated by the canals’ lively ambiance. For instance, the trajineras transform into floating alters adorned with marigolds, candles, and photographs during The Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration as families honor their ancestors. They also cater for private party celebrations – the maximum permitted on a trajinera is 18.
Xochimilco lives in my heart, and the wonderful experience is a pleasant memory I will not forget anytime soon. So, if you’re in Mexico City, do yourself a favor and enjoy a few hours of scenic beauty, intriguing mystery, and incredible creatures while listening to mariachis serenading your soul. You won’t be sorry.
At the time of writing, the cost for this incredible experience was 600 Mexican pesos per hour of service, not per person.