Mexico City: Xochimilco Boat Tour with Food & Unlimited Drinks

Summary

Float Xochimilco’s lively canals with tacos, drinks, music and games led by locals

You’ll float through Xochimilco’s vibrant canals in Mexico City alongside local hosts, tasting tacos on a chinampa island, mixing your own michelada cocktail, and playing traditional games. Expect laughter, music, unlimited drinks for adults (or juice if you prefer), plus small surprises that make you feel part of something real—even if you can’t dance.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the boat—literally. We’d underestimated Mexico City traffic (again), so I arrived a bit flustered and out of breath. Edgar just grinned and waved us over to his colorful trajinera like he’d seen it all before. The boat was already humming with music and laughter, and the smell of fresh tortillas hit me before I even sat down. I didn’t expect to feel so instantly welcome, but María handed me a mango juice and said “relax, you’re on Xochimilco time now.” She wasn’t wrong.

The canal water glinted in the morning light as we drifted past other boats—some packed with families, others with mariachi bands tuning up (loudly). Edgar started explaining the story behind these chinampas—floating gardens built by his ancestors—and I tried to picture how people actually made farmland out here. We played Mexican bingo (I lost badly), then docked at an island for breakfast. The tacos were simple but perfect: warm corn tortillas, bright salsas, something smoky I couldn’t name. Vegetarian options too—María made sure everyone had what they needed.

After breakfast came the real party: tequila, mezcal, pulque (which is…an acquired taste), and then a michelada workshop that got everyone laughing when someone spilled chamoy everywhere. The sun felt warm on my back while we danced a little—badly—Edgar showed us some steps but honestly most of us just wobbled along. At one point he handed out Mexican candies I’d never seen before; sweet-salty-tangy all at once. On the way back I leaned against the side of the boat watching dragonflies skim the water and thought—I get why locals love this place so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Xochimilco boat tour with food and drinks

• Meet local guides Edgar and María
• Board trajinera boat
• Enjoy margarita, tequila, mezcal, pulque, michelada workshop
• Play Mexican lottery (bingo) game
• Have breakfast on chinampa island
• Eat Mexican tacos with vegetarian option
• Drink water or mango juice
• Make your own michelada with beer and chamoy tamarind
• Dance to Mexican music
• Listen to history explanation of Xochimilco
• Play more Mexican games
• Taste typical Mexican candies
• Return to initial meeting point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Xochimilco boat tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at the starting point in Xochimilco.

Are vegetarian options available during the food tasting?

Yes, vegetarian menu options are provided for breakfast tacos.

How long does the Mexico City Xochimilco boat tour last?

The guided tour lasts about 150 minutes (2.5 hours).

Are alcoholic drinks included for all guests?

Alcoholic beverages are served only to guests over 21; non-alcoholic drinks are available for others or those who don’t drink alcohol.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, staff assist guests with wheelchairs or strollers getting on and off the boat.

Can children join this boat tour in Xochimilco?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap if needed.

What happens if we can’t reach the chinampa island due to canal traffic?

If it’s too congested to reach the island (often weekends), typical regional food will be served onboard instead—the party continues regardless.

Is there an option to visit the Axolotl Sanctuary?

You can optionally visit the Axolotl Sanctuary for an extra cost during your day trip in Xochimilco.

What’s included

Your day includes priority boarding onto a traditional trajinera boat in Xochimilco’s canals with all snacks and Mexican food tastings provided—vegetarian options too—plus unlimited alcoholic beverages for adults (tequila, mezcal, margaritas, pulque) or non-alcoholic drinks like soda or mango juice for others. You’ll also enjoy a michelada cocktail workshop, Mexican games like bingo with prizes, live explanations from local guides Edgar and María about chinampa history and culture, plus a tasting of typical Mexican candies before returning to your starting point.