Mexico City: Xochimilco, Coyoacan & Frida Kahlo Tour with Lunch

Summary

Frida’s colors in Coyoacan, floating gardens at Xochimilco, city stories

You’ll wander Coyoacan’s winding streets with a local guide, step inside Frida Kahlo’s world (choose Casa Azul or Casa Kahlo), float past flower-filled islands in Xochimilco on a traditional trajinera with snacks or lunch if you want it, and catch Diego Rivera murals at UNAM before heading back—expect color, music, and moments that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always wanted to see the real Mexico City—not just the postcard stuff. So when we met our guide, Ana, in Coyoacan that morning, I was honestly a bit nervous (and under-caffeinated). But then she started pointing out these little details—like the smell of fresh tortillas from a corner shop and how the old mansions still lean a bit from earthquakes. I remember this old man sweeping his stoop who nodded at us like we were neighbors. The day felt slow in the best way. We wandered cobblestone streets while Ana explained how artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera made this neighborhood their home. I tried to imagine them walking here too—maybe ducking into the same bakery for pan dulce?

The Frida Kahlo Museum (we picked Casa Azul) was smaller than I expected but somehow more intense. You can actually feel her there—her dresses hanging up, her wheelchair by the easel. There’s this blue light that makes everything look kind of electric. I spent too long staring at her kitchen tiles (Ana said it’s normal). If you choose Casa Kahlo instead, it’s different—more modern and interactive—but both are wrapped up in her story. After that, we piled back into the van and headed toward Xochimilco for the canal ride.

Xochimilco is loud in a good way—families laughing on boats, mariachis drifting by on other trajineras. Our boatman wore a straw hat and barely spoke but smiled every time we tried to say “chinampa” right (I definitely didn’t). The water smelled earthy and sweet at spots; someone handed us roasted corn with lime and chili powder. It’s touristy but also not? Like you’re just joining everyone else’s party for an hour. At some point I stopped taking photos and just let it happen around me.

We made one last stop at UNAM to see those wild murals—Diego Rivera’s work is everywhere here—and Ana told us how students still hang out under them between classes. The campus felt huge and strangely peaceful after all the color and sound of Xochimilco. On the way back I kept thinking about Frida’s kitchen tiles again for some reason; maybe because they felt so lived-in, so real compared to museum glass. Anyway—I’d do this day trip from Mexico City again just for that feeling of being let in on something locals already know.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Coyoacán and Xochimilco

• Visit historic Coyoacán neighborhood
• Walk cobblestone streets and see mansions
• Learn about Coyoacán's history and culture
• Tour Frida Kahlo Museum or Casa Kahlo
• Admire Frida Kahlo's art and life
• Board trajinera boat in Xochimilco
• Cruise canals and see floating gardens
• Taste local food and drinks (optional)
• Hear mariachi music from other boats
• Visit UNAM campus and see murals
• Admire Olympic Stadium exterior

Top questions

How long does the Xochimilco canal ride last?

The canal ride on a trajinera lasts about one hour during the tour.

Is lunch included on this Mexico City day trip?

Lunch is only included if you book the Full Experience option; otherwise food is available for purchase.

Can I visit both Frida Kahlo museums on one tour?

No, you can choose either Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum) or Casa Kahlo when booking—not both in one tour.

Are entry tickets to museums included?

Yes, entry tickets to your selected Frida Kahlo museum are included in your tour price.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

No hotel pickup; transport is from central meeting points in Mexico City.

How far is Xochimilco from Mexico City center?

Xochimilco is about 17 miles (28 km) south of central Mexico City.

What languages does the guide speak?

The certified guide speaks English or Spanish; transport may be bilingual but visits are monolingual.

Are there vegetarian food options during the canal ride?

You can find vegetarian options like quesadillas or roasted corn sold by boat vendors during the canal ride.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from central meeting points in Mexico City, entry tickets to either Casa Azul or Casa Kahlo depending on your choice, a certified bilingual guide throughout, an hour-long trajinera cruise through Xochimilco’s canals—with plenty of chances to try local snacks—and lunch if you select that option when booking.